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{shortcode-bf33ba365e0bf2b646e7fc7660bcb6c0428bd74a} ’Tis the season for the sprint to finals! As you read this, adequately rested (with perhaps a bit of raging, peeling sunburn from your Puerto Rico spring break), it’s hard to fathom having to be fully back at school for the last five weeks. But fear not, there are things to look forward to! Natasha Bedingfield, yes, but also the post-Easter CVS clearance aisle.

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No one has experienced pure joy until they have gone to the post-Easter CVS clearance aisle. Pastels, chocolate, and seasonal bunny-shaped goods galore! In preparing to raid the candy inventory once April 21 hits, here’s what sweet treats I think the Easter Bunny would identify with each Harvard House.

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Adams: Cadbury Crème Egg

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Who can resist a decadent chocolate moment? Something so decadent and delectable — that is, for all of one bite before it becomes too over-the-top. Perhaps this parallels the vibe of Adams House: a hit of an indulgent sugar high with a marble staircase on the side. It either pleases your sweet tooth or gives you a sickening stomachache from the five different Adams-affiliated buildings you stop by during River Run.

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Cabot: Jelly Beans (BeanBoozled Edition)

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Let’s be real, Cabot’s got range. Just like jelly beans. From huge singles to a carpeted dining hall, it is just like reaching into the bag and getting anything from butter popcorn flavor to a taste of dirty dishwasher. When you’re in the Quad, you never know what you’re about to taste. Scooter or shuttle ride? The thrill of not knowing never ends.

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Currier: Peeps

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The least divisive Easter candy… or perhaps the most? Everyone loves to love them, except those who don’t. Just like Currier, they are iconic for a reason. They are vibrantly yellow and bright, sprinkled with sugar and cheer, but also texturally confusing. I just know Bill Gates loves Peeps. Peep cameo in next year’s Housing Day video?

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Dunster: Pastel M&Ms

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Dunster just is demure like that. Poised, elegant, beautiful, overlooking our lovely Weeks Bridge and Charles River. But as much as we enjoy pastel M&Ms, they have their flaws, too, like when the color starts to bleed in your sweaty palms, or when you somehow find melted chocolate seeping out of the package into your jacket pocket. Probably happened on the walk back to Dunster!

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Eliot: Lindt Gold Bunny

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Shiny. Expensive. Pretty on the outside. Yet once you scratch the surface, the allure is gone. Eliot boasts wealth and cool — it’s all wrapped up in gold foil. But when you actually peel it back and take a bite, you realize that it’s not all that good. It is your standard waxy milk chocolate, that is all.

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Kirkland: Reese’s Peanut Butter Egg

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Classic, reliable, and yet somehow overlooked? Kirkland may get a certain rep, but the community sure is strong. They embrace anything that boosts spirit and morale, and something tells me they would even welcome the peanut allergy kids. I do think Reese’s Eggs and Kirkland could both use better PR teams, though.

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Leverett: Lindt Chocolate Carrots

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Carrots → Bunnies → Leverett. This one was too on the nose to not include. No further explanation needed.

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Lowell: Ferrero Rocher Egg

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A rare, delectable, and highly coveted treasure in the sea of Harvard Houses. One that I find to be kind of boring, frankly, but the chimes of the bell tower and small fragments of hazelnut seem to attract the same kind of attention and the same crowds. No one would be discontent to see this (or a letter placing them in Lowell House) in their Easter Baskets.

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Mather: Sour Patch Bunnies

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Sour then sweet! Said no one but Mather residents themselves. While I feel almost as if Mather doesn’t deserve this candy, as it is one of my personal favorites, I think it is extremely fitting as the Easter Sour Patch is one that grows on you. With its take on flavors like grape and watermelon, it is super odd at first bite, but soon you won’t be able to stop dreaming of the fruity flavors paired with just the right tinge of citric acid, kind of like the guaranteed singles and concrete exterior.

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Pfoho: Whoppers Robin Eggs

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Vibes. It’s hard to explain but just the overall vibe. I feel like the Pfoho Igloo is slightly reminiscent of these eggs’ hard, crunchy malt exterior followed by the extra sweet milk chocolate. And what is malt, anyway? What is Pfoho, anyway??

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Quincy: Pastel Hershey’s Kisses

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Tried and true. Never gets old. Consistent all. Year. Round. That is Quincy in a nutshell for you, just like a classic Hershey’s Kiss. Sure it doesn’t have the pop and Yellow Dye 5 of classic Easter Peeps, but where it lacks in scary coloring, it makes up for by being a House that anyone can fall back on at any time. You know what to expect, and you always love it after. Of course, I’m not biased at all as a Quincy resident myself.

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Winthrop: Russell Stover Marshmallow Eggs

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In an ideal world, these sound like they’d be amazing, right? Almost as if someone combined the Hershey’s Kisses and Peeps mentioned earlier. But it’s weird. Everything about these chocolate-covered marshmallow eggs seems to be great except for the absolutely unforgivable choice to use crunchy chocolate to host this symbiotic relationship between marshmallows and chocolate. Sound familiar? Everyone loves Winthrop and loves to love on Winthrop EXCEPT for the lingering, musty smell of the dhall.

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Whether you are a seasonal staple or a zesty Peep, everyone has a special place in their heart for their sweet treat. Happy early Easter, and best of luck in your upcoming discount candy search journey!

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{shortcode-0aa4a7bc2bae6df4a2d55d6520918c7a539b878e} Spring break has come and gone, and we’re right back into the thick of midterm season. Only three days in, and there’s already a month’s worth of work to be done. Keep your chin up, though. The Charles River is no longer frozen, there’s an extra hour of sunlight, and the weather is finally beginning to get warmer. Before you know it, summer will be here in full force, and you’ll be worrying about your internship instead! There’s light at the end of the tunnel, and your favorite blog (Flyby) is here to help you get there in one piece. We do, however, have our own mid-semester slump to survive, so we’re not gonna hold your hand every step of the way; we have some Ghosts of Flyby Past (read: past articles) to do that for us.

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First things first, it’s time for a hard reset. As much as you hate studying for your fifth midterm of the semester, now is not the time for being a whiny baby; it’s time to lock in and pull yourself together. We know that trekking down to the laundry room feels like a waste of time when you wear the same pants every day anyway, but even a few minutes spent cleaning will dramatically improve your quality of life… and probably alleviate the tension that’s bubbling up between you and your equally stressed/busy/messy roommates. The last half of the semester is not a time to wallow — make your academic comeback instead.

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If even our sage words of wisdom haven’t stopped your spiral, maybe Mother Nature can help out. With warmer temperatures, kayaking season is finally on the horizon. Staring at the water might help you remember that things are not that deep in the grand scheme of things. Technically if you capsize, you can cross another one of the Harvard traditions off your list (iykyk). If solid ground is more to your tastes, picnic along the Charles! We’ve already done the hard part — actually planning the picnic of your fantasies — so all you need to do is find a free hour (okay, maybe this is the hard part) to enjoy the views while surrounded by great company and food. Seriously, touch some grass. ASAP. There are so, so many outdoor activities (not all equal) to enjoy now that temperatures are tolerable enjoyable. (And don’t try to use your seasonal allergies as an excuse. We’ve got that covered with this article that will help you explore the great outdoors without sniffling every five seconds.)

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Once you feel five percent closer to being a functioning human being, feel free to reward yourself with a sweet treat. There’s one for every mood, you know. You need some incentive to power through these last few weeks, and sometimes even the idea of passing your classes isn’t enough to sprint through the last half of your pset. If you’re looking for permission to treat yourself, you have it. Finish a sentence in your essay? Arrive at lecture on time? Manage to assemble a HUDS meal that doesn’t make your stomach recoil? Time for a treat! If you’re trying to cut back on spending, you could always stop by the many free (at least for you) museums on campus or chip away at your Board Plus balance.

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If all else fails, just avoid all your responsibilities. Give yourself a second spreak. (But shorter, because someone has to take your midterms.) The commuter rail is perfect for a quick escape from campus. Pop the Harvard bubble and pretend that you didn’t just spend ten hours on a pset to only get six of the ten questions right. Pretend that you have no obligations and forget about them!

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Hopefully this suggested reading list will give you the push you need to break out of the mid-semester slump… and hopefully not feel even more swamped by your readings (oops). Summer is distant, but it’s so close you can almost taste it!

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{shortcode-3246edef9f9e73444f16e141f869feaf1b563c60} In honor of the 2025 Housing Day season coming to an end, what better way is there to keep the Housing Day spirit alive than a House ranking sure to upset every undergraduate on campus? Here are the foods I think each upperclassman House would be and how many bites I would take of each. Yes, I thrive off of controversy. Cheers!

