Culture at MIT Biology
Department Culture
MIT Biology faculty treat students like colleagues, and that respect helps to create a really welcoming, comfortable, and productive environment.
Students in our department are primarily spread across three main biology buildings: Building 68, the Koch Institute, and the Whitehead Institute. Some students also work in labs in Picower, McGovern, Ragon, and Broad institutes located in close proximity to MIT campus. Each has a distinct sub-culture, so feel free to ask current students about it!
Lab Culture
The labs available for you to work in as an MIT Biology student are highly diverse in many ways.
In addition to covering a vast range of research topics and experimental approaches, MIT Biology faculty is comprised of brand-new hires just starting their lab to well-established PIs. Lab sizes vary from small (<8 members) to large (around 30), and from highly structured to very relaxed.
One of the goals of rotations is to help you find what kind of lab environment and mentorship style works best for you, and to help match you up with a lab where you’ll feel confident and able to succeed.
MIT Culture
MIT is a tight-knit community with a vibrant, quirky culture.
This culture is built by both the graduate and undergraduate students. Did you know that MIT enrolls ~4,700 undergraduates, but over 7,000 graduate students?
Browse around the official MIT website for more information about student organizations and various other aspects of MIT culture. Or, ask us about it!
Student Resources and Community Groups
Biograds’ Favorite Spots On Campus
The ‘Pit’
This is where first-year Biograds spend most of their time hanging out, studying, and partying! There is a ping-pong table, a pool table, as well as a pantry that comes with kitchen appliances and supplies.
Banana Lounge
Do you know MIT has a Banana Lounge that offers students free bananas during the semester? Check out this article if you’re interested!
Libraries
There are five libraries on campus that are open to students 24/7. Hayden Library has a gorgeous view facing the Charles River. Barker Library has a main reading room that is inside MIT’s famous Great Dome. Check out the MIT Libraries website to learn more!
Gyms
There are two gyms located at the Zesiger Center and the Alumni/Wang Center. They are open to students for free. Grad students also have the option to take sports classes during the semester or summer. Check out the MIT Recreation website to learn more!
Biograds Outside the Lab
We like to work hard but also play hard! Check out the ‘Life in the City’ page to learn more about what the city has to offer and the various student perks!
Friendsgiving @ Jessie’s Apt
Cohort Apple Picking Trip!
Don’t mess with Tori 😤
Luke suffers a crushing defeat in ping pong against our biochemistry TA, Michael Chen
We Live Más
1st Year Cohort Absolutely Destroys the 2nd Years at Onion Eating
White elephant
Biograds! At The Disco
Nap time in the Pit
The Great Biograd Snowball War of 2026 (and Armistice)
Biograds take on Boda Borg (with arguably more success)
Biograds take on climbing (with varying levels of success)
Biograd Halloween Videos
Every year, the Bio department organizes a Halloween party, and the first-years get to make a Halloween video to go with it. Here are some music videos from the past years for you to enjoy!