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    Resources for Your Search

    As you search for opportunities, you’ll discover that there are lots of places to look. But, you’re not alone! The resources listed here: offices, departments, centers of learning, and databases can help you narrow down your search to those opportunities that are the best fit for you.

    Campus Partners

    The Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships partners with programs, departments, centers, libraries, and offices all over the university. We encourage you to explore all that Harvard has to offer, from the resources right outside your dorm room to those around the world! In all of these places, you’ll find people doing fascinating work who would love to share it with you.

    Read more about Campus Partners

    Harvard Resources

    There is a great wealth of opportunities available from Harvard – opportunities to stay here at Harvard and opportunities to go elsewhere! Harvard’s decentralized environment can be difficult to navigate, though, so here are a few databases and lists to get you started. Don’t limit your search to just those opportunities posted here, though. Many research opportunities, for example, are formed in collaboration between a faculty member and a student. So, in addition to educating yourself about what opportunities you can find online, be sure that you have talked to the people in your...

    Read more about Harvard Resources

    External Resources

    If you’re interested in opportunities outside of Harvard, there are many to be found! The following sites are just a few examples of organizations that host their own searchable databases of opportunities. These can be a great place to start, but don’t stop there! Almost every research institution, including universities, institutes of higher learning, think tanks, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and even corporations have opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in research. If there aren’t specific research opportunities listed on their website, try reaching out to... Read more about External Resources

    Browse URAF Opportunities

    Interested in learning more about the opportunities administered by URAF? Use the blocks below to browse through different categories and advising topics, or filter your search using the terms at the bottom of this page!

    Study Opportunities

    What is a scholarship?

    As the cost of education rises, many students seek out scholarships to help offset the financial burden of attending graduate school. "Scholarships" are awards that offer funding to cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes travel and other fees. Most scholarships require a written application, which may include a proposal or essay(s), letters of recommendation, a resume, transcript, and other supplemental items. "Need-based" scholarships include the applicant's financial need as a criterion for selection, while "merit-based" scholarships consider...

    Read more about Study Opportunities

    Resources for Going Abroad

    For most students, traveling to perform research, study, or for personal growth is a new experience. Whether this is for a short stay or a longer period of time, you'll be facing new challenges and adventures wherever you’re headed.

    Here are some suggestions for getting advice and resources for preparing your time abroad:

    Read more about Resources for Going Abroad

    Research Opportunities

    Performing research can be a very enriching and transformative part of your undergraduate experience at the College. You may encounter it as part of your coursework, but it can also be something you do outside of the classroom as a way to gain practical skills, learn about methods of inquiry and contribute actively to the advancement of study in your field.

    Finding a research opportunity will require you to be proactive, build...

    Read more about Research Opportunities

    Service and Education Opportunities

    If you have strong ideas, plans, and passion for protecting the vulnerable, helping people meet their basic needs, or are interested in some form of civic engagement, there are a number of opportunities to undertake meaningful service and education projects.

    Through two unique summer programs, URAF supports current undergraduate students who want to combine scholarly research with community engagement. This is done in partnership with the Mindich Program in Engaged...

    Read more about Service and Education Opportunities

    Opportunities for International Students

    URAF supports opportunities for all undergraduates regardless of their country of citizenship or current immigration status. As enrolled undergraduates in the College, you can access numerous funded term-time and summer research, study, or travel opportunities. As seniors and recent alumni, there are postgraduate opportunities for you to consider as well. These range from options for study in a formal degree program, to performing independent research, public service, or purposeful travel either in the US or abroad.

    There are a number of considerations to be made when planning...

    Read more about Opportunities for International Students

    Opportunities for Recent Alumni

    As recent alumni of Harvard College ("recent alumni" usually means 1-2 years past your graduation date), there are a number of URAF-supported funding opportunities that will support you to undertake graduate study or teaching in the UK. There are also external (i.e., non-Harvard) awards that fund educational and service opportunities. Get started by using our searchable Browse URAF Opportunities page to identify opportunities...

    Read more about Opportunities for Recent Alumni

    Class Year Guides

    arrows pointing in different directions

    Are you looking for some advice specific to students in your class year? URAF has created guides to each year to help you think about what opportunities you may be interested in and how research or fellowships might fit...

    Read more about Class Year Guides

    First-Year Students

    What to Expect This Year

    Welcome to Harvard! We're so excited you're here. College is a great opportunity to try out new activities and interests and to delve more deeply into the things you know and love. The first few months can feel overwhelming with abundance — things to learn, people to meet, activities to sample, there's just so much! We encourage you to be adventurous but also pace yourself. Especially in your first semester, focus on "finding your feet" and getting adapted to college life before taking on lots of extra responsibility, including research.

    ...

    Read more about First-Year Students

    Sophomores

    What to Expect This Year

    Sophomore year is an exciting time at Harvard! You are now connected with your House community (an allegiance that lasts a lifetime!) and you've had a year to experiment with new study strategies, new activities, and new relationships. In your sophomore year, you will be asked to declare a concentration, which is where you will take the bulk of your upper-division coursework. Be sure to seek out your academic advisor in the House and also concentration advisors in your intended department — they can help you figure out which department you'll enjoy...

    Read more about Sophomores

    Juniors

    What to Expect This Year

    Junior year is a great time to hit your stride! You've shaken off those newbie jitters, you know your way around campus and have settled in to your House and your department. Own it! This school is yours.

    Juniors will often start to specialize within their area of study, narrowing in on those topics that are most exciting. It's a great time to explore more deeply, now that you know a little more about yourself. Junior year is also a great time to start thinking critically about your surroundings. See something you want to change? Go for it...

    Read more about Juniors

    Seniors

    What to Expect This Year

    Welcome to your senior year! Capping off your college experience, senior year is full of climactic moments and looking to the future. Seniors are busy finishing up graduation requirements, some are writing senior theses, and taking a last look at interesting classes and opportunities they may have passed up along the way. Club leaders in their senior year are often tasked with thinking about the long-term longevity of their organization, how to build something that will last beyond their tenure.

    Settling In

    Senior year starts...

    Read more about Seniors

    Apply for Opportunities

    This section of the website aims to provide you with resources and guidance for approaching opportunities from start to finish, from application to final reporting and beyond.

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