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Adams

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Adams, here’s a serving of brutal honesty. You are overrated, and although this food item seems niche, it encapsulates your House perfectly: a cheese fondue fountain. Sure, it looks presentable and grand, but when you start thinking about it, everyone touching the cheese and double-dipping quickly gets gross. Also, the cheese is such a hit-or-miss. Four bites.

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Cabot

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Cabot, I would have given you a vastly different meal just a couple of hours ago, but I just finished a deep dive into your Housing Day videos. I’m slightly obsessed with you now. However, you would be buttered noodles because, at the end of the day, you’re still Cabot. Six bites.

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Currier

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Normally, when people think of Currier, they think of another irrelevant Quad House, but you are slightly more than that; you have Rhodes Scholars. When I think of you, I think of successful nerds. You would be a mushroom omelet with quinoa. Omelet because you probably eat breakfast, quinoa because you’re better than me, and mushroom because… obviously. Five bites.

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Dunster

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It might be your House sigil, your fancy dining hall seats, or the unhinged emails about your Grille, but when I think of you, Dunster, I always relate you to the wild. If you were a food item, you would be something that requires hunting: venison (usually deer meat, but sometimes moose meat…). Cheers to cannibalism! Six bites.

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Eliot

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My freshman fall semester, I snuck into an IM volleyball game (representing Mather) and had the misfortune of playing against you, Eliot. Not only were you bad, but you ended up crying to the IM board (which is apparently a real thing?), demanding a victory because you thought losing to a freshman was unfair. Your food item would be rotten fish — no explanation needed. Zero bites for you sore losers.

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Kirkland

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Kirkland, when I think of you, I think of absolute limbo: neither good nor bad in any aspect. Because of this, you would be a food item that is always an option, but one I would only eat under dire circumstances like starvation or the utter lack of anything better: the ever-so-slightly pink HUDS grilled chicken. Three bites.

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Leverett

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An upperclassman once told me I should hope to get Leverett because there’s a good community there. What they failed to mention is that this alleged “community” speaks true to the House’s bunny mascot — meek, with a bland choice in snacks (as proven by your Brain Break). As a result, I’ve known what your food item would be long before I started writing this article: saltines. Two bites (three crumbs).

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Lowell

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Listen Lowell, I’m not here to blow smoke up your rear like every other House ranking ever. However, you are a staple of Harvard, so your meal should reflect as much. You would be the default above-average wedding meal with the facade of being “gourmet”: lemon garlic chicken. Still good, though. Nine bites.

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Mather

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I think of you in the same way that I do my situationship from the fall semester. Everyone gets mad when I bring you up, and I kind of forgot who you were after winter break. You were fun while you lasted though, just like your food item: a Taco Bell Cheesy Gordita Crunch. Four bites and a lot of regret in the morning.

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Pforzheimer

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Listen. Pfoho, I love you more than my blocking group wishes I did, but I must admit that you would not taste good. You would be a food that makes people go, “What’s that?” just like they do after you tell them you’re in Pfoho: a cold wedge salad with expired Caesar dressing. Two bites.

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Quincy

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A moment of appreciation for the famous Quincy Grille that has gotten me through many nights out. Containing a good community that is only relevant because of a grill, you, Quincy, would taste like a classic backyard outing: a nicely seared cheeseburger with crispy curly fries. Seven bites of the burger, two of the fries.

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Winthrop

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A House large in size but proportionally irrelevant compared to some of the smaller ones, Winthrop would be a dish for which bigger isn’t necessarily better: a bone-in roast beef far too big to finish. You’re pretty tasty, but you should probably start prioritizing quality over quantity. Six bites.

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\r\nThese all come from places of love, and I believe every House has good and bad parts (see, I’m PR trained, I swear). I had to keep it fair and uniformly insulting to everybody to make myself equally unwelcome in every House’s dining hall (which might cause me some problems because I got sorted into the one House with a notoriously stinky dining hall). See you next semester, Winthrop!

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{shortcode-a7c7b5d4fbdbef26dff582a11c4c7d7a7eb3bcf6} You might not have seen us around campus this spring break, but we definitely saw you… Before you freak out, no, we’re not stalkers, just avid readers of the HUPD public police logs. (Someone has to give their website traffic.) It turns out that, even with half of the student body in Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic, campus is far from boring.

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3.15.25 - Cabot House, Whitman Hall

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“Officers dispatched to a report of an individual engaged in suspicious activity. Officers arrived, searched the area, and reported that the individual was gone on arrival.”

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Also apparently missing when officers arrived on scene? The desire to engage in wordplay. The situation’s fishy on all fins tails fronts.

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3.16.25 - Leverett House, F Tower

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“Officers dispatched to a report of an individual yelling over the phone. Officers arrived, searched the area, and reported that all was well.”

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My grandma’s just really hard of hearing, officer.

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3.17.25 - Smith Campus Center

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“Officer took a report of annoying emails.”

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Is every club on campus committing a criminal offense during comp season?

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3.17.25 - GSAS Student Center

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“Officer took a report of a stolen secured black and brown bicycle valued at $200.00. The reporting individual informed the officer that their U-lock was undamaged and left at the scene.”

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On the one hand, it’s really impressive that they managed to steal the bike without damaging the lock. On the other hand, why leave the lock behind? We’d expect that sort of exclusion from a grade school bully, not a criminal mastermind.

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3.18.25 - Smith Campus Center

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“Officer took a report of a stolen secured black and gray GoTrax G5 electric scooter valued at $650.00, and a stolen cable lock.”

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We’d love to help out with the search for this, really, but it’ll probably be difficult to identify the scooter as it zips past the “Walk Your Wheels” sign in the Yard.

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3.19.25 - Harvard Law School, Wasserstein Hall

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“Officers dispatched to a report of an individual previously sleeping in the building. … Officers informed the individual they must refrain from sleeping in the building and sent them on their way.”

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Speaking of signs, it looks like the Smith Campus Center “stay awake space” posters need to extend their reach into the graduate schools. But hey, we get it. Let’s hope that this sort of anti-sleep enforcement doesn’t extend into the classroom; we’re sure HUPD doesn’t want to spend time in Science Center Hall C any more than we do.

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3.19.25 - Canaday Hall, Entryway D

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“Officer dispatched to a report of individuals who may not have authorization to be in the building. Officer arrived, searched the area, and reported the individuals were

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gone on arrival.”

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Seriously? You get into the building, only to leave? At this point you should have just stood by the infamous Canaday laundry vent and saved yourself the trouble. Pointless mission, we’re embarrassed for you. Side quest flopped.

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3.20.25 - Memorial Church

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“Officer dispatched to a report of an unattended briefcase in the area. Officer arrived, located the briefcase, and reported that it did not contain any suspicious content.

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Officer reported that the briefcase was disposed of properly.”

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We have so many questions. Who would bring a briefcase to Memorial Church? What was in the briefcase? What would have been suspicious to find in a briefcase? How does one dispose of a briefcase “properly,” and have we been disposing of our (of course, many hundreds of) briefcases improperly?

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Life’s a beach. Spring break is a mentality. You may have made some of the best memories of your life this past week, but just because you’re back on campus doesn’t mean that it has to end. Here’s how to keep the spring break glow alive, even when you’re walking to lecture and not dancing behind the DJ booth in Miami.

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1. Live Like You’re on an All-Inclusive Package

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It’s easy when dhall breakfast tends to look just like the somber pickings at a resort buffet. Swipe that ID for all those luxurious amenities. Oh, the dining hall? It’s actually the continental breakfast spread. This gym access? Complimentary wellness activities for resort guests. Delusion, or manifestation? It’s all about perspective.

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2. Talk About Spring Break at Every Possible Opportunity

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You’re going to do it anyway.

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“Ugh, back to reality.”

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“This reminds me of the time I was in…”

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“The island air was just different.”

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“Take me back…”

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3. Keep Posting the Spring Break Pictures

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This one is my personal favorite. I’m guilty of never posting vacation pictures in the moment and instead shamelessly posting them weeks later. Post them late. Post them again. It may be a personal attack to your friends holed up in Lamont, though.

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If you run out, everyday moments can also make great travel content:

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A walk through the Yard = morning strolls in paradise

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Passing the Charles on the way to the SEC = waterfront moments on the way to the spa

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Your dhall glass of Powerade = recovery after hiking through mystical pine forests and waterfalls in Mexico

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4. Romanticize HUDS

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Your HUDS line-up can look just like the unforgettable meals you had during spring break. Again, it’s all about perspective.

