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{shortcode-119a0f679da154a1e5149b1d70e2483f8ca21784}

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Lamont Library has always been my go-to place to work — I’ve spent countless hours there, possibly even months if we’re being honest, which is slightly depressing, but we’re not unpacking that right now. I’ve oscillated between the first and third floors depending on my mental state and level of desperation. It’s one of the few places where I could find peace and tranquility to concentrate and escape the noise and chaos of campus life — or at least I used to be able to.

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When I walked into Lamont this year on a fairly normal Wednesday night (assignment deadline: 11:59 p.m., my arrival time: 9:47 p.m.), I was ready to lock in and settle into my usual spot on the first floor, which had been reliably quiet for the past two years. A sanctuary. A haven.

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But something had changed. Something sinister.

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Instead of silence, I was met with continuous chatter. Not even the occasional whisper that you can passive-aggressively sigh at. No, these were full-volume OUTSIDE VOICES. I craned my neck to try to stare down the offending group to get them to lower their voices. But instead of shame and whispered apologies, I was met with an indifferent eye-roll, as if I were the one committing crimes against humanity.

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And then I realized: this was not an isolated incident. This was not just one rogue group of freshmen. There were MULTIPLE groups of freshmen, scattered across the first floor. It was an invasion. A violation of Lamont’s sanctity.

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Still holding onto hope and sheer desperation, I fled to the Farnsworth Room on the third floor — the SILENT floor, the floor so sacred that even clearing your throat feels like a felony. And there, in that hallowed space, I witnessed a freshman playing their music out loud. No earbuds. Just raw, unfiltered music assaulting everyone within a 15-foot radius.

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So dear freshmen,

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The basement in Lamont exists for a REASON, and that reason is YOU. Cabot Library is literally right across the Yard — a whole separate building where you can socialize. Have you ever stepped into a library before? Did you skip the part in elementary school where they explain indoor voice etiquette and how to behave in a library? Were you perhaps homeschooled by wolves?

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Lamont has silent floors for a reason — why else would I trek all the way from Mather, if not for the promise of SILENCE?

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Just in case you never had the chance to visit a library before arriving at one of the world’s most prestigious universities (no judgment, but also how), let me explain how good manners can make the library a pleasant place for everyone! It’s quite simple if you follow these three rules:

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1. Maintain Quiet: This means using your inside voice. You know, the one you were supposed to develop in kindergarten? On silent floors, you should step outside to have conversations, even if you’re just breathing loudly. Think about acting like a library mime, or taking a vow of silence.

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2. Eat/Drink in Designated Areas Only: Yes, LamCaf exists. Yes, it’s right there. No, you may not bring your Jefe’s/Felipe’s burrito bowl to the third floor. I don’t care if you’re “studying through dinner” — the person next to you should not be able to identify that you ordered extra guac. Save your three-course meal for literally anywhere else.

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3. Use Earbuds: This one seems obvious, but it requires clarification nonetheless. When you choose to play audio on your device, other people should not be able to hear it. It’s a crazy concept, I know! Earbuds are not just a fashion accessory. They serve a specific purpose. That purpose is preventing me from having to hear your brainrot reels on repeat.

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There’s a lot to learn at the library! You can also have fun! By using good manners, you can make sure everyone else enjoys their visit too!

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I speak for the people — the tired, the stressed, the upperclassmen who remember when Lamont was a place of peace — when I kindly, firmly, and desperately BEG the freshmen to shut up in Lamont. Respectfully. But also urgently. Midterms are approaching, and I simply cannot take it any longer. The silent floors are silent for a reason.

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Sincerely,

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Someone Who Just Wants To Do Their Readings in Peace

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{shortcode-93ce8224a04d1543ea8a9ed041c8a2b4c52a5b9d}

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Ever since I started my time at Harvard, I felt like there was a hole in my life, something missing that I deeply yearned for. A part of me that was unable to be expressed due to my choice of college. I battled with this unknown for more than a year, tossing and turning at night wondering what this feeling could be. It was not until one graceful Friday that I finally discovered what I needed.

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As I left the FlyBy line (rename it, Harvard.) I opened my email, and in my flooded inbox I spotted something that almost brought me to my knees: the Signet Society was hosting a performative male contest, in three hours. At that moment, I dropped everything I was doing and ran back to my Lowell dorm to change — I just knew this event was the exact thing I had been waiting for. I could finally live up to my performative potential.

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The most important part of this contest would be my outfit. It needed to be flawless, from thrifted loafers to an entirely-too-small beanie, I had to embody a true performative male. Unfortunately, as I rummaged through my closet, I was coming up empty. At the end of the day, I had to work with what I had, so I called my most performative friend to be a stylist.

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The outfit was simple, yet effective. As a base, I had baggy cargo pants, a Clairo tour t-shirt (half-tucked, of course), a beige short-sleeve button-up, and a pair of skater shoes — honestly, I was dressed like the average Harvard guy. The outfit would be nothing in comparison to my fellow competitors — I predicted — so I had to turn to accessories, and this is where I shone. I boasted an extensive array of jewelry, including a pinky ring made out of a spoon, a tote bag with a speaker to play my Clairo, a carabiner on my belt loop with a heft keychain attached, a hydroflask mug with homemade matcha and, most importantly, two labubus (yes, I own two. No, I do not know why).
\r\n
\r\nI frantically put the final touches on my outfit and rushed to the contest, only to be met with something that shocked me. I was weak compared to the other six contestants — I had to step up my game. A crowd of nearly fifty watched as we went through rounds, expressing gratitude for the beautiful women in our lives, acknowledging the stolen land on which we reside, bonding over our favorite classic feminist literature authors, and sharing stories of how we contribute to advancing the feminist movement on a daily basis.

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The contestants dwindled, and I was doing solid, clinching a spot in the top three. The final round would be the ultimate test — I had to outperform the two most performative people I had ever met in a runway-style fashion show. I gave it my all, appealed to the crowd, lied about being an orphan after another competitor said he had two moms and six sisters, showed off my adorned labubus, and did anything I could to win over this crowd of Harvard students with nothing better to do on a Friday afternoon.

