What's the undergraduate population like at Harvard?

I'm curious about the undergraduate student experience at Harvard University. How many students are typically enrolled, and does the population size affect the campus culture or opportunities for students?

Harvard College, which is the undergraduate portion of Harvard University, typically has an undergraduate population of about 6,700 students. This size strikes a balance between a smaller, intimate liberal arts college and a large, bustling university. It's large enough to offer myriad opportunities in academic research, social activities, student clubs, internships and more, yet it's small enough to foster an inclusive and manageable community.

The class size at Harvard also contributes to the undergraduate experience. With a student-faculty ratio of about 7:1 and nearly 75% of classes with fewer than 20 students, the educational environment is notably personalized and intimate. This allows students to easily connect with their professors and classmates, and lends itself to rich intellectual discussion both inside the classroom and out.

In terms of campus culture, Harvard's residential college system plays a significant part. The university has 12 residential houses, where students live, study, and socialize starting sophomore year. The houses have their own dining halls, libraries, recreational spaces, and more. Each house has a distinct personality and culture, which can make the larger campus feel more like a close-knit community.

That being said, the undergraduate student population at Harvard can indeed create a vibrant campus environment full of diverse perspectives, and offer undergraduates a wealth of resources and opportunities to explore. It definitely contributes to what's often referred to as the "Harvard experience".