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You can level up your salad bar creation to be a handcrafted Mediterranean bowl with kalamata olives, salad, pickled red onions, and crumbled feta — just like the one you would enjoy after yoga on the beach in Greece.

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The emotional support pasta that has become your go-to when none of the entrées are calling your name is now house-made penne with signature marinara, topped with freshly grated parmesan.

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Your bowl of Greek yogurt and berries tastes just like the one you enjoyed on a terrace in Puerto Rico!

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The raspberry and mango soft-serve are straight out of a gelateria in Italy.

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5. Look the Part

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Sunnies are great for both hiding the exhaustion after going out so much and the sadness of missing out on peak UV hours because you’re headed to lecture. You can still pull up in a sundress or the top you wore to beachside dinner to fill the void, though. I’ll let you in on a secret: Summer attire is comfy and cute, and if you look like you’re on vacation, it might actually feel like you still are.

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6. Regularly Treat Yourself to a Fun Bevvy

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After all, spending a week sitting out in the sun can be so draining. You deserve it. Start ordering pricey, complicated drinks that remind you of the resort that you developed a love-hate relationship with. Think the blueberry matcha from Blank Street, Playa’s Beach Break juice, or anything that Life Alive offers. Bonus points if you sip it while sitting in a courtyard egg chair, dramatically staring into the distance like your Google Calendar is still completely clear.

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7. Make Your Spring Break Playlist the Soundtrack to Your Life

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You didn’t spend all those hours curating it for nothing. You may physically be walking to Sever, but mentally? You’re still on a yacht in Miami. Airpods in. Sunglasses on. DND mode.

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8. Go On Weekend Side Quests

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The people abroad don’t have to be the only ones having all the fun and going on side quests. You, too, can collect side quests and add to your lore in the process.

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Spend an afternoon in the North End, cannoli in hand, and pretend you’re wandering a tiny Roman side street. Go to Beacon Hill and pretend it’s Prague, with its brick sidewalks, curvy alleys, and historical charm. Enjoy some bread and cheese, courtesy of HUDS, and Parisian jazz in a picnic in the quad, like it’s a French garden. Take the commuter rail to Providence and tell no one. It’s always tempting to be mysterious. No itinerary. Just let the wind take you.

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9. Stop and Smell the Roses.

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This may be the one completely serious piece of advice I have for you. Just because spring break has come to an end does not mean that you do not still deserve a break. Stop rushing everywhere. Walk with tranquility. Pause between assignments. Read a book for fun. Tan in the Yard. Sip your morning coffee instead of inhaling it. Laugh with your friends like you’re still sitting around a fire pit in Malibu. That spring break glow? You can have it year-round if you just let yourself slow down and live in the present.

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Spring break can be forever. You don’t need your passport on hand to feel like you’re living. Just be a little delusional and have a little raspberry soft serve. Let’s make a movement of responding to someone asking how your break was with a smile and saying, I’m still on it.

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Harvard is ~technically~ in Cambridge, but (don’t kill me) we’re really in the Boston metropolitan area. So, as Flyby’s resident Boston… resident… let me help you get in the loop with the local goings-on by comparing Boston neighborhoods to places you’ve actually been: the Harvard Houses.

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Adams: Jamaica Plain (JP)

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You know JP Licks? Yeah, that’s named after a place. This area has charming Victorian duplexes, a nice pond, and Harvard’s very own Arnold Arboretum: home to many acorns.

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Cabot: Wharf District

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Fish! Aquarium! Ocean! Don’t tell me you’re not convinced.

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Currier: SoWa

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Usually, there’s nothing going on. But when there is, there is. Both throw great parties, though you might have to pay to get in.

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Dunster: Fenway

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Both seem historical but are remarkably sterile on the inside. Both have a mascot that’s a monster (have you ever seen a moose in person?). And both are home to athletes eating a hot dog after practice.

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Eliot: Beacon Hill

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Can you say “old money?” Both have been home to the Boston Brahmins of yore. They may not have elevators, but they have ~history~ and that’s good enough for them.

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Kirkland: North End

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Kirkland and the North End (Boston’s Italian neighborhood) are both haunted: Kirkland by John Hicks, and the North End by Paul Revere and victims of the Molasses Flood. Both are mostly full of people who came to eat but don’t actually live there.

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Leverett: Allston/Brighton

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They seem like catch-alls, but they do have personality if you squint. Is the personality just being populated by a lot of college kids? Yeah. But at least there are some music venues in both.

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Lowell: South End

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The South End (which is NOT the same thing as Southie) is very refined and classy, but with an artistic streak — much like Lowell. The dhall’s color is definitely artistic, and one could call it classy. The same goes for the bells.

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Mather: Seaport

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Towers. Next question.

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Pfoho: Mission Hill

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I don’t really get over to Mission Hill or Pfoho, but when I do, I’m pleasantly surprised by how homey they are. Now, does that mean I’ll make the trip? Um… maybe for brunch…

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Quincy: Downtown Crossing

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The People’s House = the people’s shopping center. Not a lot of people actually live in Downtown Crossing, but they’re always passing through for a hot meal or a train connection. Plus, Downtown Crossing is home to QUINCY Market…

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Winthrop: Back Bay

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Back Bay and Winthrop House: both beautiful, full of brick buildings, and facing a trash problem. I like meeting my friends in both places since they’re central locations. And both are built on landfill!

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If you haven’t been to your House’s neighborhood, what are you even doing? Get out of the bubble! Don’t worry, they probably have Tatte there, too.

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{shortcode-17be84d5c99d3357c7ae938baa1e6c370b25ee33} Egg prices are at an all time high. Brunch is the best meal on campus. The HUDS meal plan costs entirely too much. I get really hungry on Sundays at noon.

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All of these facts lead to the same conclusion: knowing which House has the best eggs at brunch is crucial to having a successful Harvard experience!!! So, this past Sunday, I, Carly Y. Chen, spent approximately two hours trying scrambled eggs at every single River House. Wyatt G. Croog, my wonderful co-author, focused on the Quad Houses. Together, we have created the first and only list you will ever need to decide where to eat on Sunday mornings, even if Housing Day says you must live somewhere else!

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Mather

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Not to suggest that Mather usually fills me with disappointment, but I was EXTREMELY EXTREMELY surprised by how good the eggs were at Mather. They were fluffy, soft, and visually pleasing. The flavor was nothing special (standard premixed liquid egg flavor) and needed a bit of salt. I could imagine them being very good on toast. I’m pleased to definitively say that even after trying the other dhalls, this remains one of my favorite eggs.

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Unrelated but necessary: the frittata. DISGUSTING.

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Dunster

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These eggs… were disappointing. They suffered from what I call “wall syndrome,” an incurable affliction where unstirred eggs look unbroken and “wall-like” instead of scrambled. This also meant they didn’t look great on the plate. Nonetheless, they were tender, not that crumbly (probably because its unfortunate structure lent it great strength), and had a decent flavor. Think of hotel eggs with the texture of the egg in a McDonald's Egg McMuffin.

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Leverett

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At this point I was a bit tired of eggs, hence the tater tot. Anyways, Leverett, while my home and my love, lacks quality in the egg department. They usually suffer significantly from wall syndrome and often need sauce or salt. However, I think the Lev HUDS workers must have sensed this article coming, because the eggs were actually quite good! No seasoning required to make them taste eggy, and they didn’t suffer from their usual wall shape. Unfortunately, however, they were slightly overdone — a bit crumbly.

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Winthrop

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Winthrop, Winthrop, Winthrop….Do NOT be fooled by the indifferent face my eggs and bacon are making. Not only does Winthrop’s dhall stink, their eggs SUCK! For starters, they were tasteless. Furthermore, unlike the stereotypical wall problem, the eggs were instead broken into unusually small pieces. And their texture — like pebbles covered in water and stuck with dried mud. What was happening here.

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Lowell

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These eggs were alright. Reminiscent of Mather, they had decent flavor and decent texture, and looked pretty good. There were a few slightly dried out parts, but I think the eggs had been set out for a while. Nothing crazy, good, or bad.

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Interlude

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At this point, I was beginning to lose my mind. Proof, courtesy of what I wrote in my notes app on the way to Quincy:

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“I hate eggs. The taste lingers in my mouth. Someone I ran into said that HUDS puts laxatives in the eggs(????) what if I die?”

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Quincy

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Quincy eggs, while not a mystery to most, actually were to me. But, after trying them, I understood why Quincy lives by their hot breakfast; they were easily the best eggs of all the houses! They were “wetter” than the traditional HUDS egg, but in a custardy, restaurant brunch way, rather than Winthrop’s questionable and highly disconcerting way. Additionally, they were the only eggs with distinct pepper flakes in them. Therefore, understandably, they were delightfully soft and tasty. A solid bit of eggs that revived me from my delirium.