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Waiting for the results was a nail-biter, and as we three finalists walked out of the Signet House, arm-in-arm, to hear the winner announced, I was met with crushing disappointment. I had placed third in the contest that I had waited more than a year to compete in, to finally express myself. I still carry that immense disappointment to this day on my shoulders. Next time Harvard hosts a performative male contest, trust me, I will be back for vengeance. This time, with loafers, a chai, a thrifted leather jacket, and the knowledge base of a dedicated male feminist.

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{shortcode-3176f48ee6cdded16fab2474fb76f5ece4e64f8e}

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When one door closes, another door opens. With the Harvard Square Starbucks closing its doors last Saturday, we’re left with a prime piece of real estate and one looming question: what should take its place? Spoiler alert: not another bank.

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1. Literally any chain fast food restaurant

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Because why do we have to spend an extra $15 for someone to drive us a McChicken when it can be in walking distance!

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2. Another Eliot overflow dorm

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I wouldn’t doubt it. They’ll really put us anywhere.

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3. A rage room

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It’s midterm season. Already. Let it out here instead of by sending an emotional email to your TF.

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4. An urgent care

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So you don’t have to wait one trillion years for HUHS to actually have availability.

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5. An REI co-op

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For the freshmen who still dream of their FOP days, and for those whose parents forced them to pick Harvard over Dartmouth (looking at you, HOC-ers). And also for those who just want a new water bottle.

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6. A laundromat

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Because we are all tired of paying for three dryer cycles (with increased pricing, may I remind you) and having our clothes STILL be wet.

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7. An Apple Store

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So you don’t have to buy a new (off-brand) charger from CVS for $30.

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8. The Curious George shop (again)

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Because why did this ever leave in the first place. Sad.

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9. Another burrito place

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Because the four other options weren’t enough.

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10. Another boba place

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Again, the Harvard Square Business Association obviously doesn’t think we have enough of these either.

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11. Another Harvard Shop

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Yet again, I don’t think that we have nearly enough of these within walking distance of each other yet.

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12. Tasty Basty

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Like Tasty Burger, but just the basement. Apparently, people don’t know what this is anymore? Bring back Harvard’s best party venue!

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13. A drone performing arts studio

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Because Harvard somehow managed to orchestrate an entire drone half-time show while everything else on campus suffered from budget cuts?

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14. A scooter store

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I am genuinely confused by the scooters here. Where are people athletes buying them? Are they shipped to the mail center? A scooter store makes way more sense than whatever the answers are to those questions.

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15. A second Berryline location

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The Berryline line is simply too long now that it has gone viral on TikTok. It’s time to expand!

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16. A Kirkland House Grille

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It really doesn’t sit right with me that Kirkland doesn’t have a grille. They seem like they would. So let’s make it a reality.

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17. Another Flyby grab-and-go lunch station

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So you can actually make it to class on time with your grab-and-go mozzarella caprese sandwich instead of being late and waiting 15 minutes for it!

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No matter what moves in, it’ll be divisive… but at least Harvard students will have something new to complain about!

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{shortcode-d8bd1dd1b55278af81b9a97dfa87a8e3f1b7a0e9}

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As a self-proclaimed donut-hater, or simply someone who would never go out of their way to buy one, I decided to team up with a self-proclaimed donut-lover Henry G. Levenson ’28 to uncover some answers to our burning questions. Like the detective Benoit Blanc in Knives Out, we wanted to see whether there was a donut hole inside the donut hole of a mystery that has plagued our campus since the beginning of time: What is the best donut in Harvard Square?

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After roaming around and trying five spots around Harvard’s campus, here’s what we’ve found out about local donut delectables:

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{shortcode-c01a792a7625013a7e288a3a1c5f297743ac9471}

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The Cheapest: Dunkin’ Donuts

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Price: Free

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We managed to scrounge up not one, but two, free Dunkin’ donuts through various club events throughout the week. Even if we had gone out of our way and paid for it, Dunkin’ is by far the cheapest option on this list, as a basic donut only costs around 1-2 dollars. We had both a blueberry glazed donut and an original glazed, and while we were impressed by the sugary crust of the blueberry glazed donut, the original donut had a yeasty flavor and a strong, oily taste. Still, as a certified Masshole, Dunkin’ holds a special spot in my heart as a veritable rite of passage for anyone looking to get the full Massachusetts experience. Ideally, you should frequent one until you experience at least one canon traumatic life event there: a breakup, your parents’ divorce, a random person (re: Matt Damon) slamming a piece of paper loudly against the window. Or maybe until you’ve had a sugar high from one donut too many (which, for us, was two).

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{shortcode-2a399bde1f37e9d774d94907618775cc507dcdfb}

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The Chewiest: The Dough Club

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Price: $4.00

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Mochi donuts (not quite mochi, not quite donut) are a staple in the Square. Their eight-part structure enables easy sharing and makes them the perfect dessert for club events, where students often fight like wild mongoose to get a morsel of food. Once, I saw a club rip a mochi donut eight ways. There was blood. I never recovered.

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ANWAYS, we were advised to try the Strawberry Mochi Donut, and while it was our favorite dough of the day, the disproportionate amount of artificially-flavored strawberry icing overpowered the nice chewy texture.

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{shortcode-3aae5c1a8a10c9dc7b345ec56df03f19e09310a9}

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The Good: Blackbird Donuts

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Price: $4.28

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Blackbird Donuts runs out of a joint sandwich shop with Sally’s Sandwiches, which feels a bit like a 2016, “live laugh love” revamp of those joint KFC-Taco Bell stores. We were intrigued by the eccentric flavors that Blackbird offered (what even is an Everything Bagel Donut?), as well as its monthly rotating menu, but in the end we decided to sample a classic that had been recommended to us: the salted toffee donut. The dough was spongy and cakey, and though we liked the hints of spice in our toffee frosting, the overall taste of the donut felt a bit homogeneous at times. If I were to rank donut stores in order of ‘most likely to create a flavor so bizarre it creates a time rift,’ however? Blackbird is on top!

