('

{shortcode-58967719087cb43f9998a7e3f9c76415dbe661dd}Reading period is a sacred time. I’d argue that it’s Harvard students at their peak. Nothing says bonding, studying, and sheer panic like being the first through the door to Widener and marinating in Lamont for weeks on end. You think you know how bad the Lamont second floor bathrooms smell during midterms? Think again. Just as the Boston weather decides to stop being insecure and consistently serve spring, we all get to enjoy it… but only from the stacks!

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As we binge hours of Panopto lectures, abuse all of Canvas’s possible features, and leave scathing QGuide reviews, here are a few affirmations to help make this unbearable season just a little less miserable. When you emerge from your heinous nap and journey to CVS to buy five more cans of Celsius, keep these sayings on hand to run through your head and silence the voices in your head.

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“Chat and I are locked in.”

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“Lock in” is so last semester. I think we are all a little more honest with ourselves now. Yes we are locking in for finals, but we’re also locked in more than ever with our bestie ChatGPT. In an academically integral way of course. One of the biggest things I’ve learned this semester is that ChatGPT truly is such a tool. From interview prep to making study guides to quite literally teaching the content to me as if I were a five-year-old, Chat will no doubt be helpful. Chat and I will be walking the stage together during commencement.

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“The work always gets done.”

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Ok, we all say this, but if you think about it, it’s true. The work will always get done. On time? Maybe, maybe not. Gracefully? Sure, somewhat. But it does get done. We don’t really have a choice, but hey, remember this when it feels like you can never truly escape the trenches.

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“You win some, you lose some.”

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To be quite frank, it usually feels like you win some, you lose more. But that is not the mindset to have during reading period. Yes, it seems as though we face many, many, many losses during reading period, from not getting a seat in the library to moving every single thing on today’s to-do list to tomorrow’s, it is just as important, if not more, to recognize the small wins throughout the week to come. Waking up for the day is a big enough win. Drinking enough water for the day, also a win. We take what we can get.

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“Doing it for my mental health.”

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This one needs no explanation. If the decision is always between studying more or doing something for your mental health, listen to me loud and clear: Do it for your mental health. Take that 30-minute walk around the river for your mental health. DoorDash every day for your mental health. Buy your nightly sweet treats for your mental health. Protect your peace, please!

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“Life is worth living.”

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This is the best affirmation to tell yourself. Sing it to yourself in your sleep. Repetition in studying works, so repetition must work here too. If you say it enough, then you will eventually believe it. Just imagine yourself at the finish line, breathing actual air and enjoying what summer has in store for you. You got this!

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-58967719087cb43f9998a7e3f9c76415dbe661dd}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/05/01/084804_1378839.png.1419x1500_q95_crop-smart_upscale.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>)])

('

{shortcode-69906c88043b7427cd91ed1eaf9a9a593fde470c}Like any Harvard student, I was admitted because of my great intellectual vitality, excellent ability to prepare for the challenges life throws at me, and the dedication to stick to any plan once it’s made — you know, showing grit!

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Unfortunately for me, none of those skills involves the actual making of a plan. And as final exams roll around (they’re in a week, people: insanity), I have found myself without a study schedule for my exams. I suppose I could do what I did last semester, which is think happy thoughts as I walk into the Science Center for each final.

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But it’s a new semester, a new year, and a new me. I wanted to try to have a real calendar this time, partly because I see all the pretty colors on other peoples’ GCals. Being resourceful and ascribing to the philosophy of working smarter, not harder, I had ChatGPT do it for me, for my own good and also because I’m sure many readers have been wondering the same thing.

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The basics: I have exams in Ps11 (crying in premed), Math 21b (crying in three psets a week), Psy 18 (crying in… actually, nothing, I love this class), plus a take-home final in Ling 83. I entered my classes, plus the exam dates and the amount of review materials per class, and told ChatGPT to create a study schedule for me beginning Monday, April 21.

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Check out the results below!

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{shortcode-392710511ed3fd20a6f7cccd759d9012a0bbb68e}

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{shortcode-c138961622cd91263b66daea952a0651362460b7}

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{shortcode-cccbd6551c46e5e6460ea62eaa7a186fed82c9cc}

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{shortcode-90c4046ef979bb4fb53410f3a0807a39502d290a}

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{shortcode-9a0ea6a4194c3c20e9c8a1fdd48dc204d6caea2b}

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{shortcode-823c59d886fd4bce16dc527ad2eb7e1f76a90167}

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Did It Work?

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I attempted to follow this schedule beginning Monday, April 21, through Friday, April 25. It began just fine — on Day 1, I copy/pasted vocab for Psy 18 into Anki, and skimmed old PS11 notes like the formulas would upload themselves into my brain. Day 2 also went fine, though I awakened some exam terrors realizing how much math I’ve forgotten over the course of the semester.

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Day 3 was where things went off the rails, though in my defense, it wasn’t entirely my fault. Tragically, the PS11 review exams hadn’t been posted yet, so I decided to do nothing instead. The hour of blissful doomscrolling during the time I should’ve been following my ChatGPT schedule was so nice that, when Day 4 rolled around, I chose to do the same again instead of more Psy 18 review.

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By Day 5, I’d convinced myself that, since disaster didn’t strike on Wednesday or Thursday, I could skip Friday, too. And I did, and with that, the weekend came — which made all thoughts of academics evaporate anyway.

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So this exercise, while not entirely successful — I still minimally follow this schedule, but have taken a lot of creative liberty in what the definition of “skimming” is — taught me that the second I slack off, I lose my motivation. But while I did follow it, I felt fantastically productive.

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A side reflection: I love the emojis that ChatGPT incorporated into the schedule. They take the edge off of the stress and horror of looking at a calendar that means I have to actually sit down and study.

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In all, while fully following my schedule was an utter disaster, if you’re like me and have no plan yet, consider letting ChatGPT take the wheel instead! You can show true intellectual vitality by embracing our AI overlords.

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-69906c88043b7427cd91ed1eaf9a9a593fde470c}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/04/30/030005_1378797.jpeg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-392710511ed3fd20a6f7cccd759d9012a0bbb68e}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/04/30/025453_1378796.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Seems… doable? Day 3 scares me though, I hate taking practice exams.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-c138961622cd91263b66daea952a0651362460b7}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/04/30/025339_1378795.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="Why is there so much work on the weekends? I can't target weak spots in math while also fighting the Sunday Scaries :(", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-cccbd6551c46e5e6460ea62eaa7a186fed82c9cc}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/04/30/025150_1378794.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='I suppose reinforcement is a nicer word than forced', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-90c4046ef979bb4fb53410f3a0807a39502d290a}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/04/30/025045_1378793.png.1500x839_q95_crop-smart_upscale.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="The little grad cap followed by my final exam date is so ominous. But hey, I'm supposed to confidence", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-9a0ea6a4194c3c20e9c8a1fdd48dc204d6caea2b}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/04/30/024947_1378792.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="No notes, just more lock-in time. I can already sense the depths of the trenches I'll be in for math.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-823c59d886fd4bce16dc527ad2eb7e1f76a90167}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/04/30/024855_1378791.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="Honestly, at this point, if I'm not prepared for Psy 18, I'm not sure I'll ever be.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>)])

('

{shortcode-089f34c9b9f94cefe51e07cc8c075e7fa75f0550}Visitas has come and gone, and with it so has a horde of potential students. While the sight of a gazillion red lanyards made us die a little inside, we’d be lying if we said that their presence on campus didn’t invite some self-reflection. We once were excited to be on campus. We once, a very long time ago, had life in our eyes. And we once were incredibly foolish — just as the prospective Class of 2029 is now. Here are some highlights from our encounters with prefrosh this weekend.

