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One thing you will quickly realize about Harvard: very few conversations are what you would consider… normal. That is to say, many of the conversations have a subtext of evaluation without being overtly evaluative. Or, sometimes they are. You’ll see what I mean. So, a fun game to play in Berg is: Guess! That! Convo!

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First Date vs. Club Interview

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Both include weirdly invasive questions to evaluate a potential match. Both should absolutely not be happening in Annenberg. Potential questions include, “where are you from,” “where do you see yourself in ten years,” and, “what did you do in high school?”

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Meeting with PAF vs. “We Should Grab Lunch Sometime”

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One person is vastly more interested than the other. And yet, somehow, they’re both just pretending to care? One of the people will say things like, “Wow, it’s been so long since we last talked! We need to do this more often!” And the other will pointedly not agree.

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Went to the Same High School vs. Ex of Ex

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There’s a shared trauma running deep below the surface that the mere eavesdropper can only imagine. But there’s also a shared feeling of being better than everyone else. They mention a café with a knowing grimace — but is it a popular Stuy haunt or a shared break-up locale?

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P-set Group vs. Polycule

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They’re all over each other, and never seen apart. They know each other’s bedtimes and coffee orders. Sweatshirt ownership is just a suggestion. Okay, one of these options is more likely. But the other is way more interesting. And who’s to say one can’t lead to the other…

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Bonus (and this one I guarantee you will experience): are they flirting, or are they trying to get me to check my voter registration and request a mail-in ballot?

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\r\nHave fun both playing this game and getting into these quintessential Harvard situations yourself! But if you’re on a Berg first date, come on. Surely you could at least spring for BoardPlus.

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{shortcode-46433bf05a0fe44b86b4f05989af0eef47fe1bda}

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\r\nWhether you’re an incoming freshman or a socially confused upperclassman, conversation at Harvard can be more challenging than even your hardest classes. Thought Poisson distribution was hard? Try holding a conversation. With underlying meaning and inflection, it can be difficult to decipher someone's true meaning and intention. That’s why we’ve compiled a few common passive aggressive phrases to keep in the back of your mind during the conversation or when you overthink about it after (or maybe even to use on other people ;)).

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Social Passive Aggression

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What they say: “We should grab a meal sometime!”

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What they mean: They just want to end the conversation quickly. They most likely don’t actually want to grab a meal, but just want a way out of the conversation without being an asshole. Occasionally, though, someone will mean it with good intentions, so use your discretion.

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What they say: “You can use my Calendly to schedule our hangout/ I’ll send you a G-Cal invite.”

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What they mean: They’re busier than you in every possible way. Absolutely DO NOT actually schedule a casual hangout using their Calendly. If they can’t juggle their social life and school without an online planner, then they probably don’t have time to be good friends.

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What they say: “It’s really competitive.”

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What they mean: There's two meanings for this phrase depending on the club that you’re talking about. Option one is that the club comp is actually open and completion based — so, lowkey, they’re making fun of it. Option two is that the club is actually really competitive, and they don’t want you to apply as competition. They’re trying to imply that you’re not qualified enough to join. Don’t let this deter you from applying: you’ll likely make it in.

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What they say: “I’ve never heard of that club.”

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What they mean: They’ve definitely heard of the club, unless it's super niche like a club we wanted to reference here but couldn’t think of because we haven’t heard of it. This person actually submitted their application before even showing up on campus, and are friends with the club’s board and president.

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School Passive Aggression

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What they say: Maybe you should go to office hours/ MQC if you have so many questions.

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What they mean: Please stop asking them for help or pset answers. They’re probably just busy or you’re asking at a bad time. I’m guilty of saying this one, and you probably should go to office hours to work on the assignment.

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What they say: That exam was really hard! I didn’t finish early. (Extra points if you’re actually sobbing/complaining about the exam in front of them.)

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What they mean: They’re simultaneously stressed about how they did on the exam, and still think they did better than you. But don’t worry! It’s Harvard, so you passed. Unless it’s Math 21B.

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What they say: I already finished that assignment…

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What they mean: Unless they really are ahead on their work (a very low probability), they probably haven’t finished the assignment, and want to see how far you actually are on it. You’ll see them in office hours right before the assignment is due to finalize answers. Give them grace, as they're probably stressed from the assignment already.

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What they say: I heard that class is supposed to be a gem.