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{shortcode-e136422454c1e05692369154be9b9c527ef542c8}

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{shortcode-61c53d998e169273fcf16895abc2716c3f71f799}

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The Better: Union Square Donuts

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Price: $5.01 [With a special super secret student discount]

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Upon walking into this iconic donut shop, we saw a display case full of tall, stunningly decorated donuts (the sunlight shining through the glass case was definitely a paid actor). We had initially been recommended the glittering gold Dubai chocolate donut, but Levenson steered us towards a simpler-looking Brown Butter Hazelnut Crunch. While it wasn’t slathered in food-grade gold paint and shimmering in the sun, the taste was delightful. The donut’s real hazelnut chunks brought a nuttiness that perfectly complemented the butter frosting.We also loved the small bits of vanilla speckled throughout the dough. Overall, it was a delightful balance of textures and tastes. The super-secret-student discount, which the cashier told us about but told us not to tell anyone (and I guess I’m telling you now, so oops) definitely helped sweeten the deal.

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{shortcode-d56efb01c801a759d75306b8c860ab03054ef64a}

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Hidden Gem: Saloniki Donuts

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Price: $8.55

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While most treat-lovers may know Saloniki as the local Greek chain that gives you free fries and has atrociously long wait times, they also make surprisingly delicious Greek donuts! The staff let us split our plate into two servings so we could try their most popular flavors: dubai chocolate and honey & cinnamon. In preparation for our final round of donut-tasting, we got some water to cleanse our palette and were soon served two steaming plates of fluffy dough balls, which were hot and crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. Though they did leave an oily aftertaste, and felt more like eating a funnel cake than donut, we liked that the donuts were made to order. We even had enough donut bites leftover to share with the table next to us and leave a few miserably on the table. If you’re looking for a more unconventional donut destination, Saloniki might be the place for you!

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Did this journey make me more of a donut-lover? Perhaps more appreciative of what a humble holed hunk of bread can offer? All I know is that I have a whole bag of half-eaten donuts sitting in my fridge — and hey, someone’s gotta eat them.

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{shortcode-025a64f4ee7836fe22a9a4a2fd3d1fafd3fdeb11}

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The mangled remains of our donut excursion. We are unsure of how much sugar was consumed, but it's such a frighteningly high amount that we don't want to question it.

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Hey you! Yeah, I’m talking to you. Are you lonely? Do you want friends? Who am I kidding, of course you are, and of course you do. Well look no further, because this top 10 list has everything you need to know about Harvard’s best departments, areas, standing committees, and concentrations for friendship-making. If anything goes wrong, just remember: I had nothing to do with it.

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10. Computer Science

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This 10th place position is neither a kind nor considerate gesture. On the contrary, dear Computer Science classmates, it’s merely an excuse to mention my disdain in this Flyby post. Out of the 50 fields of concentration offered here at Harvard College, I would rank you 50th if I could, but then I’d have to write about several dozen extra departments. The fact is, we’re simply not a match. Can you still help me with my CS50 pset though (preferably from a distance)?

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9. Music

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I have one Music friend here at the college, and I’m pretty sure he’s the only one doing this concentration in the entire school. However, he is very kind, so this ninth position overall is well deserved. One plus side to having a music friend: if they make it big and start selling out stadiums, they may or may not consider giving you VIP backstage passes to their shows. But from what I’ve heard from him so far, we still have a long way to go…

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8. Physics

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Hot take: I actually enjoy talking to people in the Physics department. They’re a little strange and scary when they try to calculate the time it takes the sound waves produced by my voice to travel to their ears mid-conversation, but other than that they’re chill. If you get the chance to befriend a physics concentrator in between their 12-hour-long psets, consider yourself lucky.

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7. Applied Math

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Not going to lie, there are baddies left and right in this concentration. If you want to befriend people that are absolutely cracked at math but still know how to shower (if you have a class in the SEC, 80% chance this is directed at you), Applied Math is your place to go. Surprisingly, I feel like this field has the widest range of personalities out of any other, and I enjoy that.

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6. Women, Gender, and Sexuality

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I feel as though the Women, Gender, and Sexuality field gets too much hate for “not being a real concentration.” I’m not going to weigh in on whether this is true, but the people in this committee are some of the most compassionate people on campus. The caring and considerate types of personalities you’ll find in Boylston make for some of the best friends, and I believe it is important to prioritize compassion now more than ever (rare: me being serious for once). Don’t listen to the haters, WGS.

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5. Government

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I have to rank the Government concentrators high so they can invite me to their elaborate one-percenter gated community mansion parties when they become president or something. If you want a friend who will be nationally recognized in coming years and a good laugh because you secretly know they’re just as weird as the rest of us, these are the pals for you.

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4. Folklore and Mythology

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I won’t elaborate on whether I’m ranking this program as high as it is because I actually like the people in it or if I’m just scared they would hex me if I don’t. I honestly love everything about the people in this concentration, from the pounds of crystals in their pockets to the scent of sage still lingering on their clothes. Folklore and Mythology yields quality friends that will give you a tarot reading and relate you to a niche ancient Greek god you’ve never heard of. Good vibes for sure.

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3. Economics

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Do I have ulterior motives for ranking the Economics department this high? Well, yes! God forbid this Park Avenue Princess wants to secure some Goldman Sachs friends. Despite looking at you with moderate disgust when you tell them your career isn’t on track to secure you three private jets and a chef, the people in the Economics department make for very fun — and motivated — friends. Just make sure not to ask them what one plus one is, though. Answers may vary widely.