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“Wow, you got in RD. Good for you.” – one prefrosh to another prefrosh. Whether they were sarcastic or sincere, we will never know.

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“I already know what I’m writing my senior thesis on.” – a rather delusional prospective student.

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“My host told me not to be in the dorm before 10 p.m.” – a prefrosh commenting on their host’s (slightly odd) obsession with their Visitas social life. (Or perhaps their host just wanted some peace and quiet while battling the Sunday scaries.)

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On the flipside, many of us were hoping for our Visitas hostees to head back to our dorms a little bit earlier. One of our writers had to collect her Visitas kid at 2 a.m. Monday morning — predictably, her prefrosh was hopelessly lost — and had to witness her charge kissing goodbye to a boy she’d met a total of two hours before. (No one tell them the expiration date on Visitas relationships; they’ve probably figured it out by now anyway.)

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We also had to witness the outcome of our prefrosh’s run-ins with a certain performing arts organization named after a dessert (iykyk), and we suffered the anxiety of having only 25 percent of our guests ever reappear in our dorm rooms. Perhaps they were huddled up in another dorm? Rumor has it that two prefrosh were asking if they could sleep in Kirkland basement last night. We just hope they realize that the mice can be found in places other than the dhall peanut butter.

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Silly little prefrosh, you haven’t even started your time on campus and you’re already trying to earn your spot at the top of the social ladder. “Harvard should be more competitive; I don’t want to be at a school that’s not competitive because then you aren’t being pushed enough.” – someone that we’d rather not see on campus next fall…

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“Nah, I’m going to HUCG open house, actually.” – a prefrosh, in response to hearing about AADT at the club fair on Sunday.

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“Oh, you write for Flyby? I just took their purity test.” – a prefrosh with impeccable taste in blogs.

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“That felt like a movie.” – someone (read: definitely a prefrosh) apparently very stunned by Ec 10b lecture this Monday. Was it really that awe-inspiring? We can’t be sure, considering that we were not quite conscious at the time.

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Unfortunately, this was not only the instance in which prefrosh were far, far, far more academically engaged than we were… They sat in the front rows of our lecture halls. They answered our TFs with actual sentences instead of blank stares. And worst of all, they dared to ask us questions after our class presentations. Clearly, the Class of 2029 puts the vitality in intellectual vitality. We’ll see how long that lasts…

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('

{shortcode-e55025e6ab9159623bf82bfc870b557601321d9d}As a dinosaur senior nearing extinction graduation, I have some final words of wisdom to our future prefrosh, now that you’ve seen how tiny a college dorm really is. Still, we’re confident you loved Harvard so much that you’re going to commit, so let’s skip ahead and start talking about packing. Imagine this: A room as pristine as an influencer’s. Needing less than five minutes to clean when your friends are coming over. Being able to move all your boxes on your own without help. My friends, that’s all within reach if you BRING LESS STUFF. It’ll take discipline, but it’s so worth it when you’re able to finish moving in less than a day. Here’s a list of things you absolutely do not need in college to get you started. I’m going to call everyone out — including myself.

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1. One million pairs of shoes.

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I’ll make this simple and tell you exactly what you’ll need for your time in Boston. For the dreary great outdoors, a pair of snow/rain boots (could potentially use the same pair of boots for both), a pair of formal shoes, and one comfy pair of water-resistant sneakers. For indoors, a pair of slippers and definitely a pair of bathroom flip-flops. Maybe a backup pair of sneakers in case the first gets damaged. That’s already seven pairs of shoes; you can’t possibly need more. This is LS1B, not New York Fashion Week. Oh, and don’t bring heels. With the loose bricks on the streets, heels will win you nothing but a free trip to Mass General.

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2. Too many extra clothes.

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Sure, you want some outfits that make you feel confident. But choose (and pack) wisely (read: sparingly). Keep in mind you’ll be getting so many clothes at Harvard. Freshmen get the free “One Crimson” sweatshirt. You’ll get your Class of 20something shirt and your freshman dorm shirt. Your concentration will give you subsidized clothes. Many clubs give out clothes whether you’re a committed member or not. Your House will have free shirts. Seriously – once I didn’t bring enough short sleeve shirts and got three from the Kirkland IM tutors. Just do your laundry every week, and you won’t need so many clothes.

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3. A bike you won’t use.

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In my opinion, you only need a bike if you have off-campus extracurriculars (even then, public transit usually covers that), will commit to regular biking for leisure, or live in the Quad. No one else will need one, so it’ll just be a pain. I promise you won’t forget how to ride a bike during college.

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\r\n4. Too many decorations.

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I started with three sets of fairy lights, a desk lamp, night lights and more — plus posters and wall decor. It was bad. Most students don’t spend too much time in their room and end up studying in a library. Anyway, even if you study in your room, your tears over Chem 17 will block your view of your decorations. I’ve downsized to one set of lights and a few posters. I am a much happier person.

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5. A ton of plants.

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Unless your hometown is within driving distance from campus. If you have to fly home and back, your plants will die. It’s hard to find people to care for your plants over breaks because so many people will also be away from campus. I’d recommend a maximum of two cheap plants that don’t need frequent watering and making as many friends from Massachusetts as possible.

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6. Multiple water bottles.

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You just need one high-quality water bottle. End of discussion.

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7. Cooking supplies: rice cookers, smoothie blenders, etc.

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You won’t have energy to cook in college. You think you will now because you’re in 500 extracurriculars and 20 AP classes yet still find time to make your favorite meals, but don’t be deceived. Time passes differently in college. You won’t have as much energy as you did when you were a teenager. HUDS is great; trust them, they’ve got you. If you have dietary restrictions, tell the Disability Access Office and they’ll meet your needs. Don’t live on takeout or cook your own food — it’s a bad financial decision! At most, all you need is a bowl to cook your instant ramen and some utensils to eat it.

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8. Furniture

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You probably know that there’s just no space in a Harvard dorm for furniture. Also, it’s a pain to get rid of at the end of the semester.

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9. Organizers

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They’re a hassle to pack and move. Just get some decent-looking storage bins and toss your stuff in. You’ll be given drawers and closet space for the rest. For stationery, I had a mini-drawer set, a mini-shelf and three pencil cups freshman year. Now all my stationery fits in a singular plastic cup and a random pencil pouch I found in my dad’s garage workbench.

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10. Notes and textbooks from high school.

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College classes are totally different. At times you’ll even feel like you have to relearn everything. That’s normal and crucial to your intellectual growth. Just know that AP Chem and PS11 are entirely different beasts.

