Harvard University

Harvard University was founded 1636 and is the oldest center for higher education in the United States, and represents one of the world's most prestigious university's. Originally, the university was labeled "New College"; however, three years after its founding the name Harvard was implemented in honor of the school's founder, John Harvard. Our Harvard Square hotel is conveniently located just steps from the school's famous gates.

In 1977, the all-female Radcliffe College merged with Harvard University creating a co-educational undergraduate student population. Upon first entering Harvard University through the famous Harvard gates leading towards Harvard Yard away from Harvard Square, one will find many of the central academic offices and main libraries. It is also here that most freshmen students reside. While a majority of Harvard's residential and academic buildings are located in and around Harvard Yard, most athletic facilities and several graduate schools, including the Harvard Business School are located across the Charles River.

Today, Harvard University attracts approximately 21,000 students, with just over 7,000 representing the undergraduate class. The university consistently ranks as one of the pre-eminent universities in the world and is also known to have the largest academic financial endowment. Harvard sports are a major part of university life with 41 varsity teams, competing at the NCAA Division I level in the competitive Ivy League against schools such as Yale, Princeton and Cornell amongst others.

Notable Harvard graduates include the current U.S. president Barack Obama, John F. Kennedy, George W. Bush, John Quincy Adams; other notable worldly leaders from Canada, Peru and Mexico; entertainers Yo Yo Ma, Rivers Cuomo, Conan O'Brien, Natalie Portman and numerous Nobel Prize winners.

Harvard academic calendar through the end of the May 2012 school year