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2. Biomedical Engineering

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While there may be baddies in the aforementioned Applied Math concentration, the Biomedical Engineering program has the baddest baddies that have ever baddied on campus. Serving you beauty, brains, and business casual blazers, this concentration has it all (call me biased all you want, I know I’m right). For those that want friends with a diverse STEM skill set that can help you with all your pset classes, look no further than the best concentration at the college.

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1. English

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Ok, I know I was just glazing the Biomedical Engineering department, but I have a special place in my heart for the English department. Something about their enjoyment of reading is alluring. I can’t even bring myself to read 10 pages of assigned readings, and you’re telling me people willingly read hundreds? Make it make sense. However, all that reading must pay off because people in this department always know what to say and when to say it, making their words more impactful than any of the previous fields — which, in my opinion, is the most important trait a friend can have. 10/10. No notes.

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So, have you made friends yet? If not, you better hurry because I’m about to have 39 departments at my door demanding to be let on the list like a freshman at an MIT frat. If you decide, for some reason, to make friends not directly based on this list, then at least make sure none of them are in Computer Science (sorry, I had to sneak another one in there). Happy hunting!

', [])

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{shortcode-4c97e59048677e0ed7172a2ae6876069b73fe0d0}

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12 houses means we needed to find another set of 12 to match up with the houses. And with houses having the same range as randomly picking June or February out of the months…this felt fitting. (Just kidding, all houses are equally great for different reasons. Yes? Right?)

\r\n\r\n

Pfoho: January

\r\n\r\n

The polar bear mascot made this one kind of a given. Yes, it’s also a trek to get there in the cold, but once you arrive, it feels like a fresh start. New year, new me.

\r\n\r\n

Kirkland: February

\r\n\r\n

Like everyone feels like they just have to get through February, everyone just has to get through the next 2 (3? 4? 5?) years of construction around Kirkland.

\r\n\r\n

Mather: March

\r\n\r\n

Some might say that March is part of spring, just as some might say that Mather is one of the river houses. Yes, it technically is, but it’s still waaayyyy farther away than you think. They still have their perks, though, like singles (Mather) and spring break (March).

\r\n\r\n

Leverett: April

\r\n\r\n

April showers bring…bunnies? With a literal bunny as its mascot and a green theme throughout, Lev embodies peak spring energy.

\r\n\r\n

Currier: May

\r\n\r\n

May is when everything finally blooms, and Currier is right there with its forest of trees (mascots). It’s giving last month of school energy: a little out of the way, but the sunshine makes you forget the trek.

\r\n\r\n

Adams: June

\r\n\r\n

With traditions like Drag night, Adams leans into its history, so giving Adams Pride month felt fitting. Also, with renovations complete, it's one of the best houses, and June is definitely among the best months.

\r\n\r\n

Cabot: July

\r\n\r\n

The long walk to the Quad means that you’ll be sweating by the time you get there. Once you settle in, it’s all sunshine and cookout energy on the Quad lawn.

\r\n\r\n

Eliot: August

\r\n\r\n

With all the construction, Eliot is basically all away on vacation. Living in the Prescotts is basically the same thing as summering on the Cape, right?

\r\n\r\n

Lowell: September

\r\n\r\n

September is back-to-school, and Lowell is that timeless, glossy Harvard brochure picture. Perfectly photogenic, classic, and screaming, “I’m the kind of person who calls the Charles the ‘Chahles.’”

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Winthrop: October

\r\n\r\n

Winthrop is pure October: grand, a little eerie, and full of history. With its river views and courtyards, it’s basically pumpkin spice in house form: classic, instagramable, and perfect for a fall stroll along the Charles.

\r\n\r\n

Dunster: November

\r\n\r\n

Dunster is Thanksgiving-core. Cozy, kind of serious, and definitely the house you’d want to curl up in with a PSL before debating politics at the dinner table.

\r\n\r\n

Quincy: December

\r\n\r\n

The people’s house has perfect December vibes: penguin mascot, holiday cheer, and an energy that’s festive and chaotic. Quincy is basically the wrapping paper aisle at CVS, but in a lovable way (of course).

\r\n\r\n

So there you have it: the objective truth about the houses over the months. Even if no one asked for this, at least now, when you get placed in a house, you’ll know exactly what kind of weather vibes you’re in for.

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-4c97e59048677e0ed7172a2ae6876069b73fe0d0}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/09/29/024109_1380585.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Going through the seasons.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>)])

('

The buzz of the fall semester at Harvard centers around summer plans, internships, and research. And suddenly, it seems your worth in society is determined by how many Linkedin connections you have. This is, most obviously, untrue — your worth in society is based on how many Instagram followers you have. As the new class arrived, and the influx of follow requests from the “I Got In! Class of 2028” pages dwindled to a slow crawl a few weeks into my freshman fall, I had an emergency on my hands: my Instagram follower/following ratio was trash.

\r\n\r\n

This was an issue of the utmost importance to me. My follower count had taken a pause, and with all of the followers gained from clubs, classes, and freshman camaraderie, I was washed up. Yet still, the three-digit number taunted me — horrible, unaesthetic, and downright embarrassing. I needed to fix this. If you find yourself in a similar situation of aura debt, follow these steps to secure some rightfully deserved followers.

\r\n\r\n

Make Posters

\r\n\r\n

Protests? Nope! House party flyers that will be (dry) and swarmed with first-years? No! Club open houses? Of course not, you silly goose! A QR code with a hyperlink to my Instagram? Yes!

\r\n\r\n

Solicit at Annenberg

\r\n\r\n

If you can manage to push through the improv groups stalking the Annenberg doors, this is a pretty solid method. I found that standing outside of the exit to Berg and then hastily gripping my classmates by their shoulders as they tried to escape (walk away) from me to be an adequate method.

\r\n\r\n

Going Table to Table During Brain Break

\r\n\r\n

The ugly twin of the previous method. The risk-reward ratio of this one was all sorts of messed up. While the chance of absolute ridicule is high (and likely), similarly, the chance of gaining 10+ new followers with one stone is a high reward. Best to weigh this one out on your own — you’re smart.