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Adams

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Unfortunately, the wall syndrome struck once again. Luckily, the flavor was alright, but this actually quite disappointed me since Adams had once given me the best eggs I’ve tried while at Harvard. I would rank this about equal with Dunster.

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Eliot

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Wow, can you believe that this is my eighth egg? My stomach can! I did not get much of this egg and felt I needed a piece of potato as a palate cleanser. The person sitting down the table from me was very nice about averting his eyes from my plate, so he didn’t get to see how unimpressed I was by these eggs. Wall-esque and sad. Mediocre flavor. Next House!

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Kirkland

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This was going to be my actual breakfast stop, so please excuse the non-egg components of my plate. I was quite thankful for these aspects, as the Kirkland eggs were a bit cold, a bit too broken up for my liking, and a bit hard. Overall not that great. A slightly sad end to my egg journey.

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To continue your journey through the HUDS-verse eggs is now Wyatt G. Croog, here to tell you about the Quad eggs!

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Cabot

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Of the Quad Houses, I was most curious about how Cabot would rank compared to its neighbors. Sure, Cabot has community. It has a great café. Cabot has… vibes? But after extensive research (and standing at the buffet making eye contact with the eggs’ consistency for too long), I can say that they (sort of? maybe?) have eggs. Were they good? Who’s to say? Are they consistent? Hell no, every bite was a new flavor. But they do exist, and in a world of great uncertainty, that is what’s important.

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Currier

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Stepping into Currier, I was immediately enveloped in its foresty charm — one singular tree stood tall in the middle of the dhall, showcasing that at least one House cares about sustainability (ESPP majors, this is a big win). With my first bite of egg, it was as if I was teleported to a farm. I went into the barn and collected what my free-range, organic-fed hen had laid, cooked it perfectly, and this was the product. Immaculate texture, great flavor, and for a fleeting moment, I forgot I was in a college dining hall and not in a field of dewy grass. However, I did eat quickly — not just because the Quad scares me, but because I didn’t want to be entrapped in this mirage. I couldn’t let myself get too used to nice things, especially because I am NOT making the trek to the Quad every Sunday.

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Pfoho

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Walking into Pfoho’s dhall, it felt less like a dining space and more like I stumbled into some underground fight club. The eggs, much like the House, really gave it their best shot. I poked at them a few times with my fork, but as I sat there, trapped, with this yellow-ish architectural enigma that was called an egg, I wondered if I would ever escape this place. Was this a test? EGGSistential crisis in full swing, I downed the coagulation and I did the only logical thing — I fled before the flasher could show up.

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And with that, Wyatt and I, with our one to two stomachs, have successfully tried every egg at every house. While the objective winners may be Currier, Quincy, and Mather, in my heart the winners are the eggs themselves. They can’t control how they’re made or who ends up eating them (or hating them), but they still work their hardest to feed us. (I will definitely only be eating Quincy eggs from now on, though).

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-17be84d5c99d3357c7ae938baa1e6c370b25ee33}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/13/071010_1377336.png.1500x1000_q95_crop-smart_upscale.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-3ac5f4bf65f2f43ed4582467f605f243361b63ea}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/12/234305_1377328.jpg.1125x1500_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Surprisingly good eggs at Mather House.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-7d007cedabce2a494288bbb5c80b6ca9c82a3bc1}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/12/234020_1377323.jpg.1125x1500_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Dunster disappointment.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-0e49d17b5b622d42dc65055c19d1251e18d75b95}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/12/234159_1377326.jpg.1125x1500_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Leverett, my love. (The eggs, I love not as much.)', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-f3a48a48ac39d0ff762d8edd9f9f768de8abd7a3}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/12/234420_1377330.jpg.1125x1500_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Sucky eggs at Winthrop House.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-4575a29a845c02f61542de7cb2615aa294e2d7e2}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/12/234234_1377327.jpg.1125x1500_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Okay eggs at Lowell House.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-d61f2d39d355950f3df2b3dd588830f83821c631}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/12/234346_1377329.jpg.1125x1500_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Quincy dominates the egg game.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-c6da3aeff83321b09447dd6fefa0df468106efed}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/12/233943_1377322.jpg.1125x1500_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Wall syndrome in the eggs at Adams House.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-5e1db19c6e680afdbd8b772b4c44c094511280db}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/12/234054_1377324.jpg.1125x1500_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Eggs at Eliot House.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-cc9d555a50f84058c28dcf37fb34865e443173f6}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/12/234124_1377325.jpg.1125x1500_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Eggs at Kirkland House.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>)])

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All About Adams

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Adams House is in the heart of the Square, and its residents are arguably the heart of Harvard.

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Even with renovations keeping residents out of some of their historical spaces, House traditions keep the community going strong. Housing Committee (HoCo) co-chairs Roxy H. Hreb ’26 and Grace J. Shambley ’26 cited Drag Night in the fall semester and Aurum, their spring formal, as the two biggest highlights of an Adams resident’s year.

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Drag Night is Harvard’s oldest drag night and features “a mix of student performers and then professional performers as well,” according to Shambley. The event draws an audience hailing from the tallest floor of Mather to the furthest corner of the Quad. With the dhall transformed into a stage, Adams residents and members of other Houses are invited to leave it all on the floor in their best drag performances and attire. The Faculty Deans always join in the fun, performing themselves.

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Another large event in the House is Chocoholica, a large Valentines-themed event with swing dancing, champagne, and erotic chocolates. If that special someone just won’t ask you to be their Valentine, don’t worry; Adams House has you covered, as this event is sure to leave you with great memories and even better company. Smaller but no less spirited events like weekly Carpe Noctems (meaning “seize the night”) give Adamsians food and good vibes to look forward to every week, complete with unique themes like Louisiana, soup (Soupe!), and Celine Dion. If you get Adams House, you’ll have no shortage of awesome events to attend!

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Adams has a score of other perks; to name just one, the House has its own gong and a pipe organ, in case you’re ever feeling musical and want to try a more entertaining instrument than the recorder you were forced to play in elementary school. Additionally, underground tunnels connect the House’s halls, and with its previous reputation as a very artistic house, you’ll find all sorts of artwork around as you explore. It’s the perfect place to unlock your inner art critic and really ascend to a higher level of intellectual, art-appreciating vitality — or sit and watch paint dry (pick your poison). Adams resident Anika L. Christensen ’26 has fond memories of exploring the tunnels, even if they’re off-limits for this year’s River Run. “Adams was the last House we went to, and we managed to explore every single building of it through the tunnels. And I think that mystically is what let the Housing Gods determine that we, in fact, will be in Adams.” Freshmen, unfortunately, cannot follow in her path this year, with renovations keeping the tunnels Christensen used off-limits, but that just means you’ll have to forge your own luck to manifest Adams (whatever this might mean to you – go nuts).

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In the Adams Spirit

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Upperclassmen in Adams are incredibly welcoming to new residents, fostering a supportive community for all. Rising sophomores can look forward to connecting with upperclassmen in the “Little Acorn, Big Oak” program, which pairs current upperclassmen with incoming residents in Adams in an effort to acclimate the freshmen and integrate them into the House community. You’ll never be without a friend in Adams House!

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It’s not just the upperclassmen who cheer you on, though. If you ever have career questions, existential crises, or simply are looking for some life advice, the Adams Faculty Deans and resident tutors are here for you. Christensen wants to go into epidemiology and public health. Mercedes C. Becerra ’91, the Adams House Faculty Dean, is an epidemiologist herself. Christensen said, “She’s given me so much guidance on what I can be doing now as an undergraduate, to feel out research and figure out exactly what I want to do.”

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Plus, according to Hreb, Adams has a very active Senior Common Room, connecting students with various academics and professionals. You don’t even have to go to the Mignone Center to brush up on your networking skills anymore, you have it all in the comfort of your own home!

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And, if you’re sick of collecting endless basic Harvard tote bags, Adams has you covered. New residents can also look forward to fun, unique merchandise when they get into Adams. “We’re famous for our boxers,” Hreb said, “and the bow ties.” Housing Day is the only day (besides Primal Scream) where running around the Yard in your underwear, specifically nut-covered boxers, is heavily encouraged — take advantage of it!

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Part of the Adams spirit is also taking everything with good humor, and rolling with the punches. When asked about intramural sports, Hreb gave an optimistic view. “We’re in the top twelve,” she said, as Shambley nodded along. I mean hey, Adams can’t be the best at everything — they had to save the athleticism for another House to make it even! And anyways, clearly, it’s not the victories that matter to this House — it’s the many friends (nuts? acorns?) you make along the way.

