The prefects said they remembered their own blocking stresses and felt the light-hearted sacrifice to the river gods will ease tension in the entryway.

Scopa said the prefects were prepared with lighter fluid should the snow and rain get in the way of their plans.

But the end result of the housing lottery was a bigger concern than the weather last night.

Most of the Canaday C residents greeted the prospect of Quad living with dread, worrying about long walks and isolation.

But Stephanie J. Dorvil ’05 said some of her extracurricular activities had taken her to the Quad—and it wasn’t so bad.

“As long as there are no rats or roaches, which is what I’ve heard about the river houses, I’ll be happy,” she said.

Dorvil, who said the walk to and from the Quad would keep her in shape, did not attend the boat-burning rituals last night—she has two midterms tomorrow.

Kacie A. Lally ’05, after conducting an informal survey among upperclass acquaintances, said she decided she hopes to end up in Kirkland or Quincy.

Evan Kaseguma '05 said he saw Mather’s environment as social and said he would like to live there.

Despite randomization, the first-years took stock in rumors of definite House personalities.

Some said they had heard that pre-meds live in Currier, football players in Pforzheimer and rowers in Cabot House.

Dorm Crew Buddies

One blocking group of five first-years was brought together early this semester by shared experiences doing Dorm Crew. “Five of us met during Fall Cleanup before the year even started,” said Michael L. Stewart ’05.

“Allison [J. Colbert ’05] was the first person I ever met at Harvard,” said Kristina J. Matic ’05.

The core group formed as they bonded in rubber gloves and continued to hang out once the year began.