\r\n\r\n

Business Cards

\r\n\r\n

This works great when accompanied by the previous tactic. It really just gives the people something to remember you by. A great time to finally figure out Crimson Print too! (Even if it’s the end of the semester).

\r\n\r\n

Email Classmates on Canvas

\r\n\r\n

I’m sad to say I only just discovered this feature on Canvas now that allows you to click on a classmate’s name and send them a quick, cordial, little email of your choosing. And while I am ashamed to say I only found out about this post-experiment, this seems to me now to be a valuable option to plug that Instagram.

\r\n\r\n

Post on House Email Lists

\r\n\r\n

This will vary on the House, depending on what frequency your residents spam you at, but if your email manages not to get buried by the onslaught of emails (we are looking at you, Pfoho) this is a great way to fish for mutuals.

\r\n\r\n

Slip it in Door Boxes

\r\n\r\n

What a great way to spread the word! I am sure everyone would love to see your Instagram in their door boxes. An excellent example of free speech, intellectual vitality, civil discourse, and flourishing on campus. But don’t you worry about your message getting neglected: just stick it in a pristine white envelope and place it directly in sophomores’ doors! Maybe just don’t let it fall into the Salient.

\r\n\r\n

Ask Your Friends at Flyby

\r\n\r\n

See your classmates for what they are, not your fellow club members but numbers.

\r\n\r\n

At the start of my journey, my follower count sat at a humble 892. At the conclusion of my journey, I can now proudly say that my Instagram follower count is 1,044. That is a record breaking increase of 152 followers in a week! I am giving myself a pat on the back for this. So if you too want more Instagram clout, hopefully these tips will help. (And follow me on Instagram everybody, please.)

', [])

('

{shortcode-c7c26ada9a73acf261a6090d90606080001f07ff}

\r\n\r\n

\r\nIn New England, fall isn’t just a season — it’s a personality. The moment one leaf turns slightly orange, it’s officially time to curate your photo dump, break out the plaid flannels, and sample every Trader Joe’s pumpkin spice snack. Fall is the time to romanticize your life, so here’s what the perfect Harvard fall day looks like.

\r\n\r\n

Step 1: Wake up to the sunlight streaming through your window and peek outside to the orange and red trees. Eventually get out of bed — not because of the Canvas notifications that have piled up, but because the desire for a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks is irresistible.

\r\n\r\n

Step 2: Put on your favorite fall outfit (Uggs, jeans, and a sweater) and head to the Yard. With a fall drink in hand, channel your inner Gilmore Girls main character vibes and stroll through the leaves. Stop for pretty fall foliage photos with Widener, trying to capture the perfect dark academia aesthetic.

\r\n\r\n

Step 3: After class, reward yourself with a beautiful walk along the Charles River. The air is crisp, the trees are still holding onto many of their leaves, and you can catch golden hour and a gorgeous sunset from Weeks Bridge.

\r\n\r\n

Step 4: Skip HUDS’ version of a fall-inspired dinner and treat yourself to something better. Soup, roasted chicken, or a warm bowl of pasta all hit the spot — but the true non-negotiable is dessert. Whatever you decide, a slice of pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread is a must.

\r\n\r\n

Step 5: Wind down with peak fall vibes: a warm drink, your favorite pumpkin spice snacks, and a nice movie in the background as you work. A cozy blanket is optional, but highly recommended.

\r\n\r\n

For those experiencing their first New England fall, you are lucky. This isn’t just a season - it’s the ultimate aesthetic. Go apple picking, get lost in a corn maze, or simply admire the leaves on your walk to class. Before you know it, the Yard will be gray, and we’re all going to miss having the sun not set by 4 p.m.… so enjoy it while it lasts.

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-c7c26ada9a73acf261a6090d90606080001f07ff}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/09/25/013849_1380504.png.1500x877_q95_crop-smart_upscale.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Fall Vibes.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>)])

('

{shortcode-475a8c049548a9f8fde8396d4459c125928b1961}

\r\n\r\n

Thinking of becoming a main character this fall? It’s time to decide what kind of season you’re going to have, and truly commit. If you’re hard-pressed for ideas, read on, and let flyby transform your fall.

\r\n\r\n

For many of us, the summer of 2025 was The Summer I Turned Lazy, Unmotivated, or Unemployed, but that doesn’t need to persist. It may be time to embrace your inner Belly and set off on a new course that drives your character development and has long-term consequences! The fall is full of opportunity, and Flyby is here to offer you some inspiration for this upcoming season.

\r\n\r\n

The Fall I Turned Studious

\r\n\r\n

Wouldn’t this be nice? Imagine you spend the entire fall turning assignments in on time, participating in section, and actually doing the readings. This undoubtedly will receive a low-viewership, 0% on Rotten Tomatoes guarantee, but your GPA will be unmatched, and for the first time, your parents will be proud.

\r\n\r\n

The Fall I Turned Off My Canvas Notifications

\r\n\r\n

This would be a commitment, no doubt, but I think you’d be all the happier for it. For this fall, try going off the grid completely. Ditch the constraints of modern society. Leave behind your gcal and responsibilities. Live. (Maybe at the risk of losing parental support, good grades, and career prospects, but hey… worth it?)

\r\n\r\n

The Fall I Turned Pre-Med

\r\n\r\n

Now this would be an era. No one goes through more trials and tribulations than a student contemplating the pre-med track. A decision of this magnitude would be sure to culminate in a season of five-minute dinners and eight-hour lock-ins… just for one of your pset classes. The upside is that it is guaranteed to be picked up for another season; pre-med is a lifetime commitment.

\r\n\r\n

The Fall I Turned into a Bulldog

\r\n\r\n

This upcoming Harvard-Yale will be a revealing one, as 50% of the student body will be getting a first look at life on the other side. Is being a Y*lie more fun? Should you have chosen differently, even though the alternative is in New Haven, Connecticut? I think we all know the answer, but regardless, I’m definitely tuning in.

