SUMMER ACADEMY FAQ

I currently attend MIT. Can I apply?
AIM Photonics Summer Academy is open to anyone.

What are my principal expenses?
Your are responsible for your registration cost, travel, lodging, and meals, with the exception of the Wednesday Networking Dinner and lunch Monday-Thursday (no lunch will be served on Friday).

What are my low-cost housing options?

A limited allotment of MIT on-campus dormitory housing is available for registrants on a first-come, first-served basis. Individual dormitory rooms are available, and we recommend reserving your room promptly. Please note that bathrooms/restrooms are publicly shared facilities within the dormitory.

The housing charge is a daily rate of $105 per night, and WIFI internet access is available in all dormitory rooms. The campus dormitory is an 8-10 minute walk from all AIM Photonics Summer Academy events.

Dormitory rooms are available, as long as rooms last, from Saturday, July 20, until Thursday, June 27. Daily check-in times are between 3-11 p.m. on your scheduled arrival day. During check-in, you will receive a room key and dormitory access card. Outside of this period, early/late check-in may be possible, provided you make a note during your reservation and coordinate with dormitory front-desk staff ahead of your arrival.

Check-out must occur before 11 a.m. on your scheduled departure day. Please turn in your key and access card before leaving the dormitory.

What are my dining options?
A light breakfast snack, coffee/tea (available throughout the day) and lunch will be provided for in-person attendees. Attendees are expected to arrange for their own dinner (except for the night of the Networking Dinner). MIT is located adjacent to Kendall Square and the much larger Central Square, where you will find several eating options for breakfast, lunch, or dinner that meet various budgets. In addition, there are dining options on campus in the Student Center and Stata Center buildings. There is a small grocery store on campus, and a larger grocery within a long walk or a short bus ride from campus. Please note that your registration includes a Networking Dinner on Wednesday evening.

Do I need health insurance?
Yes, in-person attendees are responsible for their own health insurance coverage during their stay at MIT. Please ask your insurance provider how this coverage works. 

What are the instruction hours during the Summer Academy?
NOTE: All times are Eastern Daylight Time
AIM Photonics Summer Academy begins on Sunday afternoon, with registration and a kick-off short course between 2:00-5:00 PM. During the weekdays, courses typically begin at 8:00 AM and conclude at 6:00 PM, Monday-Thursday. After 6:00 PM, there are no work or attendance obligations, and you’re free to explore the cities of Cambridge or Boston and/or pursue your work commitments. On Friday, we will have a half-day schedule and the Summer Academy will conclude shortly after noon.

For questions about the registration process, see the registration instructions.

For questions not answered by this FAQ, contact, aimsummer@mit.edu