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What they mean: Unless they’re also taking the class, they’re definitely judging you for taking easy classes, and not academically challenging yourself. Please use your free time to find new friends.

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Most of the time, these passive aggressive phrases are signs that you should talk to someone else, or find a new partner. If you’re continuing to receive these phrases, I recommend reflecting inwards and identifying that maybe you are the problem. Whatever the case may be, good luck navigating Harvard’s complex social scene.

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{shortcode-9e908201b7e4e6ff67b856c8f53f58c72dafd27c}

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We all remember freshman year. Your young, hopeful self, so full of optimism and excitement, not yet aware of the sometimes less-than-appealing Berg food (can we please have another conversation about grapes on pizza?!), the endless p-sets, and the insane amount of time spent in Lamont crying. Some of us probably wish we could go back to our optimistic, naive freshman self. Others of us, well, we remember the less commemorable aspects of freshman year that easily alleviate any FOMO we might have. Here are a few awkward freshman moments we should all be grateful to be rid of…

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Move-In

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Move-in day is very exciting for most freshmen. You get to meet your suitemates for the first time, filled with hopefulness that these people will be your bridesmaids/groomsmen and you’ll never want for another friend again in your life. While you now know that this was wishful thinking and probably have your fair share of horror stories, there was no dimming the optimism as you got to your new home for the coming year. However, the deterioration of the optimism is rapid, as you’re put in a room with a bunch of people you know little to nothing about, all of whom are trying to decide which desk is theirs, what to do with the dressers, and where to put the excess of suitcases sitting in the common room. It’s chaos, and you find yourself not knowing whether or not to advocate for yourself or sacrifice your comfort in order to start out on a good note with your roommates. Parents are spewing out ideas and you don’t even know any of their names. Once the room is finally figured out and everyone is a little more quiet, you get acquainted with your roommates for the first time under the watchful gazes of parents, siblings, and maybe even a grandparent. Do you hug? What do you ask? What is there to talk about? Maybe you ramble about your flight in order to fill the silence, but there’s no denying it. It’s awkward. And it only gets worse from there.

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New Names

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Remember the conversation you had at least a thousand times in the first few weeks at school? The one where you’d be at some sort of freshman event, and you’d make awkward eye contact with someone. You go over and introduce yourself, starting the very basic and tiresome Harvard introduction, that you will surely repeat for your next four years. What’s your name? Where are you from? What are you thinking about concentrating in? Oh, interesting. Yesss, I’ve met a few people planning on concentrating in Government with a secondary in Economics. Etc. Etc. The people, concentrations, and places all started to blur together after a couple dozen introductions, and you find yourself forgetting the name of the person halfway through the conversation. Do you ask again? What if you see them again and they ask if you remember them and you don’t even know their name? Do you ask again? After all of these contemplations, you realize you had missed what they had answered to the last couple of questions, and you’re now entirely screwed. The conversation is now a dumpster fire and you find yourself awkwardly nodding along.

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Do I Wave?

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Saying “hi” or waving to people you have had brief interactions such as the one above can be a dangerous business. Since everyone has had so many similar conversations, it’s hard to remember exactly who you have enough of a relationship with to greet on a daily basis. You pass by someone you know that you’ve met, but you’re not sure whether or not to wave. You think it through as you contemplate whether or not to greet them. Are they looking at me? Do they remember me? What if I wave and they think I’m weird because they don’t remember me? You finally decide to do a little smile and say hi as you pass them, but nothing comes in return. No smile, no wave, no hi back. Did they not notice it? Did they think you weren’t talking to them? The people around you are giving you a hard time for it, and you’re thinking about how you will never wave to anyone again.

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Dorm Parties

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Dorm parties were a necessity for your first year. You met new people, tried new things, and really started taking advantage of the college experience. Unfortunately, because of the watchful eyes of the proctors, the parties had to be decently quiet. This led to an environment prone to awkwardness. Music barely playing, conversations solely surrounding school and the basic aspects of a person, it became an environment for the iconic Harvard freshman conversations to be had and little more. Or, if you decided to take the risk and have an actual party, it usually was ended by a proctor in thirty minutes or less. Yay Harvard! College is crazy!

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While these moments are necessary, character-building, and sometimes funny, I think I speak for most of us when I say that I’m happy to be past that stage of my college experience. It gets better, freshmen. I promise, it does.

