For the first time, first-year students will be able to enter their housing choices in next month's lottery directly from their dorm rooms.

Using their connections to Harvard's computer network, first-years can put down their four non-ordered choices with little hassle, according to Catherine M. Millett, who is housing officer for the College.

"The change as planned is to give students a chance to enter their own information," Millett said.

But the technologically-challenged need not fear. Students who can't access the network from their rooms can simply enter the information into the computers in the Science Center basement.

"We are really encouraging people to take advantage [of the help] in the Science Center," Millett said.

Specific instructions will be distributed to students on Friday, March 11, Millett said. All first-years must go in person to Parlor B in the Freshman Union to pick up the housing lottery forms and room contract cards.

Outside the prospect of entering choices from dorm rooms, little will be different with this year's housing lottery, officials said.

Thomas A. Dingman '67, associate dean of the College for the houses system, said the lottery would try to address concerns about overcrowding in some houses. Dingman said that "houses may have to readjust their space."

Nevertheless, officials in the houses expectfew changes in the process.

"Houses will stay configured the same way forthe time being, unless there's some drastic changein population," said Michael K. Dunn, assistanttutor for housing in Adams House.

The Freshman Dean's Office is making plans tohelp students who have spent their first year insingles find potential blockmates.

"If someone has a single now, how do they knowwho they want to live with?" asked Lorri A.McDaniel, office manager at the FDO.

As a result, McDaniel said the FDO will sponsortwo "floating parties" for those students who areunsure about roommates for the coming year.

First-years can sign up in a "floatersnotebook" located in the FDO, McDaniel said.

The housing lottery is still one month away,but some Yard residents said they are ready tomove on.

"I liked living in the Yard," said Ethan R.Mollick '97. "But moving into a House with newerwalls, or even if the walls are older, will benice.