\r\n\r\n

The Fall I Turned Desperate

\r\n\r\n

Did you miss the memo about cuffing season? Instead of fighting over two (relatively) attractive brothers, picture yourself option-less. Spend the chilly months with only yourself for company. This is neither an entertaining nor hopeful way to spend your fall, but it may be the most realistic.

\r\n\r\n

The Fall I Turned Positive

\r\n\r\n

Are you an overcomplainer? A pessimist? Frustrating your friends and family due to the frequency of your ranting about anything and everything?? Fall may be the perfect time to self-correct. For the entire semester, try your best to smile, not grimace, and laugh, not sigh. Optimism is in. Pessimism is out. Your life may transform.

\r\n\r\n

As you can see, the possibilities are endless — and not mutually exclusive. Who says you can’t be a Positive Pre-Med, or a Desperate Bulldog? Flyby supports you unconditionally, but know that just like for Belly, there is a right choice *cough cough Conrad cough cough.*

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-475a8c049548a9f8fde8396d4459c125928b1961}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/09/24/003407_1380461.png.1500x877_q95_crop-smart_upscale.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Fall Transformation.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>)])

('

{shortcode-f437b80d9f153951891c8f56890dd644e752ce30}

\r\n\r\n

Dear Comper,

\r\n\r\n

We regret to inform you that if you don’t complete our highly competitive rejection bingo deliverable, you won’t be able to join the Crimson’s best board this semester . . .

\r\n\r\n

jk ;)

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-f437b80d9f153951891c8f56890dd644e752ce30}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/09/23/024848_1380446.jpeg.1500x1495_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='xlarge', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>)])

('

{shortcode-b7c8fa36692232af3df38b69c9c3cf76c91b4438}

\r\n\r\n

Comp Application Update

\r\n\r\n

It’s not the subject line you were hoping to see. It’s not the dorm storm or letter slipped under your door, or simply the CONGRATULATIONS you dreamt of. It’s yet another blow to the once-inflated ego you had before actually getting to campus. But fear not! You are not the first (nor the last) student to ever be rejected by a club. So, we’ve got some tried and true excuses to save your campus ethos and prove that, really, you’re too good for them anyway.

\r\n\r\n

“I wrote that app so last minute”

\r\n\r\n

Let’s get the straight-up lies out of the way. We all know you procrastinated your PSETs by toiling over (or feeding ChatGPT) several dozen prompts. You wondered whether it was okay to re-use your college essays and evidently it wasn’t. But it’s cool. Play it off. Don’t be such a try hard all the time and pretend if you actually had taken the time to put original thought into your responses, you would’ve gotten in. Totally.

\r\n\r\n

“They just weren’t my style”

\r\n\r\n

Used mostly for performing arts groups. Best when lamenting that, really, you’re a classically trained musician/actor and just weren’t artistically understood. I mean, c’mon. You’re going against prodigies and Berklee dual-enrollees who have been training since birth. It’s okay if your rendition of “On My Own” didn’t hit exactly where you wanted to.

\r\n\r\n

“I wouldn’t have had any time for it anyhow”

\r\n\r\n

Probably the most accurate excuse. With classes and research and internships and eating and socializing and planning for your summer and trying to sleep, you definitely didn’t need to plan a conference in the middle of all of this. Your time shall be filled in different and *unique* ways unbeknownst to the likes of plebeians.

\r\n\r\n

“I must’ve filled out the application wrong”

\r\n\r\n

Can confirm this has happened to friends of mine. Whether you missed a deadline or put in the wrong email, blame your newest disappointment on your lack of attention to detail, not your potential incompetence.

\r\n\r\n

“I bet they’re not accepting first-years”

\r\n\r\n

Applicable only if you are said first-year. Works only up until you meet one of the ‘chosen ones’ read: club legacies, summer comps, siblings, social butterflies who did in fact make it past the ivory gates.

\r\n\r\n

“The comp directors were so weird, I bet they didn’t like me”

\r\n\r\n

Well, if you’re being rejected from the club, they probably didn’t. But, yes, bash on the powers that be. Obviously everyone else in the organization is the problem because they couldn’t see what a brilliant and talented person you are. Fight back against the insularity and nepotism that is so evidently embedded in every organization you didn’t get into.

\r\n\r\n

“I’ll just try again next semester”

\r\n\r\n

Ah, yes. The dejected optimist. Often said with a sigh, a shrug of the shoulders, and a steady resolve to do better next time. The most healthy of reactions, you can look towards the future and let everyone know you can’t be stopped. Hopefully, you’ll realize by next semester that you never wanted to do consulting anyway. Speaking of...

\r\n\r\n

“I never wanted to do consulting anyway”

\r\n\r\n

Yeah, we know. You were filled with the freshman urge to comp a club that publicly claims it only accepts less than 10% of applicants. You wanted to be at the Harvard of Harvard and decided that was HUCG or CBE. You never really wanted to make powerpoints at 3 a.m. in Lamont for S&P 500 companies, or at least that’s what you keep telling yourself.

\r\n\r\n

Whether it’s HUCG, the IOP, ICMUN, an ensemble, a pre-professional society, or your dining hall crush, rejection is hard. But in every corny sense of the phrase, rejection is re-direction. So cry to your mom, take a deep breath, and move on to some bigger and better things — you can always find a home at flyby ;)

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-b7c8fa36692232af3df38b69c9c3cf76c91b4438}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/09/22/024444_1380388.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Rejection is redirection.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>)])

('

{shortcode-4ecbe9f1326efb106ca34362a1016ca5a425d204}

\r\n\r\n

During the first week of school, club leaders across campus gathered for hazing training. For many, it was an illuminating and thought-provoking experience… that may have provided unintentional inspiration by explaining different methods of hazing that some student leaders were surely unaware of. For several reasons, including legal considerations and safety, Flyby does not condone hazing. So we’ve brainstormed some alternatives for club leaders to consider.