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{shortcode-99207e8e4abadd950a3e5098c7dfb0905a7cf9d0}

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Dear Professor ______ (insert name here),

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I hope you are doing well. I know it’s _______ (current time and its relation to the deadline), but would it be possible for me to take a few extra ______ (units of time) on my ____ (name of assignment)? I was planning on finishing it tonight, but things have been ______ (adjective that conveys noble strength despite adverse circumstances). I was experiencing ______ (mild stress related condition) after my _____ (beloved yet distant family member) died. Finishing this assignment is my utmost priority and matters to me _____ (dishonest adverb). I’m hoping to get it to you by ______ (lie). Thank you so much!

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Sincerely,

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_____ (Your Name)

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-99207e8e4abadd950a3e5098c7dfb0905a7cf9d0}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2024/09/02/200007_1372447.PNG.1500x1124_q95_crop-smart_upscale.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>)])

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{shortcode-69680f82c371a20853ad38107151b41313b41fd7}

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As the fall semester approaches, Harvard Yard is ready to welcome about 1,600 new faces to campus: freshmen (aka frosh). The once-titled “pre-frosh” will transition to frosh and truly begin to understand what Dean Khurana means by a transformative experience. The “transformative experience” looks a little different for every student at Harvard, but there are some commonalities or, shall I say, opportunities that frosh won’t want to miss.

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Feeling jittery about navigating Harvard’s campus and community? Don’t worry—there’s no right or wrong approach. Although there are ways to enhance your Harvard experience, and if you’re unaware how, don’t panic—Flyby has got your back, so keep on reading.

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Sweet Ol’ Annenberg

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You know that saying, “Maybe the real treasure was the friends we made along the way?” I’d like to think that’s how Berg was. While HUDS cuisine isn’t always favored by the student body (especially on grape pizza day), we loved to spend hours there, meeting new people and making friends. That being said, use your time wisely and take advantage of the fact that everyone is trying to meet new people during the first few months. Feel free to join random tables and dive into frosh conversations—it’s not awkward at all.

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Explore Student Organizations

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Lucky for you, our school has over 400 student organizations, meaning there is a place for everyone here. No matter what you're looking for, chances are there is a developed group with similar objectives. If not, why not start your own? Joining clubs and attending info sessions will allow you to continue your passions, discover new ones, or make you realize something may not be for you—and that’s okay. :)

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Build Connections

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Outside of building bonds with peers, it’s important to interact with faculty outside of classroom hours. Spending time with faculty during office hours or coffee/tea chats can help them understand you as not only a student but as an individual. As you go into your freshman fall and spring semester, make an effort to reach out to all your professors, as they are fundamental to your academic journey and success. Trust me, faculty want to learn more about you and your way of thinking.

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Traditions (At Your Discretion)

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Some of the best memories of my freshman year involve Harvard traditions. From participating in the First-Year Outdoor Program in New Hampshire to attending the Harvard-Yale game or singing with friends at Yardfest, these traditions highlight the strong sense of community at Harvard. Always be sure to take time to enjoy where you are, and if you’re up for it, take part in traditions like River Run, Primal Scream, or leaving your mark on the John Harvard statue (if ykyk).

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As you kick off your transformative experience, remember that this is your time to explore, connect, and, yes, occasionally survive grape pizza day. Everything will feel new at first, and adjusting takes time, but all frosh go through it. Welcome to Harvard!

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{shortcode-5393e777f8f6dbbdf4d80c19a58afc26ad314ab3}Hi, seniors of the class of 2024 Harvard College! We're so proud of you and everything you've accomplished. As you prepare for commencement, here are some of our tips and ideas for how you can prepare for your big day and post-grad life.

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Here Are Some Last Minute Outfit Ideas

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Realized that commencement is tomorrow and you still need an outfit? We have some ideas for you.

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Here Are Some Great Locations for Commencement Photos

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Choosing the right locations for your Commencement Day photos is crucial. Here are some iconic spots to consider.

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Here Are Some Post-Grad Plans If You Don't Have a Job

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So you’re graduating, and you didn’t secure a six figure starting salary for your first job out of Harvard. Or maybe you want to ignore the reality of adulthood for the next few months. Here's how to live your best life after graduation.