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I hope this little list has helped you start cutting down on your college packing list! It’ll be hard to part with some items, but it’s for the best, I promise. And to all the moms out there, you have my permission to send this to your kids to convince them not to buy that futon.

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('

{shortcode-a706c9b9eb651d38ee1c66020b09241da5d2b6ad}Congratulations on making it this far and getting into Harvard! This is a whole new chapter in your life and the perfect opportunity to start anew. Here, you can leave behind any baggage or unmet expectations that have been plaguing you since you didn’t get the lead role in your fourth grade play. For those of you who might find this fresh start daunting or in case you’re feeling a little uninspired, here are some ideas for the new identity you can take on, whether for the weekend or for the next four years.

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1. Direct descendant of John Harvard

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Tell everyone that you are the great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandchild of John Harvard. You took a 23andMe test to prove it, but unfortunately, since they’re going bankrupt, you can’t provide the receipts. However, everyone who sees you says the resemblance is uncanny — you look straight out of the 30s. The 1630s. But you worked just as hard as, if not harder than, everyone else to be here, and you don’t believe in freebies. Ignore the bulging complimentary tote bag full of free merch.

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2. (Rumored) CIA agent

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Carry around a personal paper shredder, have an AirPod in your ear at all times, and give vague answers in response to small talk questions. Soon, rumors will start spreading that you’re actually a CIA agent going undercover for a top-secret mission. It’s not that you don’t want to grab a meal, it’s that for their safety, you shouldn’t. It’s not that you are undecided about your concentration, it’s that it’s classified information, and they don’t have the clearance.

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3. Genovian royalty

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What do you mean, Americans don’t believe Genovia is a real country? If it’s not a real place, then how come you’re the heir to the throne of Genovia? Anne Hathaway? Who’s that? Julie Andrews? Never heard of her. All you’ve ever wanted in life is to be a normal teenager having the quintessential American college experience. You promise you’re, like, really down-to-earth and humble, so you don’t want anyone to treat you differently — even though you’re royalty… like, heir to the throne of Genovia… like, did you mention that you were real royalty… like, the heir to the throne… of Genovia, which is a real country.

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4. PhD candidate

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As a new admit, you know what it takes to achieve big things. That’s why you’re on a mission. You’re not satisfied with just a bachelor’s degree — you need more. You’ve already researched professors and are ready to collect recommendation letters like Pokémon. Now, all you have to do is convince them that you have been working under them for the past few years. Sneak into their lab, make sure you’re in PPE (iykyk), and act natural. When you “coincidentally” run into the PI, let them know you’ll email them updates by EOD. If they question who you are, act really offended, and congratulations! You’re on your way to a PhD, no bachelor’s degree necessary.

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5. Be yourself… no, seriously.

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Remember the person you applied as? The one that founded two nonprofits, volunteered at the local animal shelter every weekend, AND won a gold medal at the most recent Olympics? Yeah, you set the expectations really high for yourself so now you have to live up to them. You thought you could rest after getting into Harvard? This is just the beginning. Oh, and you’re pre-med? Sure you are. Maybe you’re feeling a little bit of imposter syndrome? Don’t worry, you’re not special. Everyone is just trying to be the best version of themselves. Maybe it’s not a fake identity after all. You really do care about those nonprofits.

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In all seriousness, you’ve already done the hard part by getting into Harvard. Take Visitas as an opportunity to relax, reap the fruits of your labor, and meet a bunch of new people, whether as yourself or someone completely different. No matter where your future takes you, remember that you can always fake your identity be whoever and whatever you want to be.

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\r\nRead the rest of our Visitas 2025 feature here!

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('

{shortcode-dabdf6111b23bf33e0eca48630040b5307e423be}

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As Visitas finally rolls around, we are so excited to have you (prefrosh) all on campus! That being said, you shouldn’t make it obvious that you’re new here. Here are some notes to keep things cool and casual on campus — spark up your alter ego and convince everyone that you’ve been around the Yard once or twice!

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If You’re Wearing Your Lanyard…

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Take it off.

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If Someone Asks You to Touch the Foot…

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Don’t do it. Just don’t.

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{shortcode-0e8af4dd20c5634de828ce6002b5beb51ec578c7}

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If This Man Asks You to Take a Photo…

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Say yes!! (Only to this man though.)

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If You’re Going to Bulldog Days After This…

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We don’t care. (We all got in too.)

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If Someone Mentions That They Live in the Quad…

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Start singing “Sticky.”

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If You See Someone in a (Dashing) Red Sweatshirt Giving a Tour…

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Wish them a happy birthday! (They’ll appreciate the extra tips it gets them.)

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If Someone Mentions Alix Earle…

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Say you were so sad to have missed her Harvard Business School talk because you had class, but you LOVED her pink suit. After all, you’re a cultured member of campus and stay updated with all campus events and visitors.

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If Someone Asks You to Coffee…

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Your favorite spots are Faro, Pavement, and Blue Bottle. (The Blank Street line is too long.)

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If Someone Asks You How Datamatch Went…

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Say you enjoyed your free Playa Bowl, but that’s about it.

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If Someone Asks You How Your Yardfest Was…

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Say that you didn’t realize that Prince and Natasha Bedingfield were the same person. (Have you ever seen them both in the same room? Just saying.)

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If Someone Asks You For Boston Recommendations…

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Ask them if they’ve been to the Common, Newbury, or Seaport (basic but effective).

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If They’re Not Satisfied by That Response…

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Invite them to explore their future job prospects in the city. (The McKinsey and Boston Consulting Group offices are across the street from each other!)

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If They Ask Which T To Take…

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Ashmont/Braintree.

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If They Ask You if You Have Plans This Weekend…

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Say you’re bogged down by your Ec10 pset but have your favorite TFs office hours on Sunday.

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If They Ask You Your Favorite Class…

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Honestly, anything besides Expos is a valid, believable response.

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If They Ask You Your Opinion on the Harvard Mascot Debate

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Turkey or Remy (the cat) are your options, so choose wisely.

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If Someone Asks For Food Past 10 p.m.…

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Your options are Jefes, Felipes, or Achilitos. Same beans, same rice, different tortilla. Take your pick!

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If Someone Mentions Tasty Basty…

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Go. This won’t up your sophistication — but it’s a rite of passage.

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If Someone Asks What the Best House Is…

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Leverett House. (I may or may not live in Leverett House.)

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If Someone Asks You If You Saw Joe Biden…

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Say no, but you did snag a ticket to see Bill Gates earlier in the semester. Build those IOP friendships early.

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If Someone Tells You They Want to Study CS…

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Remind them that there are showers in the SEC.

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If You Don’t Have Visitas Plans…

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Try something new! The Harvard Ballet Company hosts a Visitas workshop, or the Harvard University Consulting Group pre-pre-pre-intro comp meeting is always an option too!

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If Someone Tells You to Comp Flyby…

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Do it! Best decision you will make during your time on campus <333

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If there is one thing to take away from this article, it is that there is so much on this campus waiting for you to understand and explore (especially Flyby, we are very serious about that last tip)! Over the course of the next four years, all of these lines will become second nature to you. Get excited, the best is yet to come!