\r\n\r\n

1. Group Breakfast

\r\n\r\n

Break bread (or bagels) at breakfast together in Annenberg. Even if it’s just for a week, bringing together your team or club for daily breakfast hangouts is the perfect way to start the day with a healthy dose of community and fun. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, too, and looking out for the well-being of your community is a great way to be inclusive and stress community values.

\r\n\r\n

Attendance at 7:30 a.m. sharp is encouraged.

\r\n\r\n

2. Participate in Lectures

\r\n\r\n

While it may be easy to get by in some of your classes without doing the readings or ever participating in lectures, something about the academic culture at this school needs to change — and you must be the change you wish to see. We’re here for the promised transformative learning experience and debates centered around intellectual vitality. Hold accountability groups — ensure that every member of your group completes their readings and is prepared to engage in class by asking meaningful questions about the material, even if it’s in Ec10a or LS1a.

\r\n\r\n

3. Eat Vegetables

\r\n\r\n

Let’s be real — it’s sometimes hard to make sure that you have a colorful plate when all that appeals to you in the dhall is the shrimp pasta and the fancy bread that they serve on Sundays. What better way to fix this than with your student organization! If breakfast together wasn’t enough, regrouping later in the day and each finishing a plate of peppers, broccoli, and spinach will be enough to not only strengthen your stomach with great fiber, but also your relationship with your community.

\r\n\r\n

4. Community Service

\r\n\r\n

Giving back to your community is always really fulfilling and a good reminder of how to stay grounded. We encourage you to find ways to make sure every member of your community can make a difference. Be a welcoming presence and greet people in the morning as they enter the dining hall, or offer to stay in the elevator and press buttons for peers to take one less thing off their mind. Roll out a red carpet to help harried students cross the infamous Leverett puddle. Let everyone cut you in the terrible FlyBy line.

\r\n\r\n

5. Hydrate or Die-drate

\r\n\r\n

Many of the lessons that were taught in the hazing training focused on drinking… whether it be cups of condiments or any other nasty concoction (you fill in the blanks here), they don’t want to see it. So, club leaders, don’t let it happen! Instead of encouraging drinking, expect the exact opposite from the new members of your organization. Only beverages that are allowed in the dhall are to be consumed — prepare for the only buzz you feel to be from the soda machine sparkling water. Refreshing!

\r\n\r\n

6. Stand up for Student Rights

\r\n\r\n

Honk if you hate hazing! Nothing beats hazing like protesting hazing in front of Smith Center. This is an excellent opportunity for members of your community to learn more about empathy and empowerment. Be trailblazing changemakers and stand up for student rights as a group, advocating for more inclusive and welcoming communities on campus.

\r\n\r\n

In all seriousness, we urge you to be careful when considering how to welcome new members into your lovely communities. We wouldn’t want you to take in members that are unengaged in class, thirsty, not civically engaged, or lacking vitamin A (eat your carrots). Happy comp season!

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-4ecbe9f1326efb106ca34362a1016ca5a425d204}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/09/19/020001_1380338.png.1500x877_q95_crop-smart_upscale.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Community bonding.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>)])

('

{shortcode-e674843e5f44cd55d906f296b125d0227e949abf}

\r\n\r\n

Ah, Ec 10a — the rite of passage that unites freshmen like nothing else. You walked into the first week of classes with grand intentions of becoming the next Wolf of Wall Street before becoming quickly disillusioned.

\r\n\r\n

Here’s the thing about Ec 10a: everyone takes it, everyone complains about it, and it’s just a perpetual cycle for generations of Harvard students. You convinced yourself that attending lectures in person would be more “engaging” than watching them at 2x speed in Lamont basement the day before the midterm. Rookie mistake. There’s no playback speed in real life during an in-person lecture, and you may find yourself lulled into a gentle stupor while learning about marginal utility curves.

\r\n\r\n

But fear not, if you need to stay awake during those 75-minute lectures twice a week without actually absorbing any knowledge about supply and demand curves, here are some alternatives to paying attention in lecture.

\r\n\r\n

Strategic Socializing

\r\n\r\n

Ec 10a is the perfect place to catch up with friends and share juicy gossip about all the drama going on. If you’re discussing something particularly interesting, pepper your conversation with economics buzzwords. “The opportunity cost of staying in and studying for my midterm over the weekend versus going to Holworthy basement is really fascinating,” you might say, while also debating whether your situationship’s latest text actually means anything, or if you’re just too invested in this.

\r\n\r\n

There’s also the fail-proof strategy of just complaining and commiserating. Your back hurts from the benches in Sanders. That section kid keeps raising their hand to ask irrelevant questions when all you want is for the lecture to end. The person next to you is munching on powdered eggs (sigh) from Annenberg drenched in Mike’s hot sauce (and you can smell it). There’s so much to complain about at any given moment, and inflate the misery you and your fellow Ec 10aers feel.

\r\n\r\n

Productive Procrastination

\r\n\r\n

Since your laptop is already open for “taking notes,” you might as well put it to good use. Online shopping becomes an economic exercise in real-time market analysis. That $200 cashmere sweater you definitely don’t need? Well, it’s for consumer behavior research. Adding classes to your Crimson Cart for next semester already? That’s forward-thinking academic planning.

\r\n\r\n

Instead of learning about supply and demand through analyzing graphs in lecture, try implementing a flipped classroom approach to enrich your learning. See firsthand how your purchases bolster the economy — it’s all part of the transformative learning experience anyways!

\r\n\r\n

And if anyone questions your shopping browsing habits, you can always claim you’re doing empirical research on consumer spending patterns. See? You are learning economics.

\r\n\r\n

The real lesson of Ec 10a isn’t about markets or economic theory — it’s about learning to look engaged while you think about when you should do your laundry or work on your 123412 comp assignments. P-sets are temporary, but the friendships forged through academic suffering last forever. Or at least until you all drop concentrating in Econ and never speak again.

\r\n\r\n

Happy lecture watching!

