Campus Services, Resources and Tips

Athletics/Exercise

• MIT Recreation membership provides access to the Zesiger Sports and Fitness Center, the Wang Fitness Center and Alumni Pool, playing fields, sailing and more. Note: MIT Postdoctoral Fellows who have an "Affiliate" ID card require a certification letter with their MIT ID to qualify. 
• Exercise and Fitness programs, including classes in yoga and Pilates, are available from MIT Health.
• Intramural sports and club sports are available for postdocs with MIT Recreation memberships.
• The Postdoctoral Association has a Sports Committee and runs or advertises activities such as running, soccer, volleyball, and yoga.

Programs for Postdocs and Families

MIT has numerous resources for MIT community members, including spouses, partners, and families:

• MIT Work-Life provides consultations, support and information for members of the MIT community and their families in areas that include life quality, work-life balance issues, parenting, school, and child-care.
• MIT MyLife Services provides confidential counseling, work-life consultations, and referrals to the MIT community and family members. 
• Thrive @ MIT provides classes, programs, and resources related to health, well-being, and family life.

Disability and Accessibility Resources

• Disabilities Services and Medical Leaves Office provides information, technology services, and consulting to MIT staff and postdocs who need accommodations for disabilities. For further guidance on accommodations within your DLCI, check with the key administrative contact in your area.

Culture and Identity Resources

• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are open to all postdocs. They are employee-led groups formed around common interests, issues, and/or a common bond or background. Current ERGs:
  • African, Black, American, Caribbean (ABAC)
  • Asian Pacific American (APA)
  • Disabilities
  • Latino
  • Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transgender, Queer (LBGTQ+)
  • Millennials
  • Veterans and Military
  • Women in Technology (WIT)
• Recognized Postdoc Groups, supported by the Postdoctoral Association and open to all postdocs, provide more targeted support for postdocs.
• The International Scholars Office: Guidance for international scholars on daily life in the United States.
• LBGTQ+ Services: Support, programming, and educational endeavors to enhance the experiences of MIT's LBGTQ+ community. 
• MIT Chaplains representing many of the world's religions, are available for counseling, private talks, and program development. Also, many of the religious groups represented by the chaplains meet weekly and many student religious groups are active on campus.

Campus Activities

• MITAC (MIT Activities Committee) plans special MIT events and offers discounted tickets for cultural, recreational, and sporting events, and for movies and museums.
• Independent Activities Period (IAP) is a special four-week term at MIT throughout January. Activities include lecture series, forums, tours, “how to” sessions, and recitals. Non-credit activities are open to all members of the MIT community. 

Maker Spaces and Services

• MIT Hobby Shop: Fully equipped wood and metal shop, teaching design and providing tools, training, and assistance. 
• MIT MakerWorkshop: Student-run makerspace at MIT open to students, faculty, and staff.

Professional Development and Education

• Career Advising & Professional Development: Services and resources to prepare for your future career.    
• LinkedIn Learning: MIT access to video-based courses.
• Atlas Learning Center: Required and recommended trainings to support your work at MIT.
• Tuition Assistance Plan: Financial assistance for career-related courses is available to MIT employees, including postdoctoral associates. 

Other Campus Services

• Card Services (located in E17-106) issues MIT ID cards and photographs for passports.
• For computer help, consult MIT Information Services and Technology or specifically the IS&T Help Desk.

^{Updated September 17, 2025}