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Do you have a midterm this week? Are you currently working on a p-set or essay? Are you a Harvard student? Are you a human being? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s likely that it’s time for you to touch some grass! We here at Flyby Blog tried to regain some of our brain cells back by touching grass… wherever we could find it.

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Tenderly touching grass to not scare it away.

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Touching grass… drinking grass…

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Two-in-one deal: tissues for my tears and opportunity to touch grass

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Yes. This is grass.

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No doubt, this is grass.

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Is this… grass?

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The real question is why that grass is so dry and yellow.

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Grass — edible!

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Not sure what’s going on here but we’ll take it.

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A grass-ception

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The only kind of grass Harvard students actually know how to touch.

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From the ruminations of Flyby’s very own Bush Jumper: is a bush grass or is grass tiny bushes?

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So many opportunities to touch grass! Now that we’ve tried it, we can conclude that it is an enlightening experience that we urge you to try. So go forth and touch some grass, dear readers.

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{shortcode-e7b3cbaf74631308daac0c4df8d1f0f4cd7d98ce} Ahh midterm season: otherwise known as midlife crisis season, or the season that marks the beginning of your GPA’s downfall. Maybe your latest chem midterm did a number on your grade, or perhaps it was those absences from your attendance-required lecture adding up. Whatever the case, before you seriously contemplate adding some W’s (we’re talking withdrawals, not wins) to your transcript, consider this: an academic comeback is possible (or, if you ask the delulu optimist in me, probable)! Here are our tips for healing your relationship with Canvas.

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Cry it out.

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Avoiding time spent crying in the shower or into your pillow to spend a few more hours studying might seem logical, but failing to process your emotions about worse-than-you’d-hope grades can only be counterproductive. Negative emotions fester, and — even if the PS11 course heads are determined to make their class as grueling as possible — learning is meant to be fun. (It’s a cliche, so it must be true.) If you don’t allow yourself a moment to feel down in the dumps, you risk developing an overly antagonistic relationship with your coursework, and you’ll miss out on the chance to have a fulfilling classroom experience.

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Actually look at your grades.

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Open Canvas. Click on the “Grades” tab. Feel frustrated because your professor decided to enter only two of your assignments on Canvas. Open Gradescope. Flinch. Calculate your grade. Calculate what you’ll need on the final to salvage your grade. Wince. (But, seriously, it’s probably much, much better than you think. And, if not, it’s only up from here!)

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Form (new) study habits.

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As unfair as it is, studying should not be left to the night or even week before your midterm; truly productive studying happens as you learn and consequently should happen all the time (or, since you have a life, as often as possible). Make flashcards after each lecture rather than in a torturous cram session the night before your midterm. Complete each week’s optional practice questions. Write (or at least outline) your essays far in advance of the due date, not least so you won’t be juggling a five-page paper with studying for a test worth 30 percent of your grade. Above all, study to learn rather than to ace a test (though that would be a happy accident).

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Use class resources to your advantage.

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Most likely, there are at least a few class or campus resources — ranging from office hours to practice problems to peer tutoring — that you have yet to use. One of these might be the last tool you need to attain academic success! If you feel like you’ve exhausted every possible resource, consider scheduling a meeting with your professor or a TF to discuss your experience in the class. Learning is often frustrating, but you never have to navigate that frustration alone.

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Hopefully, these tips will help you achieve the grades of your dreams, but remember that even if your semester feels unsalvageable, odds are that everything will be alright. At the end of the day, you are a human being first, and you deserve a break every once in a blue moon while. Mute your Canvas notifications, and practice some self care. Do your laundry, vacuum your floor, or clean your water bottle. Watch a movie with your friends or FaceTime (or even visit) your family. Let yourself breathe. Let yourself be more than a student. You are so, so much more than a number on your transcript. Good luck!

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What’s the typical “day in the life” of a Harvard student? For me, it’s a never ending cycle of waking up, eating, studying, more studying, and repeating. The only way of peppering up my day is going to a lively study space and spending time finishing up my long list of assignments, but where does this get done?

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In my opinion, the best study space on campus is the Smith Center. It’s the closest escape from my dorm, Straus Hall, which may or may not be currently infested by mice. When I hear a mouse squeak in my common room, Lamont or Cabot Library seem miles away compared to Smith, so why would I waste my energy going there?

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Now, you may be thinking, why not Widener, the most archaic and grand structure on this campus? Well, rumor has it (it’s not a rumor) you can hear a pin drop while students are studying at Widener, and if you dare to make any noise you’ll be forced out on a walk of shame. Personally, that’s not for me! That’s what brings me back to Smith — its modern architecture, vibrant furniture, and acceptable noise levels, create the perfect environment for me.

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Specifically, I am an avid 10th-floor-goer, like many others.

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It’s love at first sight when I scan my Harvard ID at the card reader that opens the heavily-guarded gray elevator. With restricted access, the 10th floor allows students to study next to their beloved peers. This allows us to be protected from tourists, which I appreciate as I get tired of them eyeing us down or asking silly questions like, “How do I get into Harvard?” (Spoiler alert: there is no secret formula — see today’s acceptance rate.)

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Once you take the quick trip to the 10th floor, you’re greeted with adequate noise levels for collaborative work and blissful study music playing at all times. Nothing makes me more comfortable than hearing pop songs edited to classical tunes, especially when I have to finish a tear-stained p-set. As I walk to my designated couch, I pass rows of vibrant couches, geometric chairs, board games, and pool tables, all of which add to the laid-back college student aesthetic with a fancy Harvard twist.

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It would be a crime to not also mention the beautiful views of the Charles River! On the 10th floor, I am able to catch amazing vistas of the upperclassmen houses, the Charles River, and Cambridge. No matter what time of day, the ~real world~ out the window is an extra source of motivation to finish assignments.

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It’s easy to say that the Smith Center has my heart <3.

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There are few things that unite the city of Boston more than supposed “massh*le” driving and an unshakable love for Dunkin’, but the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Southie comes very close to clinching that title. As a self-proclaimed “Irish-ish” person (I’m only 25 percent Irish, hence the “-ish”), I knew I had to attend the parade to see if it could truly live up to the expectations I had formed in my head. So sit back, relax, and follow along as I give you a 100 percent honest review of the parade shenanigans I witnessed and explain exactly how I managed to survive a case of the Irish Sunday Scaries.

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Morning Prep

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I’m not going to lie – waking up at 9:30 a.m. the Sunday after my six-hour flight back to campus was not easy. In fact, I snoozed my alarm three times before I not-so-gently reminded myself that St. Patrick’s Day only happens once a year, so it was my duty to rally. By not-so-gently, I mean I pictured my dead Irish grammie Beatrice scolding me for not attending one of her and my father’s favorite parades. That did the trick!

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After freeing myself from the confines of my blanket burrito, I quickly changed into the greenest outfit I could find: a clover shirt with “Good luck” written on the bottom, green sweatpants, and clover glasses fellow Flyby writer Wyatt G. Croog ’27 had given me (just another example of lovely Irish hospitality <3). As I shoved a granola bar into my mouth and grabbed my wallet and phone, I ran out the door to meet my friends and their acquaintances (weird folks named Borgy Keoghan, Saoirse Borgan, and more…).