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All About Sophomore Housing

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As for the House itself, current freshmen haven’t had the chance to see Adams in all its glory due to renovations. But fear not — they’re expected to be completed this summer. So freshmen fortunate enough to get Adams as their home for the next three years will get modern, fully renovated digs. Yes, your dorm room will be your dorm room, and you will be the first person to sleep there — pretty cool stuff!

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Currently, sophomores are housed at the Inn, where they’re blessed with A/C and fantastic proximity to the Yard. Starting this fall, though, Hreb and Shambley expect that most sophomore Adams residents will live in Randolph and Claverly Hall. With its gorgeous common rooms and large quantity of singles, new Adams residents are really going to be living in luxury.

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Located in River Central among multiple buildings, Adams residents are naturally close to the Yard and most of their classes — it’s essentially like an upperclassmen union dorm, but this time it’s cool to live in (no offense to Pennypacker, Greenough, and Hurlbut). Any freshman placed here will barely have to wake up earlier than they do now to make it to class on time — on the flip side, though, you don’t have a very good excuse for missing your 9 a.m. classes now.

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Its location is also wonderful for when HUDS is closed. Christensen said, “If I’m just looking to go out really late at night, we’re not a very far walk from Pinocchio’s, which is so reliable at one in the morning.”

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Living on the Gold Coast

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A big part of Adams’s character is found in its incredible history. With notable alumni like FDR (class of 1904), William Randolph Hearst, and Chuck Schumer ’71, plus temporary residents like J. Robert Oppenheimer (class of 1925), Robert Frost, and William Weld ’66 (the namesake of the freshman dorm — maybe living there will help you manifest Adams!), you are following in the footsteps of greatness the moment you step foot in Adams’s halls. John F. Kennedy ’40 would meet with his senior thesis advisor in Adams’s Coolidge Room, and now you can book it to sit and procrastinate on even starting to think about your thesis. Who knows — maybe a quick stop at the Coolidge Room will inspire a future presidential run (be nice to the IOP kids, you never know who they’ll end up becoming).

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Don’t be fooled though — Adams does not fully cling to its historical roots. Its renovation introduces amenities that even JFK couldn’t have imagined having (and will surely make thesising more comfortable someday). Though several parts of the house are still under renovation, Hreb and Shambley highlighted the plethora of beautiful spaces Adams has to offer for studying, chilling, and partying. The Adams Senior House and Pool Room are the two biggest spots for parties within the House. Adams also boasts the Coolidge Room, Heaney Suite, Gold Room, Pool Theater, FDR Suite, and the Randolph Courtyard as famous study and hangout spots for its lucky, lucky residents. If you’ve landed in Adams, you’ve struck gold.

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Cracking the Nuts

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Before the end of the interview, I asked the lovely HoCo chairs some more wacky questions so that you could really get to know the vibe of this House!

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What Hogwarts house would your House get sorted into?

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RHH: Gryffindor. We have the Gryffindor colors.

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If you had to liken your House to a fruit, which fruit would it be and why?

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RHH: A Golden Delicious, because we’re gold.

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If your House was a board game, which one would it be and why?

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GJS: Snakes and Ladders — there’s tunnels, and it’s a game of luck, and you’ll be lucky to live in Adams.

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If Adams was a HUDS dish, what would it be?

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\r\nRHH: Nashville Chicken Sandwich, served on Fridays, with a side of Boom Boom sauce — which was created in our House.

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What should freshmen who get your House look forward to?

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GJS: Congratulations!

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RHH: Don’t rub it in.

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If you’re lucky enough to land in Adams House this Housing Day, take it all in: enjoy the brand-new facilities, great housing options, and amazing Adams community!

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Need to know more about the real estate market? Read the rest of the feature here!

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-9f6ea8dce1871ab4eebb2a52cb63a2e52b9dcb18}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/12/224626_1377307.jpeg.1500x976_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='xlarge', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-cb0caa3ebd20edd812d4e409ff1baaaa6f63ce7e}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2023/10/02/024535_1365377.jpg.1500x1000_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="The exterior of one of Adams House's many buildings.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-03ac6956c06dec1e7eb811f2e6bdee8e1e75d312}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2022/03/10/213017_1354945.jpg.1500x1000_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="Dressed down or dressed up? It's hard to tell with merch this unconventional.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-6689b1c88f0bce1db73677badb6306262a1d8eeb}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2022/03/08/110606_1354852.jpg.1500x999_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="An Adams House resident's tastefully decorated common room.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-520e535afba71d43b465f4c5f0666a5c480ab6fe}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2020/03/09/003956_1343307.jpg.1500x844_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="Adams House's gorgeous Gold Room.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-d59138325c85f70ff98169025d1f98f98b28a828}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2022/02/09/095946_1354076.JPG.1500x1000_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="Adams House's dining hall prior to the House's soon-to-be-completed renovations.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-f6fcf92d3b02af1079ada0cddc45ab2e02cf9e69}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/12/224910_1377311.png.975x1500_q95_crop-smart_upscale.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='medium', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=, , ]>)])

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Quincy Qulture

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When we asked the House Committee (HoCo) chairs, Varun Suraj ’26 and Aidan C. Pesce ’26, if there was a Quincy “type” or personality, Pesce immediately responded no. “Everyone loves Quincy unless you hate people; it’s as simple as that,” he said, with Suraj adding that “Quincy is big enough and there’s enough going on that no matter who you are, there’s something for you.”

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From hanging out and enjoying free food at biweekly, themed festas to Quinski, their annual ski-themed bash, there are always activities for Quincy residents to explore. Quinski, which took place earlier this year in February, is a relatively new tradition. Though it’s merely two years old (the age of a literal toddler) the event has already proven to be a great success. Although it takes place indoors (mercifully, considering the freezing temperatures at night), people were more than happy to go all in on the ski theme, showing up with snow goggles, snow pants, and more. With a collection of giant inflatable penguins (Quincy’s mascot), great music, and winter decorations galore, what’s not to love?

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In the fall, Quincy has its annual exorcism of the spirit of the House namesake, Josiah Quincy. Yes, you just read that right. While this might be slightly disconcerting at first, it’s not weird per se, just rising sophomores in the courtyard “casting out, like, the demons of bad habits,” according to Pesce. Let’s be honest, we all need an activity like this (another tradition for Housing Day Eve?). Alongside that tradition, Quincy has a field day in which every class competes against each other. This isn’t exclusive to the students; the House tutors jump into the fun as well!

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Transitioning into the spring semester, Quincy hosts a very fun Qarnival, which is exactly what it sounds like — a Quincy carnival! The fun doesn’t stop there, as they also host a House-wide game of Quincy Assassins. For Quincy residents, this is definitely one of the most exciting highlights of the year. Don’t be fooled — this game is intense; last year it ended with a 30-minute one-on-one standoff duel in the courtyard. Quincy Assassins participants don’t hold back — after all, there’s an entire rulebook dedicated to the game, a golden gun that’s hidden at a different location every day at midnight, and immunity from being shot if you’re, um, naked… That’s dedication.

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From Old to New

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Quincy House, often dubbed “The People’s House,” really lives up to its nickname. Within the first ten minutes of my meeting with Pesce and Suraj, I’d been swiped into the building by a random Quincy resident (if you’re reading this — thanks!), welcomed into Quincy dhall, and been the recipient (by proxy) of dozens of waves and greetings sent our way. It’s abundantly clear that, at around 500 students, Quincy House is bound to have a place for everyone. From what Suraj would describe as the “always packed” dhall to their iconic library, aptly named the Qube, rising sophomores — whether they dream of getting Quincy or have never heard anything about it before — have plenty to be excited about.

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The two primary residential dorms are Stone Hall and New Quincy. Stone Hall, the older of the two (and, thus, once fittingly referred to as Old Quincy), was renovated about a decade ago. New Quincy, on the other hand, has not yet undergone renovations. It opened in 1959 and was the first addition to the original seven River Houses, which were built thirty years prior. Another housing option is DeWolfe overflow housing, which offers apartment-style accommodations — you even get your own kitchens and sometimes bay windows or balconies! Speaking of balconies, the balcony suite in New Quincy is one of the House’s most iconic locations. According to Pesce, the suite “is located right by the Qube…it is the only eight-person suite in New Quincy and the only one with a balcony. Everyone knows of the Currier Ten-Man, but I’d say the balcony suite is like the cousin to the Currier Ten-Man.”