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-5393e777f8f6dbbdf4d80c19a58afc26ad314ab3}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.thecrimson.com/photos/2024/05/21/201012_1371726.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>)])

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{shortcode-9cbb07c6b1895b172a06485e581aaf4c9dd6f9c0}Don’t know what you’re wearing to graduation yet? Having a last-minute closet breakdown? We’re here to help. As a victim of chronic decision fatigue, I know how exhausting a decision like what to wear to your final photoshoot of college can be. Thus, let me share my wholly unsolicited, unlicensed advice on what you should wear.

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The Classic

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If you search up graduation outfits anywhere on the internet, you’re bound to encounter the classic graduation fit at least ten times. Y’know, the white dress (which looks really great against the black regalia, might I add) and the white button down with a nice suit jacket. Elegant, timeless… you’ll probably look like everyone else there, but that just shows how simple but great the fit is.

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Your Clothes From Formal Season

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Why waste a perfectly good outfit that you know you look good in? Show off that formal season outfit in broad daylight. It probably looks even better in the sun than under the tent in Eliot courtyard. It’s economical and it’s tried and true.

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Utilize the House Mailing Lists One Last Time

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House mailing lists are the backbone of Harvard’s community. I’ve never seen such a strong bonding moment between students than when people have random food drops in the dhall and email chain conflicts. Use those mailing lists one last time if you are in a dire situation, and I’m sure someone will have an extra shirt, dress, or bobby pin that you can borrow for your special day.

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Comfort is Elite

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Reminisce about your final week Lamont fit by showing up in your comfiest outfit. I’m talking sweatpants, hoodie, and the remnants of Jefe’s chipotle mayo sauce on your lips. What better way to honor your time at Harvard?

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Your Pajamas

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Roll out of bed, and you’re already dressed. Convenient. Unique. Not like other girls.

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Nothing

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Didn’t participate in primal scream but still want to join the tradition in one way or another? This is your opportunity. You’re partially covered by your gown anyway! I’m just kidding, don’t get arrested for public indecency.

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Congrats to the class of 2024! Y’all really had a wild ride through your college careers, but you made it to the end. I can’t wait to see all of your beautiful outfits on Commencement day and all over my Instagram feed in the weeks following.

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-9cbb07c6b1895b172a06485e581aaf4c9dd6f9c0}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2024/05/21/210308_1371733.png.1500x1125_q95_crop-smart_upscale.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>)])

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{shortcode-24eaa257e6d10bd4cf2f5f32965ee6d3ecda6960}So you’re graduating, and you didn’t secure a six figure starting salary for your first job out of Harvard. Or maybe you want to ignore the reality of adulthood for the next few months. Here are Flyby’s suggestions for how to live your best life after graduation.

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Backpack the World

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We’ve all read (or pretended to read) The Portrait of a Lady. So, we know that going abroad solves all your problems. Fill a Fjallraven with every free t-shirt you got in four years of transformative education and head to, if you’re uncreative, Rome. Maybe you’ll even find a weirdly controlling husband…

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Sleep, Finally

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You haven’t gotten any for the last four years, and we (your roommates) know you haven’t gotten any in the last week, either. So, upload your resume to LinkedIn and then sleep your way to success. That’s how a Harvard degree works, right?

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Build Character by Working in the Food Industry

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If you have EVER not tipped, be prepared for your outlook to be forever changed. An all-black uniform, complete with Crocs, is calling your name. Genuinely, though, if you’re smiley enough to make tips, it’s really good money.

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Haunt the Reunions

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This is your last chance to network within the Harvard bubble, and you’ll actually get the attention because you’ll be the youngest person there! Simply couchsurf for a week, then find an alumni someone to pay your rent and get you a job after it is no longer socially acceptable to be unemployed.

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Gaslight Everyone in Your Life Into Thinking You Work in Finance

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Ever seen Not Okay, that movie on Netflix where a girl hides out in her apartment and convinces everyone via Instagram that she’s in Paris? Do that, but with a LinkedIn “I’m so grateful to announce” post. Jane Street is never going to know that they didn’t actually hire you.

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Or, and hear me out: get a job. They grow on trees, obviously! Congrats, class of 2024!