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Spirits were high as “Galway Girl” and more ‘authentic’ Irish music blared from my iPhone’s speakers, serving as the soundtrack for some good (and some very, very bad) Irish jig-dancing performances from my friends as we made our way to the Harvard T station.

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The T Journey To Boston

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You might think that a journey that consisted of seven stops on the Red Line does not warrant an entire section in this article, and under different circumstances, you’d be right. But boy, oh boy — taking the MBTA during a holiday, especially St. Patrick’s Day, means you’re in for a ride (no pun intended).

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The minute my friends and I stepped foot onto our train, all we saw was green. Green hats, wigs, funky-looking drinks, and green bodies pressed together as the train slowly collected more and more green buddies. As we neared the Broadway station, I couldn’t help but think that we looked exactly like an army of “Toy Story” aliens; an army that was bracing itself for when the doors would open and a sea of green would empty out onto a small platform.

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When the doors did indeed open, and everyone exited the train cars with a pep in their step, it was pure chaos but in a surprisingly fun way. As I clung to my friends’ hands to make sure no one got lost in the crowds, I looked around and played the most visually entertaining game of “I Spy” that I had ever played.

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I ended up spotting friends I hadn’t spoken to since middle school, already wasted middle-aged men being dragged by their irritated wives, and (my personal favorite) a girl with a purse filled with Lucky Charms, which made the time spent waiting for people to exit the station go by very quickly and painlessly.

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Overall, a solid 8/10 ride for the uniqueness and memories that were made.

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The Parade!

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After escaping the crowds near the T station only to have to deal with more as my friends and I searched for a spot by the barricades, my spirits dropped a bit. I felt tired and a little irritated at constantly being bumped into by intoxicated strangers, but this was all to be expected. So after finding a good viewing spot right by the barricades, I told myself to stop stressing and simply enjoy my last day of spring break.

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Between the moment I decided to focus on living in the moment, and the moment the parade officially started, I played a few more rounds of “I Spy.” Let’s just say that after spotting a man in a green suit with a Burger King crown on his head (see below), there was no way that my spirits could remain as low as they were before.

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Once cars, motorcycles, ambulances, fire trucks, horses, policemen, politicians, beauty pageant contestants, and professional Irish dancers began filling the streets of Boston in swarms, my spirits were at an all-time high. So much was going on all at once, and as much as I tried to take it all in, I couldn’t.

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Mayor Michelle Wu waved at me. Candy and trinkets were being thrown left and right. Marching bands and dance teams filtered in back-to-back. Police officers, firefighters, Marines, Navy sailors, airmen, and Coast Guardsmen marched in unison. My friend shouted, “Is that Paul Revere?” as a group of men in colonial garb (see below) fired their muskets and made most onlookers jump in fear. Harvard, Northeastern, Tufts, BU, and BC students were either successfully networking with other college kids or miserably failing at flirting — there was no in-between. Some photographer who was taking pictures within the barricades told the guy next to me to take his Yankees hat off or “go back home!” Desperate strangers banged nonstop on the porta-potties nearby.

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Around an hour and a half later, though, the parade seemed to repeat itself. I felt like I was experiencing dèjá vu because every parade act looked like the ones who had just walked past me. The same dance crews, marching bands, and colonial-looking men were in the streets, perhaps in a slightly different font. Or maybe after standing for more than three consecutive hours, I was finally worn out. Whatever the case may have been, my friends were also all tired, so we decided to call it a day and walk back to the Broadway station that we had gotten off at earlier in the day.

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Or so we thought…

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The T Journey To Cambridge

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As my friends and I walked back to Broadway, all the green strangers we passed confirmed the news that the Broadway station had been closed due to too much foot traffic. Amazing news, right?

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Since we couldn’t find an MBTA worker to ask for alternative ways to get back to Cambridge, we decided that the best plan of action would be to walk to the nearest Red Line station and pray that it was open. That is how we ended up on a one mile walk to South Station with what seemed like 25% of our fellow parade-goers.

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Although this rerouting ordeal initially put a damper on our moods, as I walked back in a familiar herd of green buddies, I felt oddly at ease. I internally chuckled at the absurdity and wholesomeness of this moment that I knew I would somehow always remember.

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At some point, we made it to South Station, piled into train cars with green strangers once more, and found ourselves back in Cambridge. At some point, I made it to my dorm, showered, and took a nap. At some point, I reflected on my overwhelmingly positive experience at the parade and wrote this article. And at some point, I decided that I couldn’t wait to do it all again next March.

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So, there you have it. My raw, unfiltered review of the Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade. I hope that this article has, at the very least, entertained you or encouraged you to check out next year’s parade so you can make some wacky memories of your own. If it’s the latter, I’ll see you in Southie!

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{shortcode-20785f9553263999ba62d9d539bebbf002058998}

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We’ve all been there. As you try to function even though break is already over and we still have interminable weeks left in the semester, a big fat C– drops on Canvas. How could one night of cramming an entire half semester not translate to an A? Suddenly, you realize writing an in-class essay still drunk from River Run was maybe not the best idea. If your midterms are making you ugly cry, here are seven things to do instead.

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1. Gaslight yourself and those around you. Text your p-set group chat and tell them that you got a ninety-seven. It’s high enough to be impressive but with a touch of imperfection so as to feign credibility. Once you’ve told everyone, you’ll be forced to stick to the story until you start to believe it yourself. It’s all about the mindset.

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2. Text your situationship back. You’ll still be crying, but at least it will be over an emotionally unavailable person who is giving you less than the bare minimum and is probably talking to four other people at the same time. By the time you text all your friends long paragraphs explaining how your medium ugly situationship is actually cute in certain lighting and you therefore need them back, you’ll be too emotionally exhausted to feel sad about your grade. Plus, for the humanities kids, you also get to practice your essay writing skills so you can do better on your next paper.

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3. Call your parents. Sometimes you will get emotional support, and that is always nice. More likely, you will get a long lecture about how you would have gotten an A had it not been for that damn phone of yours. By the time you hang up, you will be so motivated to cure your family’s generational trauma that you might actually start attending lecture, prepping for the next midterm, and considering selling out to Wall Street, among other things.

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4. Ask a CA or TF for help. Bonus points if your CA is super cute and lives in the next House over and has luscious hair and a British accent and lowkey forgets your name and… where was I? Anyways, it never hurts to ask for help.

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5. Post about it on Sidechat. After all, a similar post is what prompted this article. You will find many lost souls who probably took that very same midterm lurking on Sidechat ready to talk about it. Your Sidechat DMs will no doubt be filled by oddly supportive strangers who also happen to be freshmen, lonely, and down for something casual.