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\r\nRead the rest of our Visitas 2025 feature here!

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('

{shortcode-6bde0f0468c14ba8f699076ec19223e10bccf306}It’s Visitas. The sun is shining, the Yard is crawling with prefrosh, and your calendar has 19 overlapping events. You’re sweaty, overstimulated, and suddenly in a 45-minute convo with someone named Aidan? Or maybe Andrew? And they're also from New York? Hmm. Before you ask them to join your spring 2026 blocking group, here are some foolproof ways to verify that your new BFF isn’t a 30-year-old social experiment in disguise or a ~pathological liar~ with a deep love for free tote bags and a vendetta against the admissions process.

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The Lanyard

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If your new friend is also proudly wearing the Visitas lanyard around their neck, congrats, you’ve met another bright-eyed prefrosh. Bonus points if they also look lost. Because honestly, who else would willingly wear a giant plastic name tag around their neck unless they, too, were seeking attention? The lanyard is less of a fashion statement and more of a cry for help.

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Google Search

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The most basic option: the good ole trusty Google search. If you’re anything like me (nosy), you’ve probably already done this. Just type their full name and "Harvard" into the search bar. If you find any of the following, you’re in the clear.

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1. News articles about their college acceptance (bonus points if there’s a dramatic reaction video)
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2. A post on their high school’s college admissions Instagram page, usually featuring a baby pic
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3. Some kind of award listing that backs up their claim of being a national debate champ or whatever else they not-so-casually dropped into the middle of a conversation about the weather
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LinkedIn Stalk

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A (creepy and dedicated) step above the previous search, verify that they’re from where they say they’re from. Also, if their profile makes you catch a case of impostor syndrome, chances are, they did impress the admissions committee enough to be admitted. If their profile says “Incoming Harvard College Class of 2029,” you’re probably good. However, if it says “CEO at 17. Self-made. Believer. Dog dad,” be afraid. Be very afraid.

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Ask to See Their Reaction Video

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If your new friend is giving “I’ve already paid taxes” energy, ask to see their reaction video. We all filmed one. If they don’t have one or pretend they forgot to record it because they were “just so in the moment,” that’s a lie. Nobody was “just so in the moment.” We were all sobbing in front of a camera. Hysterically.

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Honorable Mention: Profile Pic

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If your new friend happens to have an obviously AI-generated profile picture, run.

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Visitas is chaotic. It’s a blur of info sessions and random people asking you where you're from, what schools you got into, what you’re going to major in, and other equally thoughtless questions every five minutes. And while most people you meet are just as overwhelmed and excited as you, a few might be... freeloading imposters. So, next time you meet someone who seems a little too perfect, a little too mysterious, or just too good at navigating Annenberg, ask yourself the only question that matters: Do they even go here?

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\r\nRead the rest of our Visitas 2025 feature here!

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('

{shortcode-d491702c0a4041a2f54cdce3825e3bcb14239e4b}Welcome to Harvard’s campus, prefrosh! We know you’ve probably been eagerly looking forward to exploring all of the photo-esque parts of campus you’ve seen online. But there is so much more that Harvard has to offer… at least if your so-called tour guide (read: other prefrosh or overly invested current student) has anything to say about it. Unfortunately for you, their suggestions are a bit lacking. If you’d like to avoid walking ten thousand miles this weekend for no real reason, you’ll listen to us.

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Tasty Basty

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If you think this has something to do with turkey basters, you’ve somehow managed to fall behind on your readings before committing. Something will probably happen in the basement of Tasty Burger this weekend, but trust us, you don’t need (or want) to be there.

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Holworthy Basement

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If Tasty Basty wasn’t small or sweaty enough, boy, do we have something in store for you! Once you get access to Sidechat, you’ll undoubtedly scroll past posts reading, “roll Holworthy basement!” more times than any of us would like to admit; save being traumatized by visiting the basement till then.

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The Student Organizations Center at Hilles (SOCH)

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The name is a lie. No student group has ever met in this building. (Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration, but we’d never choose to meet anyone but our worst enemies here.) The only thing I’ve ever done in the SOCH is count down the minutes until I can leave. There are no redeeming qualities to this building. It makes us upset.

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The Charles River

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You cross this to get to the Harvard Business School. That’s about it.

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Harvard Business School

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Unnecessary detour. But now that you’re here, you can get ahead on McKinsey recruitment! Small mercies.

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MIT

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Undoubtedly, someone will suggest hopping on the T as a dangerous, rebellious excursion. Ah yes, nothing is more thrilling than leaving Cambridge to go to… Cambridge.

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Newbury Street

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Someone will find an aesthetic TikTok of places to visit in Boston, and Newbury Street will be the first to pop up. Is it basic? Yes. Is it overpriced? Yes. Will you still keep visiting over and over again throughout all your four years at Harvard? Also yes. At least you’ll be ahead of the game?

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Smith Rooftop Garden

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On the second floor of the Smith Campus Center lies a beautiful side quest venue where you can enjoy a late night or a casual brunch. Real plants exist here, and it feels like a true escape from the hustle and bustle of Harvard life. Unfortunately, you (or one of your Visitas “besties”) will inevitably catch sight of the infamous TikTok chairs while on the second floor, so good luck actually making it onto the rooftop.

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Smith Tenth Floor

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If you still can’t get enough of the Smith Campus Center, take a trip to its top floor! Here you’ll be able to view all of Harvard’s campus from a bird’s eye view — yes, this includes all of the prefrosh with their blaring red lanyards. (Seriously, you guys stand out like a beacon.) You’ll also be able to see other, more focused prefrosh attending the four simultaneous events you’d bookmarked on your calendar. If you love the feeling of FOMO, we suppose this spot might be worth the trip.

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The Harvard Crimson

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Jokes aside, this is a must-see part of campus during Visitas. How else would you be able to sign up to join the funniest and coolest and smartest and awesomest group of people as a writer for Flyby Blog? Comp Flyby.

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In all, there is so much more to Harvard’s campus than its beautiful red brick aesthetic. These places, though? Not it. You’re lucky you have us to save your time, steps, and energy so that you can fully enjoy your weekend!

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Read the rest of our Visitas 2025 feature here!

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('

{shortcode-5ef5522d740fa2ba435e23c4449c8decd144fd85}Hello ’29ers! Are you hyped for Visitas? I know I was. But then the difference between my Visitas expectations and reality hit me hard. Real hard. Luckily for you, I’m here 2 tell you 9 things to know for Visitas. (See what I did there?)

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1. Adding your LinkedIn details to the spreadsheet someone made will not magically transform your life.

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My year, there was a spreadsheet circulating for people to drop their LinkedIns (cue jazz hands), and it eventually mutated to include LinkedIns from some school in New Haven and a few other colleges that don’t bear mentioning. This is, in fact, doing too much. Your life will be fine without the extra few connections.

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2. You’re (probably) not going to meet your next BFF within the next 1.5 days.

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I understand that Visitas is a nerve-wracking time, and if you didn’t go to one of the 21 major feeder schools (or just don’t have any friends visiting campus this weekend), it can feel like you’re a fish out of water. And that’s okay; there’s no need to force it.

