With randomization of the Houses now four years in the making, first-year housing assignments--to be announced Thursday--may seem painfully arbitrary.

Despite the exaggerated horror stories surrounding being Quadded or becoming the next resident of the Concrete Elite (a.k.a. Mather House), there are assets to all of Harvard's 12 Houses.

The Crimson's House Life reporter, who has spent months combing the campus for the truth about Harvard real estate, sheds some perspective on this week's outcomes--whatever they may be.

Adams House

An unbeatable proximity to the Yard, a recently renovated dining hall and spacious rooms consistently place Adams House atop first-year wish lists. Once known for its artsy, dramatic student population, the House is connected by an extensive system of tunnels that preserve some of the House spirit with the art of residents long since graduated.

Among its accommodations, Adams boasts Claverly Hall, with grand windows, fireplaces and mahogany all around. And several lucky seniors get to live in Senior House, a detached dwelling all their own.

The House's gracious dining space, complemented by a frequently praised staff that takes requests at the grill with a smile, means seating can be tight at times. Residents have been known to "gong" unwanted inter-House diners; 24-year outgoing Masters Robert J. Kiely '60 and Jana M. Kiely have long been staunch supporters of preserving House community.

Cabot House

The dormitory once headed by Radcliffe College President Mary I. Bunting exerts a dominating physical presence in the Quad. The walls of its six buildings and dining hall surround the actual quadrangle, which is home to scores of intramural games in good weather. With four Straus Cup titles under their belts, Cabot residents are fanatics about maintaining the House's intramural strength.

The House boasts a large stock of single rooms. Gracious common rooms abound, and with an underground theater and large JCR (complete with stage), Cabot is an attractive locus for dramatic productions. New masters James H. and Janice Ware bring a scientific bend to the House--the former is academic dean at the school of public health, the latter: an instructor in psychology.

Currier House

Built in 1970 just as the concrete of Mather House was being poured at the opposite end of campus, Currier was the last House that Radcliffe built before coeducation. Located next to the under-appreciated Hilles Library, Currier's four towers scoff at the river House entryway system, offering sociable hallways and a large number of singles. The House's renowned 10-Man suite is infamous for its lively social scene.

Eight-year Masters William A. and Barbara S. Graham lived in John Winthrop House before moving to the Quad; William Graham, professor of the history of religion and Islamic studies, served as senior tutor there in the 1980s. The House's dining hall--designed around a fountain and lush greenery--is spacious and airy, reminiscent of a Marriott hotel. Currier's most notable physical resource, the Fishbowl, is home to theatrical productions and House-wide gatherings.

Dunster House

Made famous by its cameo appearance in "Good Will Hunting," Dunster House's red-capped tower has long been a symbol of old-time Harvard. One House insider says early-bird residents can secure two bed frames at the beginning of the year. This and wood-paneled rooms make Dunster an attractive living space.