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6. Drop the class. Yes, you will have a W (for Withdrawn) on your transcript permanently, but you will also have mental stability. You will never ever have to think about that class again. Except for every time people ask you for p-set answers. Or when friends ask why they haven’t seen you in section. Or when you receive hundreds of emails because they forgot to remove you from the list. Really, other than a couple dozen reminders a week that you failed, you can just put it all behind you.

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7. Study for the next midterm. Not highly recommended as it might lead to responsible behavior and there’s not enough psychological data on responsible college students (insufficient sample sizes) to know if that is advisable for the health of anyone between the ages of 18 and 22.

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Once you take one or, god forbid, multiple of these alternatives, your midterms will seem like a much smaller problem. If you can’t get to all of them this time around, no worries! You’ll probably fail your finals, too.

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{shortcode-fbe71cd8c7b7d52225b2886c6d7fe81793803580}

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Well, here we are again. Another March, another plethora of videos about which the Harvard student body simply cannot agree. So, Flyby must swoop in and come up with a new, official ranking so that the Harvard student body can start getting mad at us instead of each other. You’re welcome.

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And before you accuse us of bias, you should note that we recused ourselves from voting on our own Houses. So, without further ado:

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S Tier

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Currier

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This video was simply phenomenal. We loved the song choices, the catchiness of the chorus (Tree-yee!), and the amazing graphics. And there was so much community participation — it seemed like everyone in the house was involved! Of course, no video is perfect: we didn’t really follow the heist plot. Harvard students continue to have the special talent of turning everything fun into as much of a commitment as an extracurricular, but if this is the result, maybe that’s fine…

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Cabot

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The story? The vocals? The lyrics? The HUDS involvement? Rakesh? We couldn’t pick a favorite part of this video. We also enjoy a good behind-the-scenes moment, which is an underutilized way to acclimate viewers with the ~house vibe~. But no Housing Day video needs to be 9 minutes long. It’s simply too many minutes. So, S tier, but you’re on thin ice.

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A Tier

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Mather

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As one of our writers said, “this one is my mom’s favorite.” This video is the quintessential Housing Day video. A rap, some vocals, lots of house involvement but not an insane amount, and people with insane upper body strength. The “con-crete” refrain, like “tree-yee,” was catchy, but also… me when someone asks me what the biggest island in Greece is…

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Quincy

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This one was definitely contentious, but the subtitles, graphics, and outfits elevated it to A tier. We didn’t really understand why Mather, Kirkland and Lowell were the ones listed as clones, since those houses look pretty different… But we were willing to vibe with Barbie anyway. And 4 minutes is the perfect video length.

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B Tier

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Dunster

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The word that most came to mind was “cute.” The skit was cute, the lyrics were cute, “you belong with meese” was cute. Vocals were tight, and so was the relationship between the protagonist and the moose. As one of our writers said, “I ship it.” But the video, simply put, didn’t have a lot of people. And the antlers were “scary.”

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Eliot

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“Your interhouse is irrelevant, goodbye” was a standout lyric from this crop of videos. Again, the vocals were excellent, and most of the lyrics were great too… though we don’t know how we feel about the euphemism of “our trunks.” Until a certain point, this video could have been an A… and then it kept going. What did you need seven and a half minutes for?

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C Tier

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Lev

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This video was very wholesome, and the baby featured is very cute, as was “L-E-V Love.” The vocals were great, which is beginning to be a trend! But is there a reason they chose “Tik Tok” as the song? Besides the impending ban…

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Kirkland

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Again, good vocals, and the choreo blew us away! And we were very impressed by the Barbies. But… about half of this video was not filmed in Kirkland. They kept getting further and further away from Kirkland. Why are you on the Weeks Bridge? Also, too long, again! Guys, we have to watch twelve of these!

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D Tier

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Winthrop

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First of all, we had to take off points because this one was posted so late. Like, literally on Housing Day. And the song was also late, a.k.a. almost two minutes into this video. And the lip-syncing in the last part was also about a lyric behind. But! There was definitely an artistic vision. And this video is not horrendously long.

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Lowell

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Ok, we’ve been dogging on long videos, but two minutes is slacking. We also thought the lyrics could have been more creative. And we’d like to take this opportunity to air a specific grievance: why are we talking about Stanford? Why do we suddenly care about Stanford? But the video did have a good amount of people in it! A community win is a win.

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Pf Tier

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Pfoho

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Well, this was a video. There was so much potential in the beginning to film it as a homage to Saltburn, but as is, there wasn’t really that spark. And the house looked completely empty in all the shots — where is everybody? We also thought the whole thing was a bit low energy. But, there were funny moments, like “cool clock” and the mewing. Also, what does it mean that you’re “boutta quad?” And it better not mean what we’re worried it means.

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Adams

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YOU’RE TRYING TO WHAT????

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Also, points taken away for releasing so late.

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\r\nAnd there you have it! Please, please tell us where we went wrong. We care so much.

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{shortcode-a53e47cb49af7399ebd952c6085f0685c4b8406e}

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Flyby thinks it's time for a new purity test. A FLY-ce purity test. Take this quiz to find out your score!

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Have you ever…

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('

{shortcode-f215678158e0126ba9923cec0730875a2a29a3ed}Alas, we have entered the post-spring break period of the semester and have begun the five-week-long sprint towards finals week. Sigh. While the celebrations and festivities might be over for some now that we have arrived back on campus, Persian students on campus, such as myself, still have one last hurrah to look forward to before completely sinking beneath the demands of our academic schedules – Nowruz!

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Nowruz, which translates directly to new day, falls on the first day of spring and marks the beginning of a new year in the Iranian calendar. You might think that us Persians are running a little behind in celebrating the new year in March and ringing in the year 1403, but I would like to inform you that the Iranian solar calendar is actually one of the most accurate solar calendars in use currently. Also, in my very biased opinion, I prefer to celebrate the new year around a time when new life is blossoming after the chokeholds of winter – it just makes more sense. So take that, Gregorian calendar supremacists!

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The time of year when Nowruz is celebrated is not the only unique part of this special holiday. In fact, there are many traditions that come with the ringing in of the new year that might seem odd from an outside perspective but are actually some of the things that I consider to be hallmarks of my family’s transition into the spring season. One of these traditions is arranging what is called a haft-sin, which translates to seven ‘S’s, in which seven items related to the elements of the earth are presented on a table to symbolize good luck and fortune for the new year. While there are many items that can make their ways into the haft-sin of Iranian families, my family has continued to choose a specific seven year after year.

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1. Sabzeh

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Sabzeh is a special type of wheat grass that can be quickly and easily grown around the spring season. Quite intuitively, this part of the haft-sin is used to symbolize rebirth and growth in the new year. The best way that I can describe this one is exactly as one would expect it to be: a pot of grass. As underwhelming as this might seem to some, the sabzeh is one of my personal favorite parts of the haft-sin that my family assembles each year. Its vibrant color is always eye-catching, and I have also managed to keep it alive in the days leading up to Nowruz. As someone who has the complete opposite of a green thumb and forgets that, even though my water intake is poor, I can’t dehydrate and neglect my plants the same way, I appreciate the grass’s resilience year after year.

