The housing scramble begins in earnest for first-years today, as students are given forms to select their four house choices for next year.

Room choice forms were ommitted in the packet distributed today, according to Catherine M. Millett, College housing officer, meaning that first-year will have to inform their houses of their preferred roommates after houses are assigned.

Most first-year interviewed yesterday seem unconcerned about their housing assignments for next year.

However, all interviewed said they had specific criteria in mind. Most said location, atmosphere, room accomodations, house events and facilities will affect their choice. Several cited the College's guide, Inside the Houses, as helpful.

"We have a big enough group that wherever we end up it will be fun," David C. Ables '95 said.

"I'm not really worried about what house I get. If I get randomized, I'll be able to switch out or I'll just learn to live with it," Victoria C. Hsiao '95 said.

Still, a few students expressed concern over housing assignments, mostly angsting over the possibility of being assigned to a house in the Radcliffe Quadrangle--a phenomenon known as "being Quadded."

"I spend most of my time in the [Harvard] Square area. If I were thrown into the Quad, it would be an endless hassle," John About Ill '95 said.

First years will find out about their house assignments on April 3 and houses will have rooming information printed in the April 2 and April 9 Yard Bulletin, Millett said.

There have been no changes in the non-ordered choice lottery system in which students choose four houses from which a top choice is randomly assigned, Millett said.

Housing forms for first-year will be available today in the Union Reading Room between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m, and the forms can be submitted early at the Housing Office in Room 3 of University Hall on March 16 and 17 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The forms must be turned in by Wednesday, March 18 in the Union Reading Room between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.