Harvard India Guide

A community-driven guide for Indian students at Harvard

🍛 Food & Dining

Indian Restaurants

Tanjore

South Indian

Authentic South Indian cuisine with great dosas and uttapams

📍 2 miles from Harvard Square 💰 $$ 🌱 Veg Friendly
Must Try:
  • Masala Dosa
  • Filter Coffee
  • Lunch Buffet

Dosa Factory

South Indian

Casual spot for dosas and South Indian street food

📍 1.5 miles from Harvard Square 💰 $ 🌱 Veg Friendly
Must Try:
  • Pani Puri
  • Different Dosa varieties

Rangoli

North Indian

North Indian restaurant with good curries and biryanis

📍 3 miles from Harvard 💰 $$ 🌱 Veg Friendly
Must Try:
  • Butter Chicken
  • Paneer dishes
  • Biryani

Grocery Stores

India Market

Well-stocked Indian grocery with fresh vegetables, spices, and frozen foods

📍 2.5 miles from Harvard Square
Available:
  • Fresh vegetables (karela, bhindi, etc.)
  • All Indian spices and masalas
  • Frozen Indian snacks
  • Rice and lentils in bulk
  • Indian sweets

Patel Brothers

Large Indian supermarket chain with everything you need

📍 10 miles (needs car/uber)
Available:
  • Widest selection in the area
  • Fresh Indian produce
  • Halal meat section
  • Kitchen supplies and cookware

Campus Dining Tips

Annenberg Hall

Freshman dining hall with regular vegetarian options

  • Salad bar always available
  • Vegetarian entrees daily
  • Rice and beans usually available

Harvard Square Restaurants

Various options around campus

  • Chipotle - Good for vegetarians (sofritas)
  • Sweetgreen - Fresh salads
  • Clover Food Lab - Vegetarian fast casual

👥 Community & Organizations

Student Organizations

South Asian Association (SAA)

Main student organization for South Asian students at Harvard

📧 saa@harvard.edu
Activities:
  • Cultural events and celebrations
  • Diwali and Holi celebrations
  • Social gatherings
  • Mentorship programs

Harvard Ghungroo

Annual South Asian cultural show featuring music, dance, and drama

📧 ghungroo@harvard.edu
Activities:
  • Annual spring show
  • Dance workshops
  • Cultural performances

Harvard Tarana

South Asian a cappella group

Activities:
  • Performances throughout the year
  • Auditions each semester

Religious Groups

Harvard Hindu Students Association

Community for Hindu students

Activities:
  • Weekly gatherings
  • Festival celebrations
  • Spiritual discussions

Harvard Islamic Society

Community for Muslim students

Activities:
  • Daily prayers
  • Jummah prayers on Fridays
  • Ramadan iftars
  • Islamic study circles

Sports & Recreation

Harvard Cricket Club

Play cricket with fellow students

  • Weekend matches
  • Practice sessions
  • Tournaments

Bollywood Dance

Multiple dance groups on campus

  • Weekly practices
  • Performances at events
  • Beginner-friendly classes

🕉️ Places of Worship & Wellness

Temples

Sri Lakshmi Temple

Hindu (All deities)

Beautiful temple with regular pujas and festivals

📍 25 miles from Harvard 🚗 Car needed (organize carpools)

Timings: Daily 9 AM - 9 PM

Special Events:
  • Diwali
  • Navaratri
  • Shivaratri

Hindu Temple of NH

Hindu

Active temple with regular programs

📍 40 miles from Harvard 🚗 Car needed

Mosques

Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center

Large mosque with daily prayers and programs

📍 5 miles from Harvard 🚇 Accessible by T (Orange Line)

Prayers: All 5 daily prayers

Services:
  • Jummah every Friday
  • Ramadan programs
  • Sunday school

Harvard Islamic Society Prayer Space

Prayer space for students on campus

Yoga & Wellness

Harvard Recreation - Yoga Classes

Free yoga classes for Harvard students

✓ Included in student fees
Types:
  • Hatha Yoga
  • Vinyasa
  • Meditation sessions

Down Under Yoga

Professional yoga studio with various styles

📍 Walking distance 💰 Paid classes, student discounts available
Types:
  • Hot Yoga
  • Vinyasa
  • Yin Yoga

Cambridge Insight Meditation Center

Vipassana meditation center with free programs

📍 2 miles from Harvard 💰 Donation-based
Offerings:
  • Daily meditation sessions
  • Weekend retreats
  • Dharma talks

📋 Practical Information

First Week Essentials

Mobile Phone

Get a US SIM card

Visit T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon stores in Harvard Square

  • Student plans available
  • Bring passport and I-20
  • Consider prepaid plans initially
Keep Indian number active

Use for 2FA and family contact

  • Airtel/Jio international roaming
  • Or minimum recharge to keep active

Banking

Open a US bank account

Bank of America and TD Bank near Harvard Square

  • Bring passport, I-20, and proof of Harvard enrollment
  • Ask about student accounts (no minimum balance)
  • Get a debit card immediately
Money transfer setup

Set up Wise/Remitly for India transfers

  • Better rates than traditional banks
  • Useful for sending money home

Winter Clothing

Buy warm clothes

Boston winters are harsh (-15°C common)

Essentials:
  • Heavy winter jacket (puffer/parka)
  • Warm boots (waterproof)
  • Gloves, scarf, winter hat
  • Thermal layers
Where to buy:
  • Uniqlo (Harvard Square) - affordable
  • Marshall's/TJ Maxx - discounted
  • Wait for Labor Day sales

Transportation

Getting to Indian Stores

Uber/Lyft

Cost: $15-25 round trip to India Market

💡 Split with friends

Zipcar

Cost: $10-15/hour

💡 Good for grocery runs with friends

Public Transport

MBTA bus/train to some locations

💡 Get Charlie Card for discounted fares

India Flights

  • Book from Logan Airport (BOS)
  • Common routes: Boston → NYC/Newark → India
  • Best airlines: Air India, Emirates, Qatar, Lufthansa
  • Book 2-3 months in advance for best prices
  • Winter break flights book up fast

Healthcare

Finding Indian Doctors

Harvard University Health Services (HUHS)

On-campus health center

✓ Included in student health insurance

Zocdoc

Search for South Asian doctors by name

💡 Filter by insurance and location

Indian American doctors in Boston

Many in Cambridge/Boston area

💡 Ask in student groups for recommendations

Understanding US Healthcare

  • Always check if provider is in-network
  • Keep insurance card always
  • Copay required for appointments
  • Prescriptions much cheaper at Costco pharmacy
  • Get flu shot annually (free)

Dealing with Homesickness

Staying Connected

  • WhatsApp video calls (schedule with family)
  • Join Indian student groups immediately
  • Cook Indian food with friends
  • Attend Diwali, Holi celebrations
  • Find your comfort food spots

Care Packages

  • Have family send: pickles, favorite snacks, masalas
  • Use FedEx/DHL for reliable shipping
  • Declare food items properly

Mental Health

  • Harvard Counseling and Mental Health Services (free)
  • Peer support groups
  • International student office support

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