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2. Sir

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Sir, pronounced “sear,” in this case does not mean the crisp cooking of a meat to a golden brown. Instead, sir is the Farsi word for garlic, which on Nowruz symbolizes medicine and good health for the new year. Garlic is used similarly in other cultural traditions, such as Chinese New Year, and as a theoretical defense against vampires, which I suppose can also be seen as a way to protect one’s health! While this part of the haft-sin might not be as visually appealing as others, I find its meaning to be quite special and important to this holiday. After adopting our dog, this part of my family’s arrangement has had to be moved from the rest of the table to a fireplace altar to avoid the opposite of its promises from happening…so far, we have had no issues, so I guess the garlic is doing its job, no matter its location!

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3. Sib

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Sib, or an apple, is probably one of the easiest parts of the haft-sin to incorporate. Unlike the sabzeh that you have to grow in advance, not to mention keep alive, and the sir that is many times a pain to peel, sib are always in high supply at any grocery store and require no additional preparation before being placed with the other items. For many, the sib is especially important to have in the haft-sin, symbolizing beauty. As optimistic as I would like to be in saying that this means beauty within and of the world around us, I personally fall into the trap of hinging the idea of my personal glow-up on if there is an apple on my table or not. If you want 1403 to be your year, do not forget your sib!

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4. Sekkeh

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Sekkeh translates to coins, which are probably my most looked forward to item on my family’s haft-sin. Symbolizing wealth and prosperity, sekkeh are also an integral part of any arrangement for the new year. While traditionally the coins that are laid out in haft-sins are specific for special occasions such as the new year and weddings, my family takes the direct translation. Some years, we have thrown quarters into a dish, and other years pennies, which, looking back, seems superstitious in terms of setting the tone for the rest of the year. But I like to believe that as long as there are coins on the table, wealth will be ensured, both monetarily and through other means!

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5. Shirini

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This part of the haft-sin is also a favorite of my family, incorporating sweets such as candy eggs or other tiny chocolates. This item, if no other, must make the haft-sin in my opinion, as it symbolizes happiness and joy. I mean, beyond what it symbolizes, why wouldn’t you want to include something as tasty as a sweet treat in your arrangement? In my family, at least, the shirini dish often has to be replenished – our stomachs are full and our hearts are happy, what more could we need for the new year?

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6. Somagh

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Somagh is probably the most boring part of the haft-sin, but that assessment could be coming from the fact that I prefer my food bland rather than spiced. Somagh is a tangy, red spice that symbolizes new beginnings and sunrises, and it is, like the sib, an easy last minute addition to any arrangement. It is frightening being in charge of placing this item on the table, as one wrong move can make it so my family’s carpet needs its own new beginning – stain remover. So far, however, I have been lucky and made it through with no spills, and I am hoping to keep this streak going.

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7. Goldfish

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Hear me out, I know that goldfish doesn’t start with an S, but neither does the Persian translation, which is mahi… so, I thought at least goldfish would be more direct. Goldfish are used in the haft-sin arrangement to symbolize the flow of time and passing of life, which is quite ironic considering that many times when we have gotten goldfish for this holiday, they have lived only a few weeks – it's not us, it's the pet store, I swear. Since moving to college, my parents have still gotten a goldfish to put in the bowl for me, which I appreciate because it allows me to ignore my academic responsibilities for a moment and think about home. Also, the joy of getting to brainstorm names for my long-distance pet during p-set breaks is like no other. I know that Dave (my fish this year, skillfully named) will survive beyond the new year traditions and hopefully be waiting for me when I arrive back from campus this summer.

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As random as these items might sound in the abstract, they come together to make a beautiful presentation that I look forward to year after year, even if it looks roughly the same each time. On this new year, even if you won’t have a haft-sin of your own, maybe save an extra apple or two or season your HUDS chicken a little more than usual – at the end of the day, it's the thought that counts. Let the new year be in your favor, and enjoy the beginning of spring – Eid-e Shoma Mobarak!

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{shortcode-7431a50363a3e030d5c888ff94970a1ddc8d7b3c}Picture this: you have just returned to campus for the spring semester. The cold Boston breeze almost blows you over as you trudge towards your dorm with entirely too much luggage. You already want to leave. The closest ray of hope in your life is… SPRING BREAK! As essentially the only time off we get during our spring semester, spring break is of EXTREME importance. So much so that everything that happens in the spring semester can be categorized as either Before Spring Break or After Spring Break Sadness.

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If you’re like us, the only thing standing between you and brightening up your Instagram with the trip of a lifetime is the cost. You obviously want to save money for where it truly counts, like hotels (we see you, all inclusive-ers) or buying and developing disposable photos, and therefore might be wondering if there’s an easy way to conserve.

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As your helpful Flyby writers, we propose to you a solution — budget your flight! The flight to your spring break destination is going to be the least memorable part of your trip. In fact, we doubt that you’ll even be awake for it. You’re going to get there one way or another, so who cares if you aren’t given a complimentary snack along the way? And the best way to cut plane costs? Spirit Airlines, our new saving grace.

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Some of you might be Spirit newbies, but no need to worry about what flying Spirit is like, as Flyby has tried it for you!

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1. Abandon All Carry-Ons, Ye Who Enter Here (the Spirit plane)

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One of the downsides wonderful perks of Spirit is that they don’t include complimentary carry-ons. Since the price of adding one is often at least half of the ticket price itself, there isn’t really a point to bringing one. This is perfect for the average spring break traveler – tiny tops and bathing suits will fit extremely well into your school-backpack-turned-suitcase. Nonetheless, this does mean that Spirit is not meant for the weak, requiring both the mental strength to leave behind that one cute beach-cover up and the physical strength necessary to stuff everything into your bag.

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2. Patience is a Necessary Virtue

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Look. We’re not going to deny the rumors. There is a non-zero chance that Spirit will continue to delay your flight into oblivion only for it to just end up canceled. There is also a non-zero chance that you will spend the days leading up to your trip morbidly watching TikToks about how people also flying to your destination ALL had their flights canceled. HOWEVER, this isn’t actually that bad! If you think about it, you’re really just getting ahead on that zen, easy-going lifestyle that spring break is all about. Plus, as firm believers in anecdotal evidence, we do have to emphasize that our flights didn’t get delayed. Arezoo’s flight did take an hour to take off once everyone was seated, though, because someone forgot to tag their child’s stroller and “submit necessary paperwork,” so...

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3. Get in Losers, We’re Going Shopping!

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Even though our Spirit flight was smooth sailing for the most part — at least once we were in the air, we can confidently say that the last thirty minutes or so of your voyage will be turbulent with announcements. Want a new credit card? Spirit’s got you covered; you can sign up for one even when you’re thousands of miles high in the air. You don’t? Spirit still has you covered, and will harass you over the plane intercom until you consider it for at least a minute. Even if shoveling a little more cash toward Spirit in this way wasn’t on your radar, there are plenty of other opportunities on your flight for you to do just that. You can ring your card for a classic peanut snack, soda, or even WATER on the cart that your lovely flight attendants will make readily available. You’re on vacation, might as well treat yourself to some refreshing H2O for the low, low price of four dollars.