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-e674843e5f44cd55d906f296b125d0227e949abf}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/09/18/042606_1380310.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Students bolster the economy during Ec10a lecture.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>)])

('

{shortcode-8a6f935991d06463a7ea0f6c1bfe9b2e019c5b2b}

\r\n\r\n

We all hate my.harvard, so why don’t you spend less time agonizing over your Crimson Cart and use our handy quiz to get you through the add-drop period instead!

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-8a6f935991d06463a7ea0f6c1bfe9b2e019c5b2b}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/09/17/025715_1380274.jpeg.1497x1500_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='xlarge', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>)])

('

{shortcode-7a40e4fc683a1afa17d351688c8ec14f442f9609}

\r\n\r\n

The bad news: in just a few weeks, the sun will set at 4 p.m., your Canada Goose will become a second skin, and you’ll question your decision to pick Harvard over Stanford. The good news: it’s not that cold yet. Don’t fall into the trap of only appreciating nice weather once it’s gone — like realizing how much you miss your health after waking up with a sore throat. Here are just a few of the activities you should squeeze in to appreciate these glorious 65-degree days before frostbite and Lamont captivity set in:

\r\n\r\n

Catch a Red Sox game

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Since you’ll probably be cursing Boston soon, you should do something that reminds you of what the city has to offer (other than doom and gloom for six months straight). Nothing says Boston quite like a late-season game at Fenway. The cold isn’t forcing you indoors quite yet, so grab a seat, a Fenway Frank, and a friend, and soak in the electric atmosphere of America’s Most Beloved Ballpark.

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Do your readings outside

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Swap your cramped desk on the third floor of Lamont for a spot outside in the sun. The fresh air and natural light will make even the densest text feel a little lighter, and it’s a great way to people-watch while you study. Bonus points if you grab an iced coffee with your Board Plus before it inevitably runs out by October.

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Watch the sunset on the Charles

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Before darkness hits while you’re in class, even though it’s only 4 p.m. (bottom three experiences ever), take some time to watch the incredible fall sunsets. Trust me, they’re better in person than on your friends’ Instagram stories.

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Get ice cream in the Square

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Harvard Square’s ice cream game is highly underrated in my humble opinion, and I think that’s in large part because the craving for ice cream dissipates in the winter — and it feels like winter a lot here. If you’re not sure where to go, here are two Flyby writers’ opinions of how the ice cream spots in the Square compare

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Wear cute outfits

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This is the fleeting era where you can pull off layered fall fashion without resorting to wearing three sweaters and a parka. Document it for later reminders that you do, in fact, have style. The sweatpants are highly circumstantial.

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Picnic in the Yard

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Gather some friends, a blanket, and some Trader Joe’s snacks for a simple but perfect afternoon in the Yard. Picnicking in the Yard is a classic Harvard student rite of passage, especially for seniors trying to take in every last moment of campus life. While you might leave this to do in the spring, remember that a “warm” day then is often just 50 degrees and windy. Take advantage of the actual nice weather now to create a truly idyllic afternoon with friends.

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This is all to say, go outside while it still feels like a gift rather than a curse. Your second-floor spot at Lamont will still be waiting there for you when it’s hibernation season, I promise.

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With your backpack freshly dusted off, pencils sharpened, and new back-to-school shoes, it’s finally time to contemplate all the pros and woes that come with the much less talked about week than her predecessor — the second week of classes, a.k.a. SWOC.

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Love It: Out of the First Week Funk

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You’ve finally settled in and know where your classes are — no more scrambling through my.harvard to double-check that lecture really is in Sever Hall, and that your section didn’t change in the past 24 hours. There’s a sense of familiarity gained — you’ve solidified the route that you take in between your classes, and now you know how late you can realistically wake up and still get to class on time, and just cut it close enough.

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Sections are also already fully underway. Any new section crushes? I bet so. After settling in, you’re now able to smile at people you recognize in your new classes, which just makes you feel so effortlessly cool to be so well-acquainted with your campus peers. And for my type-A GCal addicts, you’ve finally found yourself in a steady groove in which you can happily stay afloat. Overall, you’re well past the first-week jitters, and everything is falling back into place. The calendar is packed, but with fun catch-up lunches and nights out in the square to add some liveliness to the usual psetting and readings you have to do. Taking a stroll through the Yard is also still lovely, and you’ll find yourself taking photos of Widener and Memorial Church as you get to class. You are happy to be back. All is well with the world.

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Hate It: Homework… What the funk?

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The first week's whimsy has worn off, and being back on campus has lost its novelty. It’s fun to roleplay a cool Harvard student, but it’s not so cool to be buried in readings on the second day, psetting until midnight in (dare I say it) Lamont, and forgetting who exactly you have and haven’t caught up with yet. You may have forgotten over the summer just how much work it truly is to be a Harvard student, but don’t worry, this lovely institution only lets you forget for so long — welcome back!

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Speaking of which, you know that class you really liked the first week? Yeah, it’s awful now. The content is boring, and the lack of structure was only fun the first week when it didn’t matter what you were learning. Now you have a reading quiz in the second week on something you vaguely remember being briefly mentioned, because the students speak more than the professor. Oh, and you know that seat you sat on the first day that you so deliberately picked out and enjoyed so much? Some random person has taken it. Or worse, an auditor has taken it. She doesn’t even go here! So you sit a row back and gaze longingly towards where your crush was sitting the week before, only to panic and check the Canvas roster, discovering that they had already switched out of the class. But don’t worry; maybe you’ll find another section crush in the 9:00 a.m. section you were just placed in against your will. It’s okay, a routine will build eventually — just probably not this week. You’re still fighting for your life while adjusting to the Harvard lifestyle again.

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Whether you love it or hate it, you are back nonetheless. Your friends at flyby hope that the sectioning Gods (your TF) bless you with good times, and that the cluzz (class Huzz) is bountiful. And remember, no matter how gloomy the days are turning as midterms inevitably begin to creep into your life, there will always be a flyby article waiting for you to read in the morning — you’re welcome.

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