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-24eaa257e6d10bd4cf2f5f32965ee6d3ecda6960}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2024/05/21/214630_1371734.jpeg.1500x1047_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>)])

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{shortcode-fe125e3ba80f92ea379945b45794ebe92830dcfb}A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when it comes to capturing the essence of your Harvard experience. Whether you’re posting “candid” shots on Instagram or creating lasting memories, choosing the right locations for your Commencement Day photos is crucial. Fear not, because Flyby has your back! Here are some iconic spots to consider:

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Widener Steps and Tercentenary Theatre

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Widener Library’s academic aesthetic is a classic backdrop for senior photos. If you choose to face the other way, historic Tercentenary Theatre and Memorial Church add to the charm. Explore different angles on Widener steps and venture into the library for some more backgrounds — you’ll have plenty of options to choose from! Just be prepared to fight all 10,000 men of Harvard for the same angle.

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Your Freshman Dorm

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Nostalgia hits hard when you reflect on your time here. Four years really do fly by in the blink of an eye. Visit your freshman dorm and snap a few photos by your entryway. Reminisce about “the good old days” while capturing the epicenter of your first-year experience.

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Dunster Courtyard

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Even (especially) if you don’t live in Dunster House, the courtyard is undeniably beautiful. Golden hour is ideal for capturing the dome’s beauty. Just be prepared to crop out Mather House if it sneaks into the frame!

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The John Harvard Statue

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Remember that photo of your naive freshman self touching John Harvard’s foot? Well, it’s time to come full circle. Take another photo with the statue — though whether you dare to touch the foot again is entirely up to your discretion. Either way, it’s a symbolic way to mark the end of your Harvard journey.

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The Quad Shuttle

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If you’re a quadling, you spent countless hours here. Hop on and snap some pics while the bus lurches up Mass Ave. Just don’t fall over and get your black robe all dusty!

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Jefe’s, Felipe’s, Joe’s, Noch’s, or CVS

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Late-night meals with friends definitely hold a special place in your heart. Don’t worry about the people buying burritos or band-aids. Go full photoshoot mode. This is your moment, not capitalism’s!

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Third Floor of Lamont

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Let’s be real — you probably spent most of your time practically living in Lamont anyway. You might as well grab a few photos to commemorate and celebrate the fact that you will never have to step foot into Lamont’s doors ever again. Be sure to take a picture of you scrambling to find an outlet for authenticity!

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Tasty Basty

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Need we say more?

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Each location tells a unique story about your Harvard experience. So strike a pose, reminisce, and enjoy the last moments of your time here.

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('

{shortcode-7e08257ed598d8121ba3dec1675b3708a91731f1} Hi, siblings of 2024 Harvard College graduates! This week is not about you — and that's really annoying. But, we did write some special articles just for you so you can get the most out of your sibling's big moment. Check out these articles for a break from doomscrolling and insight into your very own Harvard experience.

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These Are the Harvard Spots You Should Sneak Into

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Make sure to force your sibling to let you check out the hidden gems on our campus before they lose swipe access forever…

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Here’s Where to Get a Cheap Graduation Gift Nearby

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Let’s face it, graduation season is expensive. If you’re a Harvard sibling looking to get brownie points with your soon-to-be rich consultant sibling but don’t want to burn a hole in your wallet, this one’s for you.

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This is Where in Harvard Square is Actually Cool

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Check out these spots in the few hours when you're not forced to sit in a folding chair.

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If you’re a Harvard sibling, this is your chance to finally romanticize our historic red brick campus and take advantage of your sibling’s exclusive swipe access. Live out your dark academia dream for the week — who actually cares about graduation, right? The real priority should be for you to explore as much of Harvard’s campus as humanly possible in the next few days.

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The Loeb Music Library

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This is hands-down my favorite study spot on campus. It’s beautiful, and if you have any homework to do (shoutout public-schoolers from September-June states!) this is where you should camp out. The second floor of this library has a beautiful room with stained glass windows.

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The one thing I will warn you about with this hidden gem is that it is very small, meaning that it is extremely quiet. Keep your airpods connected to your electronic device and expect to talk at a whisper. But who knows, it could be empty — private photoshoot time!

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Their Favorite Student Organization’s Building

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Whether this is a final club, The Crimson, The Advocate, or WHRB in the basement of Pennypacker, it’ll give you a glimpse of your sibling’s Harvard experience. One of coolest things about being a student here is that student-run organizations are rich enough to own their own spaces and have a long, complex history of their own. Hang out where Theodore Roosevelt, Class of 1880, probably hung out at some point — man, that guy was in a lot of clubs.

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Widener Library

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She is the moment. This is the magnificent library Harvard is known for, and HUID holders can bring in up to four guests with them on a visit. Come see the trenches where your sibling probably sat during finals, and ask them if they have any embarrassing Widener horror stories of breaking the piercing silence in the reading room. Also, be sure to snap some Instagram stories here. You won’t regret it, and if you want to be annoying, you can recreate your sibling’s thesis photos.