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4. The In-Plane Movie Becomes VR

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A Spirit flight is nothing if not eventful. Filled with jokes and “gotchas,” the pilot did in fact momentarily convince half the plane that we were going to Cancun and Chicago, rather than Fort Lauderdale. If this didn’t wake us up enough during our early morning travels, Arezoo’s flight was also surprised with a proposal. Yes, a man got on one knee in the Spirit Airlines aisle, while the seatbelt sign was on, and put a ring on one lucky woman’s finger. Personally, we would say no we’re not too sure how we would feel if we were in this situation, but as viewers to this joyous moment, Arezoo was leaning over the edge of her tiny, last row seat to demonstrate her support. Another notable part of Arezoo’s flight was a silly-string-mustard-bottle, which one flight attendant lovingly sprayed on unsuspecting, unconscious passengers while pretending to check the overhead baggage. So hey, even though Spirit’s planes don't have entertainment systems, we can guarantee that there will be plenty of other attention grabbers to fill your time.

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5. No, the Plane is Not Going Down, We’re Just Landing (cue the applause)

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As expected of such a beloved airline, Spirit is considerate enough to provide every passenger with a complimentary wake-up call when the plane lands. You can be assured that no matter how deep your plane sleep is, the thump thump THUMP THUMPPPP thump thump THUMP of the plane will wake you up. Seconds after you open your bleary eyes and face the too-bright world, you’ll also be met with a round of questionably-deserved \u200b\u200b\u200b\u200bapplause for the pilot from your fellow passengers. It’s really just so pleasant. After all, you did it. You survived Spirit.

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{shortcode-f09250f3677bfc7b8854b162a4915a8d18b784ac}

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If you couldn’t already tell from our travel experiences, saving money through flying Spirit is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Whether it be something jaw dropping that you see on the plane during your flight or your jaw literally dropping when you see the prices that are presented to you once on-board, Spirit will guarantee that you have endless stories to tell your travel-mates and family at home once you land. We here at Flyby definitely recommend Spirit Airlines to any people who are looking to save a dollar or two or, literally speaking, 40.

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{shortcode-c1c9b007cab72059eb3539907b36cb7fd63cf47f}Harvard Square is rapidly becoming the boba capital of the Boston metropolitan area. Recently, a hot new bombshell has entered the villa, with Ten One Tea House replacing Möge Tee in the very same storefront on JFK St. Of course, Flyby had to try it to see for ourselves if the great Gong Cha vs. Tiger Sugar war was finally over (spoiler alert: no, it’s not). We ordered four drinks that we hoped would be representative of the entire menu, and each of us tried all four to give you a balanced impression.

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Milk Tea with Brown Sugar Boba (Lactose-free, Less sugar) — $6.95

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Of course, we had to start with the basics. The tea was not very strong; while there was a subtle sweet taste, very little of the bergamot oil promised in the menu came through. The boba, however, was very sweet! We’d recommend really putting your whole bobussy into shaking this thing to try to spread some of that flavor around.

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Strawberry Green Tea with Dragon Fruit Pearls (Half sugar) — $7.70

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The tea was definitely pretty strawberry-y to most of us, although one writer described it as “sort of just like a tea.” Certainly refreshing on one of the first sunny days of the spring! And the dragon fruit pearls, which notably are only available on weekends after 1 p.m., just tasted like regular boba. Which makes sense, because the special pearls are also just the same price of the regular pearls. And yet, there is no reason this drink should be, with a tip for the overworked boba baristas, over $8.

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Osmanthus Honey Tea with Blue Butterfly Pearls (Less sugar) — $7.50

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We have a vague idea of what osmanthus is and some idea of what a blue butterfly is, and we definitely know what honey is. This drink did not taste like any of these — it was sort of like the tea equivalent of LaCroix. We all agreed it was just a normal iced tea. The pearls were sort of floral-y to some of us? But you have to really focus to get the taste. And to our extreme disappointment, they were not blue.

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Mango Slush with Aloe — $7.70

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Now this was a little treat for the most little-treat-loving among us. The mango was fresh-tasting, the aloe was just the right amount of slippery and chewy, and we all felt very refreshed after the first sip. Do any of us usually get a slush at a boba place? No, not since middle school. But if we for some reason were craving one, this would definitely do.

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Extras — Croffles and Tote Bag

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The croffles were a nice free snack we got for visiting on opening day, and they were very crispy. It doesn’t appear they sell them anymore, though? Not that any of us thought we would pay for them when there are so many other dessert-snack options around. And, ok, the squirrel is cute. We have to admit it. We love a cute logo, and the squirrel is cute. But though we love the merch, we don’t know if we’d be proud to rep the store.

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Overall Impressions

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Not one of the four Flyby writers who visited Ten One on its opening day was very impressed. We concluded that even if you’re usually a half sugar girlie, you need to be ordering full sugar here to taste anything besides basic black tea. The mango slush with aloe was by far the best, and, at pretty much the same price as other bubble tea in the Square, we don’t see any reason not to order it. If for some reason, your only alternative is Lamcaf, go here, since the boba is definitely better. But otherwise, just pass Ten One and go up the street to your normal boba destination of choice.

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{shortcode-14c36c6d8b46fbd29a2d9d53109ace70e7aa311f}Dear Lamont Third Floor,

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Every week, when the Sunday Scaries roll around, I know that I can count on you to be there for me. You’ve seen me at my (rare) Lamont Highs, and my many, many Lamont Lows. Your warm, dim lighting is like a hug, even though I risk the chance of falling asleep on one of your couches and finding myself waking up at 6 a.m. with my p-sets incomplete. I also really love being surrounded by books that I want to read but somehow can’t manage to find the time for.

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There’s a certain camaraderie that I find with others within your walls. When the night first started, we were merely strangers. But as the night progresses and our sanity begins to wane, we find a form of mutual respect for one another. I love walking around and sympathizing with fellow Lamonsters through understanding nods and collective sighs. What can I say? Misery loves its company.

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But what I love most about you, Lamont third floor, is your quietness. You are the perfect place to escape from the noise and chaos of campus life. You are the place where I can find peace and tranquility in the midst of deadlines and stress.

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You are also open 24 hours for most of the week, which admittedly is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, I appreciate that you are always there for me, no matter how late or how early. On the other hand, I sometimes wish that you would close earlier so that I would have an excuse to go to bed and get some sleep. But I know that you are only doing your best to accommodate my needs.

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Lamont, you are more than just a place to study. You have turned into a sanctuary, a haven, and, unfortunately, a second home.

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Thank you, Lamont, for being my loyal companion and friend. I hope to see you again soon – but not too soon.

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Sincerely,

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A grateful Lamonster

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Despite the rain, Harvard upperclassmen and frosh alike turned up for Housing Day this Thursday! And Flyby couldn't let this roving go... unreported. Check out our Official Scoop on Housing Day 2024!

