Is there a virtual component for the hackathon?

Yes! YQuantum 2025 will have a virtual component with different prizes, challenges, and awards.

Is there a travel scholarship?

There is not an official travel scholarship. However, with the leftover funds we have, we will consider reimbursing travel on a need basis. There will be a form released at the end of the hackathon to apply.

Note that there is no guarantee that funds will be left over, and we do not have an estimate for how much will be left over. With what we have, we will do our best to ensure that the hackathon does not prove to be a terrible financial burden. Please reach out to pranet.sharma@yale.edu if you have questions about this policy. Also note that this policy is liable to change.

Are you providing housing on off-days?

This year, we are demoing a program to connect you with Yale students who are living on-campus to provide common rooms with sofas for sleeping. The overnight hacking space will have comfortable chairs and benches, and we will potentially have sleeping bags to provide you.

Is there any visa help?

If you need a confirmation that you are attending this event and an address, we would be happy to provide it. Everything past that is not in our control.

How do I get to New Haven?

If you are traveling from a place in between Washington, D.C. and Boston, the Amtrak Northeast Regional is the best and most affordable way to travel to New Haven. You can get cheaper tickets by booking in advance, using the Amtrak Student Discount (Code: V814), and picking early-morning/late-night times.

If you are flying from somewhere else, here are the airport options:

(1) JFK. From JFK, you can take the AirTrain to the NYC Subway, then take a train to Grand Central. From there, it's a ~$15 train ride to New Haven aboard the Metro North.

(2) EWK. From EWK, you can book an Amtrak directly to New Haven. Alternatively, take an NJ Transit train into the city, then Metro North to New Haven (~$15).

(3) BDL. From BDL, the best option is usually to book an Uber/Lyft. While this might be expensive individually, a lot of Yalies who travel this way go in groups, so splitting the cost makes it affordable enough (~$15-20 pp). Alternatively, you can take a $10 Uber to Hartford Station and take a $5 train to New Haven Union Station.

(4) LGA. If you land in LGA, there are city buses (around $2.50) that take you to the Harlem-125th St. Station of the Metro North line, from where you can take a train to Yale (~$15).

(5) HVN. New Haven’s domestic airport is served by Avelo Airlines, which serves regional airports across the United States.

I’m not 18 yet. Can I stay overnight?

If you are under 18, we unfortunately cannot legally host you overnight on Yale’s campus, although you are free to attend as long as you arrange housing for the overnight period. If you are under 18 and are not affiliated with Yale, reach out to florian.carle@yale.edu as soon as possible, or you may not be allowed to attend.

What should I bring to the event?

The only requirements are yourself and a laptop! After that, bring whatever you need for comfort— toothbrush, PJs, a pillow, (two pillows), sleeping bag, a change of clothes, etc. We will cover all your food and snack needs (including plenty of Celsius!)