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The 10th Floor of the Smith Campus Center

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Visit the 10th floor to see the views and perhaps rest your eyes on one of the many soft couches. Your nap is not your fault (despite it being a “stay-awake space”). The low-fi music definitely hypnotized you.

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The Science Center Observatory

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Hopefully your sibling has swipe access to the observatory, or knows the right people to get you up there. This is one of the most exclusive hang out spots you can find on campus. If you get yourself up here, you’ll have bragging rights over 90 percent of Harvard students.

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Make sure to force your sibling to let you check out the hidden gems on our campus before they lose swipe access forever…

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Let’s face it, graduation season is expensive. If you’re a Harvard sibling looking to get brownie points with your soon-to-be rich consultant sibling but don’t want to burn a hole in your wallet, this one’s for you.

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The Harvard Bookstore

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This wonderful storefront has everything from actual books to stationary you can buy as a present. Their workers also have amazing recommendations and will help you pick out the right read for your sibling.

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But let’s be real, books are expensive. Don’t worry, they have a sale section at the front left corner of the store (just turn right when you walk in), and the unique selection requires me to resist buying a new eight dollar book on a daily basis.

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Almost Any Restaurant in Harvard Square

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Hear me out: food can be pricey in The Square. But this method allows you to pick your desired price point and spend time with your sibling at the same time.

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Ask your siblings what places they frequent when they are in the trenches and take a peek at their menus. Once you have scoped out the price points you have to work with, you can be the generous sibling that offers your graduating sibling to have one more nostalgic meal in the red brick city of Cambridge. The best part is that the cost is on you!

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Leavitt and Pierce

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This store has a little bit of everything! It is known as a Harvard Square staple that alumni often return to, but I honestly have never bought anything from here. I would recommend walking around for twenty minutes, and seeing if anything reminds you of your sibling.

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This gift has the potential to go many different routes. Will you find a gag gift or will you discover an item with a sentimental connection that makes your sibling tear up at dinner? The choice is yours.

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Zinnia

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This cute jewelry store has a wide range of prices and is located conveniently on Massachusetts Avenue. If your sibling is addicted to expanding their accessory collection — like I am — you should run here as soon as you step foot on campus.

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Write them an IOU

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If you’re truly in a crunch for cash, give them a coupon to redeem for in the future. This could be for a legit present, hug, chore, or literally anything your heart desires.

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In the end, I promise (although this gesture should mean nothing to you because I am a total stranger) your sibling will love anything that you get for them. Honestly, they probably aren’t even expecting a gift. You got this!

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Yeah, your sibling is graduating from Harvard. Big whoop. They’re taking photos, hanging out with friends, hogging your parents… but what is there for you to do? Well, you’re in luck, because I have a Bostonian fifteen-year-old sister and have been secretly observing where she and the other Teens like to hang out in Harvard Square. Sneak away to one of these spots and luxuriate in your youthful coolness.

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Gong Cha

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This is arguably the best boba in the square, both for taste and coolness. Get “half sugar” if you really want to flex on the haters.

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The Attic

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Ok, this place is pretty expensive for a thrift store. But if you like thrifting, you can kill about forty-five minutes here. They have an extensive sweater collection if you’re shocked by how cold it is here, even in May.

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Taiyaki NYC

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The ice cream is both excellent and Instagram-worthy here, plus it has NYC (a patently cool place) in the name. I highly recommend the black sesame flavor, but my sister (again, down with the youth) prefers matcha.

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LA Burdick

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The chocolate here is (a) ethical and (b) soooooo good. Everything is too expensive, so just go for the hot milk chocolate. Sit inside and enjoy the lightly Parisian vibes.

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CVS

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I’m being genuinely so for real right now: CVS is consistently the hottest spot in Harvard Square. Buy a little snack and bev and go sit in one of the many fields around campus. Film a TikTok dance. Be free.

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Hopefully these spots will keep you from being bored to tears while everybody else fawns over your sibling. Hang in there — your time will come soon enough!

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Hello! Are you a parent of a Harvard senior who is graduating on Thursday morning? First of all, congratulations! And second of all, maybe you'd like some assistance from Harvard students/Cambridge residents/the creators of the most premium scrolling fodder on campus. Check out these three articles for some ~parent friendly~ content.

