GET THE FREE MIT MOBILE APP
Many participants (as well as MIT employees) find this app incredibly useful for getting around the sometimes-confusing MIT campus. From an interactive live campus map to dining information to emergency information to an up-to-the-minute EZ-Ride shuttle schedule, MIT offers a helpful mobile app you can download on your phone or mobile device for free. Get the MIT Mobile App now (can be downloaded from iTunes or Google Play).
Orient yourself with the MIT Map
Whether you are flying in the morning of your course or staying in a local hotel the night before, please take a moment to orient yourself with MIT and surrounding areas. The online map of MIT has interactive features, including the ability to show accessible ramps and entrances, bike racks, emergency phones, as well as directions to MIT and several versions of the printable MIT map (some of which include accessibility information). Additional information regarding accessibility on campus can be found on the MIT Student Disabilities Services site. The MIT Institute Events Visitor Information page is another excellent resource for getting around MIT. Note that parking on campus is not available; please see information regarding parking on our Travel and Arrival page.
Check the weather
Be sure to check the weather in advance and plan accordingly. New England weather is notoriously variable and we advise bringing an umbrella. Also, plan to bring a sweater or light jacket—the air conditioning in some classrooms can get pretty chilly.
Computers & Wi-Fi access
MIT has no public computer facilities, so we strongly encourage you to bring your laptop or other device even if it is not required for your course (computer requirements are included on the course's web page). Don’t forget to pack your power cord & adaptors (if needed). When you are on campus, make sure your wireless card is on and enabled. Select "MIT GUEST" as the wireless network option. A connection will occur without registration.
MIT Libraries
Participants have access to most of the resources at MIT libraries during regular business hours; more information can be found on the MIT Library site.
Plan some tourist activities
From the hundreds of events being held on campus, to suggestions on what to do, where to eat, and getting around, the MIT Visitor Information page is a great resource to get you started with a wonderful MIT experience - download a printable self-guided walking tour map and explore campus. Cambridge Local First has a comprehensive list of local businesses. The Kendall Square Association can be an excellent resource as well. For getting around the Cambridge area, you may be interested in taking advantage of Bluebikes, a bike sharing system that has many stations in the area.
Pre-Arrival Materials
All pre-arrival materials can be downloaded in a single PDF file below.
Individual documents or sections may be downloaded using the links below.
- Wireless access
- Campus map (other versions both electronic and downloadable available at https://whereis.mit.edu/)
- MBTA (public transportation) map
- Campus information
- Directions to MIT Professional Education office
- On-campus dining guide
If you have any questions please contact us at shortprograms@mit.edu.