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3. The likelihood of you (or anyone else) remembering everyone’s name is 0.0000000000001 percent.

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No matter how many times someone tells you their name, where they’re from, and what they’re thinking of concentrating in, it is near impossible to not forget everything they just said within the following 10 seconds to seven minutes. You could try composing a mnemonic device for every person, maybe, but you will forget. And so will they…

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4. Missing a club event will not screw you over for the next four years.

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A lot of clubs will end up hosting events at the same exact time, each precisely planned to rope you into their pyramid schemes. You do not need to run yourself ragged trying to hit all of them (unless there’s some very lucrative free merch). Missing a club’s Visitas mixer or speaker panel will not result in your permanent blacklisting from said club (unless it’s a really weird club), so just come talk to us about Flyby.

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5. An Instagram post of a Veritaffle is not worth waiting in the massive line.

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I genuinely think this line was longer than the 57 miles of Widener stacks put together. Once you join the line, you’ll be committing to perhaps two and a half hours of standing awkwardly in the middle of Annenberg, so spare your soul (and the soles of your feet) and don’t bother. The story post of a multigrain waffle with whipped cream and a few berries is not worth it. You can pretty much have it every day once you choose our wonderful school.

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6. You don’t actually have to eat where your host lives.

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Speaking of dining experiences, I could not find the Lowell dhall (where I thought I’d have to eat) because my host was MIA for a very, very long time, but that didn’t affect me at all. I ate every meal in the beautiful Annenberg Hall, and no one questioned me once. (As a rising sophomore, I will miss it dearly next year.)

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7. Your host will probably be busy.

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Now, speaking of hosts, some might be really overly enthusiastic, but others will be shockingly cold. If your host is so aloof they might as well be the John Harvard statue, just know, it is almost exam season, and there are definitely other current students who are thrilled to spend time with you if you seek them out. Perhaps you’ll find them at The Crimson’s open house?

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8. Yes, the small talk really is that bad.

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Apologies. How often do you have to repeat the name of your hometown? Wait, sorry, what were you thinking of majoring — wait, sorry, concentrating — in? Wow, what a long list of words I don’t even understand. OMG, you’re so right, the weather is pretty. Roll Crim!

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9. The social media posts aren’t the full story.

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Okay, you’ve probably heard this before. But social media really shows you just the surface. Even if it doesn’t look like other people are drained or experiencing any emotion besides ecstasy, chances are, they also feel the anxiety or exhaustion you’re feeling. It’s perfectly normal. Just be yourself.

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Most of all, just don’t sweat it. It’s never that deep. Take a deep breath, relax your shoulders, and understand that this is just one taste of the chaos that will be freshman year. Hopefully, this will solve, at least temporarily, nine of your 29 problems.

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Read the rest of our Visitas 2025 feature here!

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('

{shortcode-47ec01bb0d44405fefebbce45ee66c9c401bc45f}Visitas is almost upon us, which means the Yard will soon be swarming with prefrosh pretending to be Elle Woods, Mark Zuckerberg, or whichever main-character fantasy they associate with Harvard. But you may well find yourself with a home base beyond the gates of the Yard. If you’re wondering whether the Visitas gods have cursed you or blessed you with a halfway decent floor to crash on. don’t worry — we’ve got you. Here’s our very official, extremely accurate, and absolutely unbiased round-up of the upperclassman dorms you might stay in during Visitas weekend.

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Adams

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Adams House is a bit… unpredictable. You might end up in the Inn, Claverly Hall, or honestly, who knows where. The one thing we do know is that the dhall is at the Inn (for now, at least). The location is great — right in the heart of the Square — but you might find yourself dodging a horde of tourists (and other prefrosh) on your way out the door.

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Cabot

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Cabot is a place that can only be defined with slang like “aura” and “vibes,” despite being in the Quad. Their dhall not only overlooks the gorgeous, gorgeous Quad lawn through giant windows, but also has outside tables if you’d rather smell the roses while enjoying the first of many HUDS meals. With plenty of single rooms to go around, you’re sure to get a sense of the spacious living conditions enjoyed by quadlings. But the best of Cabot is also the real hidden gem of the entire Quad: Cabot Cafe. Grab your AP study materials — or whatever it is that high schoolers do these days — and lock in with a good matcha and lo-fi music like a proper Harvard student.

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Currier

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Currier House is the chillest House in the Quad (sorry, Pfoho). If you’re staying here for Visitas, consider that a win. You’ve been placed in a luxurious (retirement) home. Currier features a modern aesthetic, good vibes, and a great dhall (with a fountain?!). Yes, you’re in the Quad, but only a shuttle away from the chaos of the Square (and tourists who think Widener is a public library). Their rooms? Huge. Windows? Massive. Vibes? Immaculate. They have amazing living (and floor) space, lounges that people actually use, and more Mario Kart tournaments than they might care to admit. So settle in, enjoy the fresh Quad air, and know that Currier might not be in the center of the action, but it is in the heart of the Quad.

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Dunster

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With its charming amenities and gorgeous dhall, this dorm seems like something out of your wildest dreams, and honestly, there’s not a lot to complain about. You’re right by the Charles River, which means prime views and plenty of opportunities to daydream about some suitably try-hard future undergraduate pastimes, like running by the river every morning (even though deep down you know you won’t). Also, Dunster has elevators, which is (unfortunately) a luxury on campus, so five points to Gryffindor Dunster!

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Eliot

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Staying in Eliot? Congratulations, you’re one of the lucky few who’ll get to experience it before the renovations. That’s right. You’re stepping into Harvard (soon-to-be) history! Eliot is elegant with old-school charm, very tall ceilings, an even more gorgeous central courtyard, and one of the most stunning dhalls on campus. I (Daisy) stayed in Eliot when I visited as a prefrosh, and let me tell you — the floor space? Unreal. My suitcase did not have to be wedged between the bed and the desk. I stretched. I thrived. And I considered not leaving. Here, you’ll be in for a treat. With great views of the Charles River, make sure to enjoy the quiet luxury, the architecture, and your brief moment of Eliot glory before dust and hard hats move in. Because someday you’ll say I knew Eliot when…

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Kirkland

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Oh, Kirkland, our first love. It may not be the most renovated dorm, and yes, you might end up with some interesting roommates, but it definitely gives you all the classic college vibes. People hang out in the courtyard, lounge on hammocks, and embrace the weird. Plus, Kirkland is all about community <3. Kirklanders are proud of their House and its quirky traditions, so you’ll definitely feel that tight-knit vibe that will make you want to stay. Oh, and make sure to swing by their weekly cult meeting gathering on Sunday evening. It’s called The Choosening.

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Leverett

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Students staying in Leverett can find comfort in the fact that this is among the most pleasant housing wins for Visitas. With its dhall’s iconic checkered floors, it’s hard to not immediately be enamoured with the aesthetic of the House. If you’re not in the building that houses the dhall (McKinlock Hall), you’ll stay in one of the two towers, enjoying the second tallest views offered by the Houses. Their two courtyards sit right along the riverside, so be on the lookout for the cutest little bunnies scurrying around the block.