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Where Parents Should Hang Out in Harvard Square

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Never been to Cambridge? Don't know where to put yourself in between brunch and dinner? Have no fear. Flyby Blog is here.

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Where on Campus You Should Make Your Senior Show You

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Your child only has swipe access for four more days. Now is your last chance to view the most iconic architecture Harvard has to offer.

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What Your Harvard Parent Merch Says About You

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For a taste of classic Flyby Blog content, see what we have to say about what your t-shirt reveals about your inner self.

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Parents of seniors, you aren’t thanked enough.

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You raised a child who got into Harvard, passed all their classes, and then brought you to Cambridge. And now they want to hang out with their friends who they may never see again instead of spending time with you, their precious life-givers and caretakers? Unheard of! The least they can do is show you around campus in a way that requires a fancy Harvard ID and the know-how to get inside. So, here’s where you should force your senior to show you before they graduate.

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Annenberg Hall

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This is the classic. This neo-gothic freshman dining hall is not only architecturally significant, but also has the largest collection of secular stained glass in… America? The world? I don’t feel like Googling it. I’m sure your senior, with their completed education, will know. Plus, you need their ID to get in.

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Widener Library Memorial Room & John Singer Sargent Murals

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Supposedly, the memorial room looks like Harry Elkins Widener’s old study. But it definitely has a Gutenberg Bible on display, which your kid has probably never looked at. But now they will! Something else they probably have never observed but will because you make them? The two John Singer Sargent murals in the stairwell that commemorate WWI. He’s famous! Take a look! Again, you can’t get in without your student.

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Straus Common Room

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Is this room significant at all? No. Is it the most collegiate-looking room you’ve ever seen? Probably. Your kid can take an excellent photo of you here for your Facebook. And they have to swipe you in anyway.

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Harvard Art Museums

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Anyone can get in here for free, but isn’t it better to drag your kid along? Ask them about the giant Pollock painting.

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John Harvard Statue

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Do. Not. Touch. The. Foot.

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Enjoy the forced tour! And congratulations to both your senior and you!

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Hello Harvard parents and welcome to the thing your child reads in lecture instead of paying attention our quirky student life blog. Have you been abandoned by your child even though you came all the way to Cambridge to see them? Here’s some places you should visit in the Square while your soon-to-be college graduate is busy taking graduation photos or catching up with their freshmen year best friends.

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Harvard Art Museums

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Out of all the places on this list, this may be the one you can tell your kid about rather than the other way around. This museum is free to the public, very aesthetic for family pictures, and has five levels of exhibits to explore. I have no idea how many hours it might take you to go through all of this art, but it’s definitely a way to kill time and make your camera roll look more cultured. The cafe is definitely more popular among Harvard students, so be sure to grab a vanilla cardamom latte on your way out!

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The River / The Quad

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If your student lives at The River, go visit The Quad or vice versa.

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The Charles River is beautiful in the summer and your student probably has sent you pictures they took standing on Weeks Bridge or on Memorial Drive. You may even be able to recreate pictures you have been sent by your kid, and show them you can take better photos than they can. You can make them jealous of the free time they gave you by choosing not to spend them with you.

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And Elizabeth Warren lives near the Quad, so maybe you’ll see her taking a stroll around the Cambridge Commons. The area also has a myriad of restaurants, a Starbucks, and an ice cream place which are all much more peaceful than any location within Harvard Square. If you want a break from the city atmosphere of the Square, head to the Quad for a more suburban environment.

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Friendly Toast

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This place took absolutely forever to officially open up its Harvard Square location, but it’s the best brunch you can get in the Square. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet or savory, Friendly Toast will have your fix. It is also decorated as a cool 90’s diner and has a quick table turnaround. Come to this brunch spot for both the food and the experience!

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The Harvard Bookstore

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I could spend hours here if I had no responsibilities to tend to. In fact, when I have spare time, you’ll usually find me here. The staff recommendations are constantly changing, and you’ll always find a new paperback on sale you have to talk yourself out of buying. Parents, come here if you have 15 minutes to multiple hours to kill.

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Hopefully these spots reveal to you some aspects of the reality your student(s) experienced the last four years in the brick city of Cambridge. As you walk around and notice the hustle and bustle of Massachusetts Avenue, maybe you’ll recognize some of the spots your child has told you about!

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