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An under-discussed upside of living in a House instead of the Yard (eww): having a gym attached to your building. Now that you don’t have to brave the cold to get some reps in, you might actually keep up with your New Year’s resolutions. But there’s no way to squeeze the MAC, in all its glory, into a 200-square-foot room, so you’ll have to accept some cut corners. And, sadly, not all House gyms are created equal…

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My credentials for evaluating the House gyms are that, prior to writing this article, I’d worked out seven times since starting college and that I once lifted weights in Rabbit Run (the Leverett House gym) for 30 minutes and couldn’t walk for five days.

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C Tier: Come On, Harvard, You Could Buy A Few More Machines

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Coming in at the bottom of our list are the gyms in Leverett, Adams, and Eliot; all of these workout spaces are passable but lost points (in our super official scoring system which was definitely not limited to a vibe check) for being somewhat inaccessible and having very few machines. But they still sit in our good books for attempting to have an aesthetic.

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Adams: I only visited the gym in Claverly Hall, so anyone personally invested in Adams’ gym profile should note that, due to the dispersed nature of Adams housing, there might be another workout space in your building. What I saw in Claverly, however, failed to meet my expectations, with only a few machines crammed into a relatively small room. I’m hopeful that the rest of Adams has more to offer because, while the space was fitted with floor-to-ceiling mirrors and had a good balance of machines, I was left feeling underwhelmed.

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Eliot: Eliot Gym had the most cohesive interior design of any gym on this list, with blue waves and a red stripe emblazoned on the walls of the gym’s two rooms. The gym is pretty small and has only minimal equipment, but the greater travesty is that rather than having physical walls, the gym is separated from the hallway by a chain link fence…so you’re literally working out in a dungeon. I also wouldn’t plan on using the fancy rowing machines in the second part of the gym because it requires a physical key to enter that no one that I know of has been granted. Still, it might be for the best; with all the stairs in Eliot, residents of the Domus likely don’t need the workout.

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Leverett: A cute name — Rabbit Run and bunnies, get it? — made me really, really want to love the Leverett House gym, but unfortunately, it’s rather tiny, especially relative to the number of students housed in Lev. Rabbit Run is composed of only two small rooms (each about the size of four singles?), plus a bathroom and a handy water bottle filling station. The child in me (read: the lazy part of me that will only exercise if it means I can watch Netflix) loved that there were TVs placed in the sightline from every machine, but the equipment was super old — to the point that I thought it was broken — and there’s no differentiation between space for aerobics and for weightlifting. Rabbit Run is located on the first floor of G tower, meaning that it doesn’t have the dungeon feel that many of the other gyms do, so while residents of either of the towers can access it without going outside, bunnies in McKinlock will have to trek across DeWolfe Street to work out.

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B Tier: Better than the Last

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Next up are the gyms in Mather, Winthrop, and Kirkland; nothing really stood out about them, but at the very least they were slightly more spacious than their lower-ranked peers.

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Kirkland: Featuring a decent spread of equipment, Kirkland’s gym is one of the only gyms on campus that feels distinctive to its house, with decorations reflecting the Kirkland spirit. In theory, this choice of decor should imbue the space with enough good vibes to make your workout enjoyable rather than torturous, but the gym is directly connected to a common room, and I, for one, am not comfortable with being perceived while I attempt to lift five-pound weights. On the bright side, this means that non-Kirkland residents can experience the magic without having to pester a friend to swipe them in, but I’m not sure it’s worth it when the MAC is right there.

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Mather: I really, really tried to like Mather’s gym, but again it struck me as rather small. However, anyone into timed exercises is likely to appreciate the large digital clock, and resident yogis are likely to enjoy the meditation room housed in the same complex. The d-hall is also super close by in case you’re struck by the post-workout munchies!

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Winthrop: The Winthrop Gym is relatively small but manages to avoid feeling claustrophobic by allowing space between the machines. No worrying about bumping elbows with the person on the machine next to yours! I also loved the cubby set-up near the doorway and the cushions padding the floor. Throp Gym is proof that basement gyms don’t have to make you feel like you’re working out in an abyss.

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A Tier: All You Really Need in a Gym

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Quincy, Pfoho, and Lowell made their way into my good graces with generous spreads of equipment (or in Lowell’s case, having a squash court) but could use some updates.

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Pforzheimer: By now, you’ve likely realized that the Quad gyms ranked higher, on average, than gyms found by the River, and Pfoho is no exception. While on the small side relative to the other Quad gyms, the Pfoho gym includes several mirrors to watch your gains grow in real-time and has an interesting two-room setup splitting weights and related equipment from the aerobics machines. Located in Pfoho’s basement, the gym is conveniently located for all residents not placed in overflow housing and is right next to the arcade and the laundry room. There’s just one downside: a mirror that occupies most of one wall in the weight room is made of two-way glass…so people can see in and you can’t see out.

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Lowell: Lowell’s gym could have clocked in much, much lower on this list, but while lacking in equipment, the gym has its own kind of charm, featuring a cardboard cutout of the former mascot, the Blueman, and an upper level with a meditation area. There’s also a squash court (read: squash court that is used nearly exclusively as a basketball court) located right outside the main gym area, as well as a wall display of doorknobs that I thought was an artistic statement but that my gym buddy insisted was a climbing wall. The gym location is relatively remote — getting there was like walking through a maze — but I suppose it’s not too big an inconvenience when residents can hop on over to the MAC instead.

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Quincy: Nearly the size of Currier Gym, Quincy Gym manages to accommodate a generous selection of equipment while still maintaining some open space. The areas of the gym populated by machines are a bit cramped, but not to the extent of impeding your workout routine. Still, I think some updates might be in order because, while someone went through the effort of placing motivational sayings on the walls, enough letters have worn away to make them unreadable without a second glance. However, this wear and tear might be a mark of actual use by residents, since Quincy was the only gym being used by multiple people when I visited.

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S Tier: Someone Pinch Me, I Think I’m Dreaming

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Dunster, Cabot, and Currier showed me that Harvard will willingly spend money on something other than the chairs in the Yard once in a blue moon.

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Cabot: Cabot Gym has long been a site of legend, and the reputation is well deserved. The room is likely the largest in the house other than the dining hall and features an amazing selection of equipment, with plans to secure a Peloton in the works. The gym also includes a water bottle filling station (attached to a water fountain for those of you who tend to forget your water bottle) and bathrooms, making it the perfect workout haven.

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Currier: The Quad continues to demolish the competition. The Currier workout space is generously sized and has a clearly delineated stretching area (a small detail but an amazing bonus). At the time I visited, much of the equipment was incorrectly stored, but there’s a diverse array of machines and a frankly astonishing set of weights at your disposal. Just one problem: whoever designed Currier’s gym was in cahoots with the Pfoho gym designer, because this gym also features the unfortunate inclusion of a two-way mirror.