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But even if you’re not one of the lucky eight, fear not; with the main dorms built in a modern high-rise architecture style, Quincy residents (especially those in New Quincy) can easily look down (literally, not figuratively, I hope) on those in the more traditionally built neighboring Houses. Most sophomores end up getting placed in hallway singles or doubles in Stone Hall, with open social spaces and study rooms, but suites are also an option for residents.

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All About Amenities

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In terms of amenities, Quincy will never leave you wanting. The House boasts a spacious gym, a theater, and a pottery studio run in part by the Office for the Arts, offering free workshops for Quincy residents to enjoy… and make a mess. There are also plenty of study spaces; the HoCo chairs both frequent the Qube, but Suraj enjoys just hanging out in the dhall to simultaneously socialize and do work — an utter fantasy that we all tell ourselves is possible! There’s also the Kates Tobin Room, the Bullitt Theater, and so much more for students to explore.

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Meanwhile, on the culinary end, many Quincy students are fans of the House Grille. The grille, located on the first floor, is fully student-run and generally open from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. So even if you’re one of those people who turns in assignments at 11:59 p.m., you still have plenty of time to grab some Grille food and relax afterward!

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As for the kinds of foods served, it’s a lot of comfort food — the absolute best for your (mental) health. Suraj tells me “they serve things from chicken tenders to mac and cheese bites, mozzarella sticks, wings, milkshakes, whatever.” “It’s really good,” Pesce finishes for him. The HoCo chairs told me that it’s the only way they use their BoardPlus… and the reason why they go into BoardPlus debt — must be some really good food!

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Q(uincy) & A!

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Can you describe Quincy in three words?

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ACP: “The People’s House”

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VS: “Hot Breakfast.” “Grille.”

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Clearly food is an important factor to these two when considering the Housing Market (and I agree)!

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If Quincy were an ice cream flavor, what would it be?

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VS: This is slightly not an answer, but I’m still gonna do it. Last year, at the Grille, they had Thin Mints milkshakes.

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ACP: Yes, those are amazing.

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VS: And I have to talk to the guy who runs the Grille now because I don’t think they’ve had them yet this year, and I really miss them.

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Did you ever consider investing in something like a snow machine for this year’s Quinski?

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VS: So we tried and were vetoed by the building manager last year. But this was a very serious consideration!

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Any cool traditions surrounding House spirit?

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ACP: We sometimes are a little too enthusiastic, we love to chant. Our favorite: Q-U-I-N-C-Y, Quincy ’til the day I die.

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VS: Yeah, that’s the general chant; that’s the chant you’ll hear when we go storm the Yard.

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Before you came to Quincy, did you think that penguins were the best animal?

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ACP: I’ve always liked penguins personally, so yeah, they are pretty cool.

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Freshmen, get excited. Quincy House, the People’s (and Penguins’) House, might just be your House this Housing Day!

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{shortcode-210c5948ca4a069eed04056cd000070cd0c24359}

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Need to know more about the real estate market? Read the rest of the feature here!

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-563a3e43062564585e60ee4f6e9529da08c65bc6}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/12/224703_1377308.jpeg.1500x976_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='xlarge', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-05bdc969fdef4fb6c111e7d710dca25ef4f991b9}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/12/224020_1377302.jpg.1500x1000_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="Quincy House's central courtyard.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-b90a298216e671527eeaa66d112dc4572a7a6360}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2023/03/10/011834_1362066.jpg.1500x1000_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="A very passionate Quincy House student on Housing Day. We know you're hoping for this penguin to come knocking (banging) on your door.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-de77e15cb1a0cf32ff2dc51a9282f2b35c06bf31}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2022/11/06/221006_1359314.jpg.1500x1000_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Everyone lines up for hot breakfast in Quincy dhall.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-20f9280eb818df7c73b9e7b8539476e4ab6919e9}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2021/03/11/004408_1349093.jpg.1500x997_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='The spacious common room of a dorm in Quincy House.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-cc7ad3d4e9f8beef522e03bec2d2f4ba293ccf91}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2014/03/07/232053_1294626.jpg.1500x1004_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="Quincy House's aptly named library, the Qube.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-96ca1526a4a31dab7faeafd479fd0a30adbfb7b0}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2023/03/03/005322_1361717.jpg.1500x1000_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='The sign for your new favorite source of midnight snacks.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-210c5948ca4a069eed04056cd000070cd0c24359}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/12/225123_1377313.png.975x1500_q95_crop-smart_upscale.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='medium', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=, , ]>)])

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A Beau-tea-ful Community

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Lowell House is known for its proximity to the Yard, bell tower, plentiful traditions, and strong community (when united by tea). House Committee (HoCo) co-chair Behruz Mahmudov ’26 said the community in Lowell is “one of the best,” adding that residents are “very bought in to the Lowell House spirit.” In recent years, residents have become more invested in Lowell events, a contrast with the individualistic reputation they’ve had in the past.

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United by their “big bell energy,” Lowell puts on several unique events that are cherished by their residents, including Lowell Tea, hosted each Thursday and serving as an opportunity for Faculty Deans and students to connect, and the Lowellympics, a weekly challenge series to compete for a golden elk figurine. Lowell might not be the undisputed IM champion, but it more than makes up for it by hosting these House-specific games. Additionally, Lowell hosts the Yule Ball, their winter formal (Lowell equals Hogwarts?), and Bacchanalia, their spring formal, considered to be “one of the best formals,” according to HoCo co-chair Rahul K. Arora ’26.

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Lowell’s HoCo stands out (if its chairs are to be believed…); for one, their HoCo is noticeably wealthier than the rest. “We spend $10,000 more than all the other Houses,” Mahmudov said. “At the end of the day, Lowell is the best House. We have the most amount of money,” Arora said.

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Not all Lowell traditions are cherished by students, though. Resident Uzma A. Issa ’25 said some residents complain about Lowell’s weekly ringing of the bells because of how loud it can be. You see it as an annoyance to your weekend, we see it as a built-in alarm clock; Lowell will keep you accountable, because even on a lazy Sunday you should NOT be sleeping at 1 p.m... Lowellians can even — if they need attention — ring the bells themselves, putting their musical genius on display for every non-Quad Harvard student to hear.

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Lowell does bring uniqueness to the table with its residents. For example, Lowell residents defied the odds, achieving a statistical anomaly by housing two students from the greatest state: South Dakota. (I may or may not be from South Dakota.) Given that there are less than a dozen upperclassmen students from the state, and 12 Houses, Lowell did the (statistically) improbable.

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Lowell House? Lowell Home

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While I am sure you care deeply about Lowell’s traditions, you are probably here to learn about the living conditions, given you’ll be there for three years. If you get Lowell, consider yourself special lucky, as most residents have little to no complaints about the House. Issa described everything about Lowell’s rooms as “awesome.”

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Lowell sophomores typically get hallway singles or singles/doubles in a triple suite, sharing a hallway bathroom. “The chances of you getting a single are very, very high, in a suite,” Mahmudov said. If you had to suffer through sharing a shoebox-sized double with your randomly assigned roommate freshman year and need a change of scenery, Lowell has you covered.

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{shortcode-c34107ea9d65a5a691a05d43e7ad37fd804003d1}

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Suites are typically on the smaller side for sophomores, with spaciousness usually increasing as the years progress and you attain seniority. However, there are some exceptions given the vast array of different room sizes, like when a group of sophomores got the spacious ten-man suite and maintained it for all three years.

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While some rooms may be small, the bathrooms in Lowell are nice, consistently “clean and fresh” and have “awesome” shower pressure, according to Issa. All of this can be attributed to Lowell’s recent renovations, which were completed in the summer of 2019, making Lowell the most recently renovated House (a title they will hold for just a few more months as Adams is set to finish their renovations this summer). “I feel like Lowell isn’t breaking apart yet,” Issa said. (We hope the key word there isn’t “yet”...)

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Lowell’s Luxuries

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Beyond their community and housing perks, Lowell boasts a wide range of amenities for students to enjoy; seriously, it seems nearly impossible to be bored with all there is to do in this House. Here is a rapid-fire list of their amenities, covering everything you’ll need to know as a prospective Lowellian.

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Lowell House prides itself on its unmatched amenities and with good reason. The Maker Space, found in the House’s basement, offers Lowellians access to 3D printers, Cricut machines, a laser cutter, and basically every arts and craft material and device a college kid could ever need, available at all hours of the day. When you put your project off until 3 a.m. the morning it’s due, Lowell has your back. Right next to the Maker Space, Lowell Underground is another distinctive amenity. In recent times, it has transformed into not just a space, but an “initiative that aims to bring back open events for all undergraduates,” Mahmudov said. Considering the typical first-year Lowell Underground experience, this new initiative is a welcome addition.

