Read your Harvard acceptance package thoroughly. This will let you know what's expected of you before you arrive. It should include maps of the campus and the greater Harvard Square area, which you can use to get a feel of the lay of the land, and a course guide that shows all academic offerings. Harvard has a lot of extracurricular groups--over 400--that meet for just about anything. For example, you could join the Harvard Krokodiloes or the Radcliffe Pitches if you enjoy singing or the Harvard Computer Society if you look forward to a career in the tech industry. Joining groups will also be a good way for you to make friends. Every July, Harvard publishes the resource "A Guide to the First Year at Harvard for Students and their Families."
Contact your roommate. During the summer, you'll get a notice stating who your roommate will be. You can contact your roommate by letter or by phone. You also may be able to check out your roommate's Facebook page. Talking to your roommate ahead of time can help you coordinate what to bring. You don't need to have two TVs in your room for example, but if one of you has a Playstation and the other a Wii, all the better.
Complete your paperwork. You'll have to fill out the housing and advising questionnaires so that the school can match you with an appropriate adviser and roommate. You should also write your "Family Letter" to the Freshman Dean's Office, a letter which describes your family life and your personality in more detail so that the office can help create a smooth transition.
Plan your courses. Registration occurs on campus through the campus computers. The Freshman Dean states that incoming students should take no more than four courses, which is a full course load and that students should aim for a mix of classes--some with small and large class sizes and on different topics. New students participate in orientation classes called Freshman Seminar Programs. Choose a Freshman Seminar Program in a topic that interests you.
Pack your bags. Harvard dorms include a bed, desk, dresser and bookshelf. You'll need your clothes, but you'll also want to include other things like an alarm clock, desk lamp, pillow and waste basket. Posters and other decorations can help you feel more at home. Harvard's beds are twin extra-long size, so be sure to purchase sheets that fit. An extra cushion can make your bed more comfortable.
Ship some of your items ahead of time. While you and your parents will be able to bring your car into the Harvard freshman dorm courtyard, it will be crowded. The more quickly you can move in and out, the better. You can ship your goods to the Harvard mail room to save time. You'll be able to pick up these items anytime after you arrive at Harvard.
Visit Boston tourist shops to purchase your Harvard goods. Undoubtedly, you want a t-shirt or sweatshirt emblazoned with the Harvard logo. You may be tempted to get this at the Harvard Coop, because it's right across the street, but the prices there are much higher than elsewhere in the city. The money you save on clothing can get you a great meal at one of the Harvard Square restaurants.