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Dunster: My response to walking through Dunster’s gym was “Oh. Em. Gee.” On repeat. With multiples of each type of machine, an impressive weight selection, and a squash court, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever drop by Dunster Gym and leave unsatisfied. One downside is that there is no door separating the aerobics area from the rest of Dunster’s basement, leaving you painfully exposed, but given that the space is delineated from the rest of the basement by a steep set of stairs, I’m willing to let it slide.

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Once you’re in a House, you have the best perk of all: there’s no more trekking back from Cabot Library at 3 a.m., fruitlessly hoping that you won’t see a rat. Instead, you’ll be safe and sound in a cozy study spot a hundred feet from your bed. But not all House libraries are the same, which is where our ranking comes in.

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My credentials for evaluating the House libraries are clear: I’ve spent the night in Lamont multiple times. If you need more than that, I really don’t know what to tell you.

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C Tier: Cute, but Where Are the Books?

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Currier, Pfoho, and Adams invited me to reconsider my preconceived notions about libraries.

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Currier and Pfoho: In Currier and Pfoho’s defense, these libraries are more often referred to as “reading rooms” rather than honest-to-god libraries. Still, the quantity of books in these rooms is more similar to that found in a fifth-grade reading nook than any library I’ve ever been to. However, both rooms are cute study spaces that break from the aesthetic of Harvard’s more stately libraries; maybe you won’t be scouring the shelves for an interesting title, but your all-nighters will be very comfortable.

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Adams: My first words upon entering Adams’ “library” were “I’m sorry.” However, I should note that the “library” I viewed was the one in the Inn since the actual House library was inaccessible due to renovations. Based on images of the true House library, I’d probably rank it as B-tier, but it’s hard to say.

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B Tier: Books, Finally!

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Cabot, Winthrop, and Lowell restored my faith in libraries, but not enough to rank higher on this list.

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Cabot: Like the other Quad libraries, Cabot’s library, rather confusingly referred to as Eliot Library, is a single room. However, the shelves, lining the walls of the room and spanning from floor to ceiling make the room feel more like a library, and quotes from famous alumnae, including Helen Keller, decorate the walls. The volumes stored there are not likely to be much more helpful than those in the other Quad libraries, but the vibes are immaculate.

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Lowell: You’d expect Lowell Library to rank higher on this list because, well, it’s Lowell, but the library itself was kind of just a room. A very, very pretty room, but a room nonetheless — nothing about the space made it stand out from the other house libraries in my mind. The library was also super crowded relative to the other house libraries, but maybe that’s your vibe!

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Winthrop: Again, Winthrop Library isn’t much more than a room with many, many books in it, but it has a super clear aesthetic, with pale green walls and glass display cases showcasing model ships. I’m not sure exactly how the interior design scheme was decided — what do tiny ships have to do with lions? — but I’m a fan.

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A Tier: Add in a Gimmick

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Leverett, Kirkland, and Quincy earned my affection with innovative concepts that made them spaces anyone would enjoy studying in.

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Kirkland: If you’ve ever walked to Dunkin’ from the River, you’ve likely passed Kirkland’s library, the Hicks House Library. As a library contained within a home built in 1762, the library feels very historical, adding a stately vibe to your study sesh. The intimacy of the space and the location on JFK Street make it feel rather removed from the rest of campus (even though it’s smack dab in the middle), which might be a plus or a downside depending on your study habits.

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Leverett: The Lev Library — which, yes, is not the same as the Library Theater — has apparently won architectural awards, but I unfortunately do not know enough about architecture to properly factor that into my rating. I will say that it’s a very, very pretty building, with a bathroom conveniently located just outside the swipe access area, and the space features more armchairs than the other libraries, making the library itself feel more cozy and homey. Unfortunately, no one can access the library without heading outside, since the library is located above the guard’s office, disconnected from both McKinlock and the towers. But I’d say that it’s worth it.

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Quincy: Quincy’s library automatically made it into A Tier by being referred to as the Qube. While the silence inside is oppressive, the library features an impressive comic book collection and might be the perfect location for some reading period study sessions. The library is technically a double-decker, but the second floor is more of an overlook, hugging the library’s four walls, than anything of substance.

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S Tier: Spending the Next Four Years Here

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We saved the best for last: Mather, Eliot, and Dunster are sure to astound.

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Eliot: I’m not sure that I can fit the experience of Eliot Library into words. If you live in Eliot, I am automatically jealous of you just for having 24/7 access to it. If you haven’t yet experienced Eliot Library for yourself, imagine the quintessential Harvard library and you’ll likely end up close to the real deal. In addition to a spacious first floor, the library features a study nook with a few more bookshelves on an upper level, though I should warn you that the stairs up will activate your claustrophobia.

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Dunster: Dunster’s library is spacious and, in addition to the quiet study space found in other House libraries, features two study alcoves perfect for a group study session. When I visited, both the entry and exit doors were propped open, making the space feel vaguely like a hallway, but the library has the perfect balance of windows and shelves to make your Sunday work sessions feel a little bit airier.

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Mather: While breaking from the stereotypical Harvard style (as all of Mather is wont to do), Mather’s library towers over its competition with its three stories. Yeah, you read that right: three stories. The staircases are also generously sized (like, you can fit six people on a step), and the brutalist style is balanced by an abundance of greenery. The shelves in the library are all rather short, making it feel like there aren’t that many books, but considering the number of shelves, I’m willing to bet that there are more than enough books to satisfy your reading appetite. Overall, the library feels like the perfect study space, and I might be spending the next few years begging my Matherite friends to swipe me in.

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Whether you’re a freshman excitedly anticipating your new House or an upperclassman seeking to hype up your House, we hope this ranking clued you into the amazing study spaces that can be accessed without stepping past your House’s gates. Wherever your House’s facilities fall on our list, you’re likely to have a blast using them…hopefully enough of a blast that you’ll leave the last table in Lamont for us.

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As Adams is currently under construction, most sophomores will live in the Inn (yay A/C!). So literally, Adams students (or Adamsians) are cooler. Add some warm-toned string lights, and it’s less like a dorm and more like a spa. Closer to the Yard than Pennypacker, you won’t have to worry about having to wake up too early for your 9 a.m.! The renovations are currently set to be done during the summer of 2025, and according to Adams Housing Committee Co-Chair Tate G. Underwood ’25, the goal of the renovations is that 80 percent of rooms will be singles.

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As of right now, the most common room layout for a sophomore in the Inn is a double with an en-suite bathroom. The rooms are anywhere from 250 to 300 square feet. That’s practically a small studio, so you’re really living lavishly. The Inn used to be a hotel, and while the only courtesy you receive is your roommate trying not to wake you up with their alarms for their 9 a.m., it still makes Adams more glamorous than the other houses by a long shot.

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Adams Community

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Adams is full of fun events! Weekly Thursday Carpes are a great way to meet up with people in the house and get free food! Adams biggest annual event is Fall Drag Night, which pulls crowds from across campus to watch the performance and take part in the event. People in Adams don’t need to hunt down the parties. They are the party. Started in the 80s in response to homophobia, Drag Night has been a tradition for decades, highlighting just one of the many ways the Adams community strives to be inclusive and welcoming. They do p-sets and write papers by day and switch out the sweatpants for glitter and stilettos to go all out in drag by night.