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{shortcode-572ae8904563378a9b2cdcc1474170fcbf061a8b}

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Further highlighting Lowell’s strong community, residents come together to make the space and events “fun” and “accessible to people,” Mahmudov said. “We have a community of DJs, people who are passionate about music, and they’re really the driving force behind making each event fun,” Mahmudov added. The group, called The Underground, aims to enhance Lowell’s party scene. They may not have the coveted ten-man or Quincy’s infamous balcony suite, but the Underground is rapidly expanding to — hopefully — become the new coveted party spot.

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Other than a work-in-progress upgraded party scene, Lowell has other memorable spots, such as beautiful courtyards (when it’s warm out), one of the nicer House libraries, a squash court, a dance studio, and plenty of nooks and crannies to study in.

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Lowell is often touted as the best House by freshmen, but one thing they are not number one at is the quality of dhall food. “I feel like Lowell is no Currier, but nothing’s like Currier,” Issa said. While Lowell may not be at the top for food, they offer a unique dining experience. Beautiful chandeliers hang in the dhall, accompanied by a vibrant interesting color scheme and a podium setup allowing residents to sign up to give speeches.

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Answering the Real Questions

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With all of the basics out of the way, now is the time to learn about the quirks of Lowell House, as Flyby asked Lowell’s HoCo chairs the people’s (read: your) burning questions.

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How did the Lowell Dhall Couple’s Sidechat performance affect Lowell?

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BM: “No matter how obvious we made it to them, it seemed like whatever signs we threw at them, they did not see. And so over time, signs got more and more crazy. I think that Lowell House really came together on that one. “

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(After J. Sellers Hill ’25, a Lowellian, entered Lowell dhall) Do you think Lowell could produce another Crimson president?

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RKA: “Given the ability of Lowellians to really succeed in whatever field they’re in, absolutely.”

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What is the biggest misconception about Lowell?

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BM: “People think that people in Lowell House are too individualistic and they’re too independent. But I think it’s actually quite the opposite. We’re trying to have little hangout spots everywhere. I think everybody in the House knows each other.”

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If you had to change one thing about Lowell, what would you change and why?

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RKA: “Maybe changing the orientation of the tables in the dining hall, not for anything other than just to see what happens, if people like it. If not, then we could always go back; it’s just a little social experiment.”

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BM: “Because we have so much money, and we run so many outings, because things are so far away, I wish Lowell had a Lowell party bus or a little golf cart.”

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If you had to describe Lowell in three words, what words would you use?

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BM: “Chandelier, bouillon-spoon.”

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RKA: “Big, rich, blue.”

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From good shower pressure to a personal bell serenade, Lowell ensures that living there feels like luxury.

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{shortcode-00ba33d82c3c59b169aefa510f65fe0b71b3a049}

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Need to know more about the real estate market? Read the rest of the feature here!

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-3f38b0a1e498e8ab2e8af072833fcce4550b244f}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/12/224825_1377310.png.1500x976_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='xlarge', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-ee136ce210006fec0214e001e1dab22bd6d5d81c}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2023/02/09/121502_1361008.jpg.1500x1000_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Some scrumptious refreshments at Lowell Tea.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-98ea2e8dc94c2b806242f8b86e4170d8f72d604a}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.thecrimson.com/photos/2024/10/07/210151_1373378.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Imagine ringing these bells...', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-c34107ea9d65a5a691a05d43e7ad37fd804003d1}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/12/224201_1377304.jpg.1125x1500_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='A spacious common room enjoyed by students in Lowell House.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-3ef9d16c9f024534e121ad41cd4f3adbf0bb734e}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/12/224248_1377305.jpg.1125x1500_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="You'll only find a window this cute in Lowell House.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-572ae8904563378a9b2cdcc1474170fcbf061a8b}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2022/03/08/230420_1354872.jpeg.1500x1000_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="Lowell House's beautiful basement.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-00ba33d82c3c59b169aefa510f65fe0b71b3a049}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/12/224956_1377312.png.975x1500_q95_crop-smart_upscale.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='medium', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=, , ]>)])

('

We’re still holding space for everything Cynthia Erivo — so much so that we decided to go into the unknoooooowwwnnnn for a side quest. In an effort to keep true investigative journalism alive, it’s important to point out that Harvard is a place full of mysteries and enchanted secrets. However, few are as intriguing (or as mysterious) as its extensive underground tunnel system (and no, I’m not talking about Eliot’s dungeon). So, naturally, we did what any responsible intellectuals or journalists would do: grabbed a flashlight and went to investigate.

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A Sign from The Past

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Inspired by past Crimson coverage, we set off with our curiosity and jank frat shoes to investigate the condition of the tunnels once considered “spotless.” Long story short, a LOT can change in almost 90 years. Truly. The tunnels we encountered after clicking our heels three times (different movie, we know) were anything but clean. In fact, within the first three seconds of arriving in Kansas, we saw a gang of rats scurry down the hallway (surely coming from Kirkland). A few “wows" were exchanged, heads were shaken incredulously, and deep breaths were taken before we trudged forward.

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Entering the Portal

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Picture the magical door to Narnia. Now stick it in a sweaty basement that smells worse than a Winthrop dhall’s “Catch of The Day.” The hallways? Scarier than the Mather Lowrise at 2 a.m. The floors? They’ve seen things. A Jackson Pollock of mystery fluids in shades of white, gray, brown, and green (yes, green). If that color palette doesn’t paint the picture for you… congrats, your brain is protecting you from pure terror. But, trust us, stepping through the door felt less like a whimsical wardrobe portal and more like the back alley of Tatte after a milk crate explodes.

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The Scaries

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Hop. Jump. Duck. Repeat. A few minutes away from the homeland, and we were already burning more calories than the average Harvard “bodybuilder/influencer” at the MAC. A little exercise never scared us — until we got the heebie jeebies after seeing Y*le graffiti. Yuck (fale). Truthfully, that was more terrifying than any of the mysterious sludge, white powdery stains (left over from Speedsm?), or asbestos warnings that we passed on our way further and further and further into the black abyss.

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Mysterious Places

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Past the steam pipes, utility rooms, and HUDS fridges lies an untapped gold mine: food. And nothing lifts the spirits of two side-questers desperately searching for the light at the end of the tunnel, like stumbling upon Tootie Fruity and Dino Bites cereal packages: a sign that maybe, just maybe, we weren’t lost to the tunnels forever. Food was our first proof of life, a beacon of hope that we were on the right track and would soon emerge somewhere populated by more people than rats. But, the deeper we ventured into this hallway, the more treasures we uncovered. Cans upon cans: pineapple chunks, pinto beans, an apocalypse bunker’s worth of legumes. A popcorn machine (yeah…we know a spot). And, most shocking of all… spices. Jars and jars of them, sitting lonely and neglected. Seeing them abandoned down here was emotional. We teared up knowing they would never fulfill their destiny in a dining hall above ground, where students desperately fiend for anything beyond salt and pepper (if that).

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{shortcode-6eb21b0fb5029c5300b7853867ef43188286cd17}

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Leaving Our New Home

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Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and instead of dancing through our secret tunnel, we were forced to go dancing through life. Our side quest wrapped up — sweaty, slightly shocked, and forever changed — just as we finally emerged into the blinding glow of artificial light. The hum of student conversations filled the air, a sweet reminder that we had rejoined civilization. No more mystery puddles. No more asbestos warnings. Just fresh air, functioning eduroam WiFi, and the satisfaction of knowing we had seen Harvard Narnia from a whole new angle — whether we were supposed to or not.

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{shortcode-6fdf2d9c7b58dab9174f8daed2b8b425cc747f32}

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Need to know more about the Houses connected by the tunnels? Read the rest of our Housing Market feature here!