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Lowell

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Lowell feels like the Ritz-Carlton disguised as a dorm, with colorful modern furniture, generously sized windows, and spaces so pretty, you’ll forget you're on a college campus. The dining hall (dhall) is always buzzing with friend groups chatting, laughing, and not psetting (okay, maybe just a little). If you’re lucky, you might stumble into one of their weekend tea seminars — not the Boston Tea Party kind. Pretend that the Sunday afternoon bells aren’t making you go crazy, and you’ll be fine… trust.

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Mather

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The term “concrete jungle” perfectly defines Mather. Though you may not get Harvard’s iconic red brick walls, the brutalist details kind of perfectly reflect the feeling of hauling it from the Yard to the very edge of campus. The House’s high-rise is the tallest of all the dorms (cope, Leverett), with truly goated views of the river and of Boston across the water. Yes, spaces are a bit tight here, but their network of suites gives you a replacement family for a weekend! Although the dhall and the main House pathways are extremely reminiscent of the confusing “Squid Game” stairs, it really only adds to the uniqueness of the House. But sadly, its location knocks it down more than a few pegs, so we suggest making friends with other Visitas Matherites and judging the other (shorter) Houses on your trek back.

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Pforzheimer

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There’s a reason Pfoho is called the Palace of the Quad. With an extremely sunny double-decker dhall and an extremely laid back atmosphere, no meal goes wrong here. Plus, they have fun little hidden havens like an in-House spa room and a newly-upgraded arcade. This House likes to flex with their ridiculous number of singles and very spacious common rooms, so you’ll likely get a makeshift room with your very own couch, which is more than any of the River Houses can say. Although you’re not directly in the Square, the walk between the Yard and the Quad will give you a chance to feel Cambridge spring in full bloom.

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Quincy

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The People’s House. Where the suites are sweet and the dhall sunlight hits different. If you’re crashing here for Visitas, you lucked out. Quincy has comfort and convenience that makes you think, Yeah, I could do four years here. As a temporary resident, you have easy access to hot breakfast, and it’s likely that your host will have a spacious common room; we’re thinking that you might get to sleep on a couch instead of the (beautiful) floor. Quincy’s location is never too far from the action, so hopefully you’ll only get lost, like, twice this weekend.

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Winthrop

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You can’t go wrong with a renovated House, which is exactly what awaits you at Winthrop. The hallway singles that make up most of your accommodations are decent enough to be a pleasant home away from home for the weekend, and with five courtyards (yes, five), you’ll have ample opportunity to go out and touch some grass. And late at night, when you’re tired after a full day of programming, Winthrop Grille is always there to welcome you with open arms and a warm plate of deep-fried goodness. If you really want to flex on your hometown friends, be sure to visit the JFK Suite and pretend (manifest) that you’ll be president one day.

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An Honorable Mention: Cronkhite

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If you’re staying in Cronkhite this weekend, congrats! You’ve officially unlocked the secret bonus level of campus housing. Where is it? Great question! So glad you asked. These dorm rooms are located on the second and third floors of the admissions office, which is poetic if you think about it. You got into the best college ever, and now you’re sleeping above the people who chose you. A true full circle moment. No, it’s not near the Yard, the river, nor the Quad. It’s hard to find but weirdly peaceful, with AC in the hallways and endless juices and sodas in the dhall (stock up, seriously). We must warn you, though, that the rooms are small. Like, “should-I-not-host-or-just-hope-they-like-crowded-spaces” small. If you’re staying here for the weekend, definitely leave for events early, ask your hosts for snacks, and say hello to the building’s lovely cleaning staff. Just know, if you can survive Cronk, you can survive Harvard.

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\r\nRead the rest of our Visitas 2025 feature here!

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('

{shortcode-cc7f42f2b503464db997802e2fdc57d911a3b9bf}With finals just around the corner, you might think that this is the time for you to finally lock in. And perhaps it should be, but first, there is one much more pressing matter on the agenda: welcoming another class of students to campus. It’s time to roll out the red carpet and set the stage for another torrent of Visitas excitement. Whether you’re a current student reflecting on your first days on campus or a new admit just discovering the best blog ever, we know that you’ll love reading (and rereading) our takes on this beloved campus tradition in our Visitas 2025 feature.

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4/23: The grass has been subjected to chemical treatments for weeks. The sun has finally deigned to shine for more than an hour at a time. A ridiculous number of clubs have had to beg a ridiculous number of club members to host prefrosh for a coveted spot at the club fair. All of campus has primped and prepped for Visitas, so it’s only right that you bother to learn the etiquette. We’re not tossing you into the deep end, though; with our comprehensive vocabulary list, dress code guidance, and tips on organizing your weekend itinerary, you’re sure to make the right impression.

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4/24: Believe it or not, every writer on Flyby once was a prefrosh, full of life and ecstatic at the thought of spending a weekend strolling through campus. Now that we are dinosaurs jaded full of wisdom from our many years on campus, Visitas weekend is a time for reflection on our own introductions to campus and college life. If you’re wise, you’ll choose to learn from our experiences. We’ve been a little too invested in meeting everyone and doing everything. We’ve been sidetracked by ridiculous — though very fun — side quests. And we’ve been very, very confused about our hosts’ dorms. If you listen to us, your Visitas might be just that much better.

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4/25: While Visitas might sound like Veritas, not everyone will be in the truth-telling spirit when they arrive on campus. If you’re in the mood to search for the truth, however elusive it might be, we have some advice on distinguishing the true admits from would-be thieves of your free merch. Or perhaps you’d like to stretch the truth a bit yourself? (After all, first impressions are forever, and you really need this one to be perfect.) If you listen to us — as you should — you’ll be ready to debut a new persona or act like a local just in time for Sunday.

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4/28: Before you all desert campus and we all disappear into our Lamont cubicles, we have one last bit of wisdom to share with you…

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4/29: Now that the prefrosh have left campus, it’s time to gossip reminisce about their time in the Yard.

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('

{shortcode-f1906d9bb87db795f5e6861e12e2ea76491331cc} Dear Class of 2029 (aka future Flyby writers),

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Welcome to Harvard! We are so glad that we get to be your linguistic guides for your Visitas experience, so make sure to pull out some of these terms to make you blend in as a true… Harvardian? Cantabrigian? Crimson? We might not have a word for a student of Harvard College, but here are 29 words that we know that the Class of 2029 definitely should, too.

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1. Berg — Short for Annenberg, where all the first-year students dine on meals ranging from one big boom to five big booms. You’ll make a lot of awkward eye contact here as you search for an open seat. It’s also the site for a much more enjoyable rite of passage: sitting down with random strangers and meeting your new besties!

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2. Block — Also known as a blocking group. The group of friends — or hodgepodge of acquaintances — you’ll enter the rising sophomore housing lottery with in the spring. It’s a twisted social experiment that sometimes ends well, sometimes not so much.

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3. Brain Break — Free nightly snacks, served from 9 to 11 p.m. on school nights, aka “emotional support carbs.”