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One of the best parts about being in Adams House is the spectacular community! Despite having students spread out amongst multiple buildings, Adams has been able to foster its community into something that is very special to them. As a resident of Adams, you’re guaranteed to never be short of people to bump into at the d-hall and have interesting conversations or attend fun, unique Adams events with!

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Adams has plenty of other perks! Before the housing process was randomized, Adams was known for being very artistic which means there are plenty of practice rooms for you to work on your individual projects. Their courtyard is enclosed by Randolph and the faculty dean residence, meaning you can have some peace and quiet without tourists watching you or cars racing by when you’re trying to do your homework on a picnic blanket or enjoy a house event. While being renovated, Adams has kept a strong sense of character, as exhibited by spaces like the Claverley Pool Room. What was previously a swimming pool is now a great social space with couches and tables that can be booked for social events!

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Adams is a super positive community that makes the most of any situation! According to Alexandria T.Q. Ho ’24, when there was a small invasion of fruit flies, instead of using it as another opportunity to complain about HUDS (we’ve all been there), Adams chose to add another silly mascot to their list (watch out acorns!). Dubbed the “Fly Club,” there were parties complete with a DJ and fly swatters, which make it clear that Adams will make lemonade out of lemons. The same spirit is brought to intramurals. As discussed by HoCo Co-Chairs Tate G. Underwood ‘25 and Lily E. Liu ’25, Adams may not be leading the intramurals, but they’re definitely leading in the “having a good time” category.

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HOCO Interview Rapid-fire

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Before the end of our interview, we made sure to ask a few more *pressing* questions, answered by the amazing Adams HoCo chairs.

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If you had to describe your house in three words, what would they be?

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TGU: Unique, creative, and community-oriented

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LEL: Like a home.

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What’s your favorite Adams memory?

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TGU: Mine is Drag Night. I love Drag Night. People do stunts up on the stage. We have people like backflipping in heels, jumping off the stage. It's crazy. We hire local drag queens as well. They’re doing it too. It’s insane. And everyone comes in drag as well. It’s like a whole bonding moment. Drag Night is definitely my favorite but it’s crazy, in the best way.

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LEL: I'm gonna say Housing Day. I feel like there’s like so many little Adams traditions that we have for Housing Day. For people who get into Adams, we have an orientation kind of meeting where we can introduce people to all the little ins and outs of being an Adamsian.

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What fruit would Adams be?

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TGU: Corn.

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LEL: Grapes. They're artistically depicted a lot. They are also kind of fancy, but you can also just have fun with grapes, like you have them with friends.

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With its fluid mascots, Adams just gets us and our identity crises. Why be just an acorn or fly when you can be both? Historic, inclusive, and creative, Adams is truly one of the most special houses on campus and a place anyone would be lucky to be a part of.

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The House

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Quincy House is one of the larger houses, with around 500 residents. You can’t miss Stone Hall (the old-looking part), New Quincy (the concrete part), and the Qube (Quincy’s library, lofted above the central courtyard). Quincy’s buildings have tall ceilings and amenities scattered throughout. Some of the coolest spaces include a pottery studio, a large house gym, and a small theater, as well as independent study spaces, so you’ll never run out of changes of scenery!

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Most Quincy residents live in the House’s two main dorms, Stone Hall and New Quincy, with a few residents living across the street in DeWolfe. Quincy features a few different room setups, and, overall, the rooms are fairly spacious. Stone Hall has mainly hallway doubles and suites, and New Quincy has duplex suites of four to five people with a common room on a separate floor from the bedrooms. Some suites include ensuite bathrooms, while others have communal bathrooms. Another perk is that Quincy has elevator access to all floors, so no matter where you end up, you will be spared from the stairs.

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One of the coolest rooms in Quincy is the balcony suite, a large common room that has an attached outside space. It is normally claimed by a group of seniors, with the eight suitemates following an unspoken rule to throw a party that all residents of the house are invited to, a must-visit for Quincy residents.

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Quincy also has some other notable amenities, such as a House Grille, where students can purchase food like chicken strips and other snacks on Thursday through Sunday nights. The most notable item that only Quincy Grille offers is their Thin Mint Shake; when we asked their HoCo chairs, “If you had to describe your house as a drink, what drink would it be?” Jack Towers ‘25 responded, “I'm tempted to say the milkshake from the grille.”

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Fellow HoCo chair Honor C. S. Pimentel ‘25 agreed.

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“I like the Thin Mint shakes,” Pimentel said. “It’s paying back our community by investing in the Girl Scouts of Cambridge.”

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Perhaps most importantly, Quincy is the only House to offer hot breakfast every morning, making it a hot spot for Quincy residents and the less fortunate to gather. And there are rarely interhouse restrictions in the d-hall, making it welcome to all.

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Pimentel said: “I think if you were concerned about not seeing any of your friends because they're in different Houses, that will not be a problem here. You will see everybody come through this House."

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Quincy Traditions

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Quincy House has some very cool traditions. To start, every event is spelled with a Q for the House name, to add a touch of ~whimsy~. Quincy has a biweekly fiesta, where people enjoy delicious food and gather for a different theme each time. Quincy also has a House-wide game of assassins every year, where they try to eliminate each other by sneakily spraying each other with water guns. Quincy also regularly hosts a “Qarnival,” with cotton candy and other carnival games and food.

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To top it all off, Quincy organizes a field day in the fall, where they celebrate their newest House members with a traditional field day with outside games. The faculty deans honor the founder of the house, Josiah Quincy, by carrying his cane, dressing up in robes, and having their son drive out in a go-kart. The ceremony ends in an exorcism, where, as Pimentel described, “all the Quincy house residents are invited to come yell things that they want banished from the House — you know, like people who don’t return their dishes properly, or the sixth floor rats or the second washing machine from the left in the basement that never works.”

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Aside from those traditions, the faculty deans also often open their home to students, allowing them to enjoy a nice outside balcony space and indulge in lots of free food. A tradition that the current Quincy Hoco is trying to start is "Quinski," a large ski and snowboarding-themed party in the Quincy d-hall as “ it kind of gives ski lodge, snow globe vibes,” according to Pimentel.

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Qulture!

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Quincy boasts a rich history and is filled with lots of artwork and memorabilia commemorating that history. The house has Scottish origins reflected in several House events. For instance, bagpipes are played at almost every major House event, and the House flag is an old Scottish family crest. In addition, there are many portraits of Scottish individuals scattered throughout the House.

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Overall, Quincy is known as the “People’s House” and incoming residents should look forward to “a big party all day long” that “does not stop 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.” once Quincy knocks on their door this Housing Day.

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Reflecting on her Housing Day experience, Pimentel said: “I got to meet a lot of people and come into an environment where everyone’s pumped. It truly did feel like I was being welcomed into a community house. It promotes belonging.”

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