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4. Cabot — A House in the Quad (see below), but it’s also a library in the Science Center. We know, it’s very confusing.

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5. Comp — Allegedly short for either competition or completion (or both!) — the ritual that crushes dreams and builds résumés.

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6. Concentration — A fancy word for major. Also a reminder of what you lose during midterms.

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7. Consulting — Where half of you will end up, no matter what your concentration or dreams once were or are at the moment.

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8. CV — Your résumé, constantly evolving and never emotionally fulfilling.

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9. Dhall — Abbreviation for dining hall. Each upperclassman house has its own dhall, though… Some are definitely better than others.

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10. Entryway — People who share your door to the outside world (read: brick sidewalks) and your suffering. 20 to 40 souls, one shared WiFi router.

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11. Flyby — Misspelled as “FlyBy,” refers to grab-and-go food in the basement of Berg, but it really means the best board of The Harvard Crimson.

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12. Gem — A great class you take when your GPA is falling faster than your hopes of a relationship. Low commitment and low effort but high reward.

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13. House — Your upperclassman home. Comes with friends, tutors, and more networking opportunities.

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14. HUDS — Harvard University Dining Services. Serving food, feelings, and an occasional identity crisis.

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15. Lamonster — A creature rumored to live on Lamont Library’s third floor, fueled by sheer desperation and LamCaf (Lamont Café) coffee.

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16. MBB — McKinsey, Bain, and Boston Consulting Group. The Holy Trinity of consulting that you will want to sell your soul by sophomore fall, if you don’t already. Or Mind, Brain, and Behavior.

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17. Meese — The (non-grammatically correct) plural of “moose.” Also Dunster’s mascot. Don't question it.

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18. Noch’s — Short for Pinocchio’s Pizza. Open late, judgment-free, and tastes like salvation at 2 a.m.

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19. PAF — Peer Advising Fellow. Paid to be your friend… and somehow (sometimes) actually are.

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20. Prehab — Drinking electrolytes before setting out to fight the Sunday Scaries like a champ.

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21. (Freshman) Quad — The Radcliffe Quadrangle is for upperclassmen, but the so-called Freshman Quad is composed of three dorms that sit outside of Harvard Yard: Greenough, Hurlbut, and Pennypacker, also known as the Union Dorms. Harvard’s version of exile… with charm.

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22. SEC — Science and Engineering Complex. Sleek, shiny, and a soul-sucking Wi-Fi vortex.

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23. Section — A mini-class where participation counts for 50 percent of your grade and confusion multiplies.

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24. Smith — The Smith Campus Center, the only place where tourists, students, and locals all (at times) peacefully coexist under a single roof. You can find a rooftop garden, a cityscape view, and like five different places to get coffee — the side quests are endless.

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25. Stacks — The 57 miles of rows of books and catalogues in Widener Library (or the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library, if you ask Google Maps). Come for the books; stay for the silence that screams.

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26. Tasty Basty — The legendary basement of the Tasty Burger establishment in the Square, where the most frighteningly sad epic parties are thrown.

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27. TF — Teaching Fellow. Roughly equivalent to a TA at less pretentious other institutions. Knows everything and also nothing. Honestly more helpful than the professor…

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28. Tutor — Fancy word for RA. They're your guide, therapist, and emergency printer all in one.

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29. When2Meet — A scheduling tool. Also the reason you now have three overlapping meetings on Wednesdays.

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Read the rest of our Visitas 2025 feature here!

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('

{shortcode-551348390f4943753b920b54134a77b1ec8a362a}Welcome, prefrosh! Whether you came to Visitas to help decide whether or not to commit to Harvard (spoiler alert: you should), to dream about the next four years, or to shamelessly show off on your Instagram story, chances are you’re now trying to figure out how to make the most of this elusive weekend. And while we can’t give you a step-by-step guide (or can we?), we can lay out some of the tried and true strategies for winning at Visitas.

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Download every event onto your Google Calendar.

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While I’m not quite sure how to do it myself, I do know it is possible to download the entire calendar of (registered) events during Visitas onto your GCal. For those wanting to make it to every single open house and event during Visitas, this is the strategy for you. Be warned, this strategy is not for the faint of heart, as it’ll drown your entire weekend under layers and layers of multi-colored events that leave you without room to even breathe. You may not lose track of all the events going on across campus, but you may just lose your sanity…

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Fill your camera roll with event flyers.

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I may be biased here because this was my Visitas strategy, but filling your camera roll with photos and screenshots of all the event flyers you encounter is a lower commitment version of the GCal strategy. This strategy can be tailored to your specific interests while also giving you a wide list of events to drop by on a whim. Plus, it gives some appreciation to the Canva heroes behind those flyers. The only caveat to this strategy is that you may lose that Crimson open house flyer in the hundreds of pictures of the Yard you’ll inevitably take. Proceed with caution!

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\r\nMake a to-do list.

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If you’re already thinking of Visitas as a series of smaller prefrosh adventures, the to-do list might be the way to go for you. Whether that be a list of buildings to visit, clubs to see, or lectures to attend, you know what you want. So make that to-do list — but be flexible with it. In order to truly win at Visitas, you need to embrace your inner overachiever and explore the unknown. Take some detours! Add some whimsy to your weekend! Breathe in all of the intellectual vitality!

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Wander aimlessly across campus.

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For some, the best Visitas strategy is no strategy at all. In the spirit of a liberal arts education and trying not to overwhelm yourself, the ‘aimless wandering’ strategy involves exploring campus without a specific roadmap and seeing where you wind up. This strategy really has no limits and could lead you to discover a future favorite study spot on campus or even make friends you otherwise never would have met.

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Regardless of how you decide to take on Visitas, remember that you’ve already won by being here! Enjoy yourself and get excited for everything!

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\r\nRead the rest of our Visitas 2025 feature here!

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{shortcode-e41c132dc61d0b316571fc0787635f1cd14e62f1}First impressions matter, especially when it comes to Visitas. Whoever you meet here will be your life-long friends and potential future love interests, so setting yourself up for success is crucial. I, for one, still talk to every single person I met during Visitas, and I credit this networking success to one thing: my cute fit that shone through the Zoom screen during virtual Visitas (way back when that was a thing). Here’s a guide to being voted “Best Dressed at Visitas” in your future yearbook (or in Fifteen Minutes Magazine).

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Harvard Merch

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Leave the people with no doubt that you are either a Harvard student or an overzealous tourist. If you’re a walking ad for the Harvard Shop, they might pay you partial commission.

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Business Formal

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Recruitment season is so early lately, might as well start the moment you step foot on campus. Who knows, maybe your Visitas host is a newly hired OpenAI software engineer who can give you a referral down the line.

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Couch Potato Fit

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Exam season is approaching, so you’ll fit right in with the students.

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Yale Merch

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Heck, recreate the Khurana dog picture. It’s a rite of passage.

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Turkey Fit

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Welcome to New England. Maybe they won’t attack you if you look like them. (Probably not, but one can dream.)

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Joe Biden Fit

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For people who didn’t get an invite to the exclusive Institute of Politics event last week.

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Future Final Club Member Fit

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Carry around a plank of wood.

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Remember, people always judge a book by its cover.

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\r\nRead the rest of our Visitas 2025 feature here!

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{shortcode-0db5bff447d0c946ae13d314fb96e6b2ce078989}If April showers bring May flowers, what should Harvard students do in the meantime? Most trees are dead. Most days are gloomy. The wind is lethal. Sometimes it’ll even snow in the morning if you wake up early enough to see it… (a rare occasion with finals around the corner). As a Floridian, I’m extremely disoriented. I’m usually in the pool by March (if not earlier). Without the warm days of 80-degree weather back home, I’ve slowly come to appreciate the semi-nice days Cambridge blesses us with every now and then. The high of 59. The sun shining on my cold, paler-than-it-was-a-year-ago skin. The indecisiveness of it all: rainy in the morning, sunny in the afternoon, rainy in the evening all over again. I enjoy the semi-nice days for what they are — and something I’ve learned is that you have to. Otherwise, days or weeks could pass by before you get a semi-nice day to enjoy again. That doesn’t have to be you, dear burnt-out Harvard student. All it takes is a couple of easy steps.

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Make the World Your Stage

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Don’t know if you should wear short sleeves or a jacket? Jeans or jorts? Put it all on. Everything. Dress in layers when it’s cloudy and cold — and rip it all off the moment the sun starts shining (cue the dramatic outfit reveal). Cambridge is your runway, and you’re the model! Plus, if it happens to rain, you can always cover yourself up with your old layers. Stylish and super logistically sound. You’ll be prepared for anything.

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Ditch the Puffer

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More importantly: ditch the puffer. When was the last time you cleaned it anyway? It’s okay, you can be honest. (It’s not like you’re the only one.) Do us all a service (please), and give us a new (clean) outfit to praise and compliment. The best part about semi-nice weather is that you’re not confined to only hot or only cold weather-appropriate clothing. In the summer, you’re wearing the bare minimum. In the winter, you’re wearing the absolute most. If you really think about it… semi-nice weather is another form of freedom. Get creative and experiment!

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Listen to Mother Nature

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My proposed thesis is that a semi-nice day is actually nature’s way of helping you improve your work-life balance. To all my Lamonsters out there, it’s time to turn over a new leaf. Lock in when the clouds cover the sky and the weather is iffy. But the moment the sun comes out? It’s time to go outside and touch some grass. Read a book while lying in the Yard. Get a sweet treat. Life is worth living, and you’re so back. Mother Nature is begging you to restore balance to your stressful life (and to stop sleeping in the library basements). All you need to do is listen — with a little bit of romanticizing, of course.

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Embrace the College Postcard Aesthetic

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If the sun is out and you’re not out on the lawn having a picnic or doing homework, are you even Harvard-ing correctly? After the dreadful weather we had to endure this winter, 60 degrees is the new 80 degrees. Does that make sitting outside a little bit unconventional? Sure. Will the sun only be out for an hour? Well, yes! And, you know what, that’s okay. For an hour, you could become the next face featured on the admissions website (or one of Dean Khurana’s final Instagram features). You’ve already dressed the part. Now lock in!

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Run While You Still Can

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Listen, you could go to Boston on the weekend when it’s rainy and nasty, or you could go now when it’s semi-nice. Make your choice! Alas, if you’re scared that your window of sunshine will be wasted during the commute, fear not. Put your headphones on, walk along the Charles River, find a bench to sit on, contemplate life, and pretend you’re the main character in a coming-of-age movie. Forget about that pset for just an hour! Or more. Those come around three times a week. Semi-nice days, however? Those are a rarity.

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While semi-nice days might not be perfect, they do give you the best (semi-best?) of both worlds. Why have just April showers or May flowers when you can have both? When summer brings you its first heat wave, part of you will miss these semi-nice days — as awkward and confusing as they might be.

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{shortcode-7f8bae56655a3e2e964bcebb0443b0af16764413}If you live under a rock and didn’t already know, Biden was on campus last week at an exclusive Institute of Politics event. Around 50 bright-eyed and bushy-tailed students had the opportunity to see him talk, while hundreds of others took to Sidechat to voice their complaints (as they often do about IOP events). The decision process was confusing at best, so we decided to take the liberty of proposing better — and more fun — ways to decide on the shortlist for meeting the former President next time.

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Running at Full Speed (In Dress Clothes)

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TikTok has me curious about what people look like when running at full speed (seriously, we need to bring back dead sprinting). What better way is there to decide than choosing invitees based on who can run the fastest — or the funniest — while dressed in their Biden-meeting outfit? Plus, we’d learn who we can outrun in the event of a bear attack. (Spoiler: IOP kids aren’t known for their athleticism.)

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Ice Cream Eating Dropping Contest

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We’ve all seen the videos: Biden loves his chocolate chocolate chip… right up until he drops it (like when he was here). In order to meet the former president, you need to be able to adapt to any scenario. When he drops his ice cream, everyone should be prepared to (gracefully) do the same.

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Fashion Show

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I can admit that some IOP kids are fashionistas when they’re not waylaid in Littauer Room 166 (and I’m lowkey jealous), so let's organize a “Dress to Impress”-esque runway show and have Biden sit on the judge panel. If you aren’t top three on the podium, you’re cut.

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SAT Scores

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Since your test scores were once used to decide if you could attend this school, they of course should dictate whether or not you can attend this highly sought-after event as well. Yes, that test you took anxiously at 16 years old will never lose relevance in your life.

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Survivor Challenge

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If we can get Joe Biden, we can surely get Jeff Probst, arguably the expert in challenges. Let’s see how long IOP kids can last in a Survivor-inspired endurance challenge (... probably not that long).

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Whether They Think the Dress Was Black/Blue or Gold/White

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Harvard has a reputation to live up to, and we have to keep this in mind when choosing who gets to meet the former President. If you’re still team gold-and-white after all these years, we hate to break it to you — you are NOT invited.

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Number of Instagram Followers (LinkedIn Connects, Perchance?)

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Since selfies with the former President will be circulating on attendees’ Instagrams, it’s only natural that those with the most followers should be the ones posting these!

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Three-Round Comp and Interview Process (Don’t Forget Coffee Chats)

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Lol, this one sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

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Whether or Not They Have Their License

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Nobody who cannot operate a motor vehicle should be meeting the former President of the United States. I don’t care if you’re from New York — this is a life skill, people.

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Whether or Not They Have a Summer Internship

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If you have a summer internship, why do you need to network with the former President of the United States? Save some for the rest of us, and enjoy your employment.

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Concentration, Category Is… Politicians!

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Washington, Adams, Jefferson… you fill in the rest. Do you even know the preamble song? You don’t just get to pop into government things when it’s convenient; prove your political knowledge!

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Number of Dean Khurana Instagram Features

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If you haven’t been featured on the beloved Khuranagram before, how can you expect to have what it takes to pose for a selfie with Biden? Why would you go if you can’t even get a picture with him?

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See, IOP, was it that hard to create a fair attendee selection process? All jokes aside, Flyby appreciates all of your hard work and efforts to bring speakers to campus; if you ever need any more, we’re right here (we don’t charge)!

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