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-4f5a43887ce6d4d279d238759c8b54d65f51591f}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/212644_1377235.jpeg.1500x1125_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='left', size='medium', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Someone tell our mothers we love them….', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-0e7f7f3b20d99d11e9db2942a37310846961681b}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/212748_1377236.jpeg.1500x1125_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='right', size='medium', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='MTV Welcome to My Crib!', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-9b78d0da604a0b25dae341b2d1ad977ae9ebe498}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/212836_1377237.jpeg.1500x1125_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='medium', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="No, Winthrop. We don't want any more grilled chicken. Keep that to yourself.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-230298cf43f144307fe19a1c9111cf2fde846c82}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/213730_1377238.jpeg.1500x1125_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='medium', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Yuck Fale.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-35bbc955a1ca5ccbb5c047456922c3b141307cff}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/213854_1377239.jpeg.1500x1125_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='left', size='medium', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Yuck Muck.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-c9fcc8fe5cebe786f182f80bab32d8d9c800de2c}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/214012_1377240.jpeg.1500x1125_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='right', size='medium', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Yuck.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-6eb21b0fb5029c5300b7853867ef43188286cd17}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/214527_1377241.jpeg.1500x1125_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='left', size='medium', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-348c7ae8172bf5e859fe36231b7ea2f82318c1fc}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/214833_1377242.jpeg.1500x1125_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='right', size='medium', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-217b72f87ca928f061659f4ef898480ecb553655}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/214920_1377243.jpeg.1500x1125_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='medium', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-da77c9ccc612431b1279baa19dcc1660980fa23d}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/215114_1377244.jpeg.1500x1125_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='medium', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Hmm so this is where our $53.2 billion endowment is going…', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-6fdf2d9c7b58dab9174f8daed2b8b425cc747f32}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/212554_1377234.jpeg.1500x1125_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='medium', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Never have we ever been so happy to see a communal bathroom.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>)])

('

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If you’re looking for the quintessential Harvard House experience (one with rich history, unbeatable views, and a tight-knit community), Winthrop might just be your perfect match. Sitting pretty along the Charles, this recently renovated House has some of the best river views on campus — perfect for golden hour Insta stories.

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Where Everyone Knows Your Name

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The House is more than just the building itself; the people in it are what truly make Winthrop House, Winthrop Home. The resident tutors are incredibly engaged, hosting events with chocolates for Valentine’s Day or special treats for Chinese New Year. Beyond their snack-providing talents, they’re also a great resource when it comes to academic help and mentorship. Basically, they’re like fairy godparents… if fairy godparents also proofread your essays and reminded you about grant deadlines.

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From study breaks to themed events, there’s always something happening in the House. Steins usually happen biweekly, and they’re a great way for the Winthrop community to come together. Some past steins have included the “Bifurcated Bash,” which was hosted in the Lion’s Den, a common area in the House’s basement, and the Grille right above the Den; “Demure or Brat,” inspired by some key phrases of summer 2024; and “The Wild West,” which is pretty self-explanatory. Other popular events include Throptoberfest, during which Winthropians gather in Gore Courtyard for a barbeque and games, and the Super Bowl watch party, which the House hosts in the dhall with snacks and beverages.

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Intramural sports, commonly referred to as IMs, are also a crucial component of the Winthrop community. They bring everyone together, regardless of skill level, to join a fun and inclusive environment wherein Winthropians can bond over friendly competition and team spirit. Even so, House Committee (HoCo) chair Henry Chen ’26 hopes to foster more involvement and heighten the stakes for the Winthrop community. In order to get the whole House excited about IMs, he adds that hopefully “there’ll be one person who has a jersey retired [displayed in a place of honor] at the end of [future seasons].” With this new reward scheme, you could be the next to go down in Winthrop athletic history. In other words, if you’re willing to risk mild bodily harm for the glory of Winthrop, you might just earn yourself a spot in the rafters! One of the most impressive athletic feats that Winthrop has seen was by Angelina Ng ’26, who, as Chen described, “booked it on a sprained ankle down the field and then she caught [the lob] right at the corner of the end zone.” At another game, the House Winthrop was supposed to play forfeited after 25 Winthropians showed up to play basketball — so did the valiant Winthropians just go home? No, they played basketball together anyways, showing their community spirit as per usual.

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Sophomore Housing and Beyond

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Let’s get to maybe the largest selling point of Winthrop: the housing. When it comes to dorm rooms, Winthrop possibly has some of the best options for sophomores. While this year about 50 percent of Winthropian sophomores lived in Fairfax Hall (overflow housing located on Mass Ave.), next year all students should fit in Winthrop proper. Most sophomores will have suite-style dorms with doubles, most commonly in groups of four or six. Both HoCo chairs Chen and Kevin Lin ’26 gave the sophomore housing a whopping nine out of ten, a solid endorsement.

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{shortcode-428b363677e5f5454c61143e351bd8730f789f20}

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After sophomore year, there are even bigger suites to look forward to with even more singles and more space to make your own. The nine-man (or nine-woman this year) is the biggest suite in Winthrop, perfect for those who want the social life of a frat house with the personal space of a monastery. With nine singles, two floors, two bathrooms, and one massive common room, this dorm is perfect for all your hosting or hermiting needs.

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More than Just a Roof Over Your Head

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Throughout Winthrop you’ll find beautiful common spaces, including cozy lounges that are perfect for spending time with friends or studying between classes. Whether you’re hanging out in the Lion’s Den or Winthrop Grille, you’ll always be able to find a space that allows you to take advantage of the community that calls Winthrop home. Winthrop’s variety of common spaces cater to everyone’s needs, whether you’re socializing, studying, or simply relaxing. Winthropians can even pursue hobbies in various, function-specific rooms throughout the House, such as the art studio or meditation room. And if your hobby is just taking really long naps, well, any couch in Winthrop can double as a nap room.

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The dhall isn’t just another place to grab a bite — it’s a favorite gathering spot for Winthrop residents. Lin acknowledges that it’s “not a rumor” but “more like a fact” that the Winthrop dhall has a bit of a smell, but he says that they have “really huge air purifiers right now.” With those air purifiers running at full throttle, they’re doing their best to clear the air, one (hopefully fresher) breath at a time.

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If you ever find yourself missing dhall hours on a Wednesday night, never fear, because you can stop by the Winthrop dhall for CS night. Each Wednesday evening Winthrop hosts CS office hours for all CS classes and has lots of pizza! Even if you’re more of a humanities person, no one will make you code to grab a slice. You can also check out the Grille, which serves up everything from chicken quesadillas to milkshakes and fries.

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Talk to Throp

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Still curious? Take a listen to what the HoCo chairs have to say!

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Which three words would you use to describe your House?

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KL: I think we’re pretty sassy…there’s not beef, but it’s a friendly competition between, like, Currier, Kirkland, and Eliot [in IM sports].

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HC: Resilience… I think Winthrop has gone through its fair share of tough times, highs and lows, and shaky communities sometimes, especially during the COVID years, and I think people have really come through that and really want to bring Winthrop back to what it was.

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KL: Committed. Everything we’ve been talking about is, like, the whole House is very bought in — the same with the Strauss Cup in IMs.

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What’s the biggest misconception about your House?

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KL: Bad community… I think it’s been the best community I’ve been in. I think you don’t even have to try to be part of it; we’ll just be there and welcoming you. Regardless if you like it or not, you’re part of us.

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HC: I think a lot of people say going to Winthrop is like soulless but… I feel like there’s so much community. People actually really love being involved, and it differs person to person, but I think overall people seem to be getting more and more bought in.

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If you had to liken your House to a fruit, what would it be and why?

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HC: Mango… I feel like you can’t hate on a mango. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like mangoes.

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KL: Pomelo… I just like it… Pomelo isn’t that hard to eat. I mean, it’s low-effort, but also, [Winthrop] is a very low-effort community to become a part of — it’s a low barrier [of entry] to become part of the community.

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What’s one thing you would want freshmen to know about your House?

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KL: Steins are Thursdays! ... When you get sorted, you’re part of the House, so come to IMs; we need all the help we can get to keep our number one spot!

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Winthrop combines old school charm with modern comfort, making it a solid win in the Housing lottery. So, if you’re looking for stunning river views, a built-in community, and a House that knows how to have fun (and win IMs), Winthrop is calling your name. From steins to CS nights to the massive suites, life in Winthrop is anything but boring. Throp stays on top!

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{shortcode-c5f459b3fce972ca62854a115fae61fdc4f4f71a}

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Need to know more about the real estate market? Read the rest of the feature here!

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-555e2efdcbce2fa38e1ff6aa29459644afb858d2}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/193651_1377220.png.1500x976_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='xlarge', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-0db8436f5e8bed000916547023f60bf199db08a8}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/205637_1377232.jpg.1500x1000_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="The Winthrop House shield on display in one of the House's three courtyards.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-db1cf72ffdf8fd484d5dcfcad19cf535cf5d3ae3}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/204230_1377228.jpg.1500x999_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="Standish Courtyard, where you'll be sure to frolic once temperatures reach 60 degrees.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-428b363677e5f5454c61143e351bd8730f789f20}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/204815_1377229.jpg.1500x1000_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='The gigantic common room of a Winthrop House suite.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-e4f8acee36267d238ed7608810914122bf972dd1}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/205227_1377231.jpg.1500x999_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="Winthrop House's beautiful library, located in Standish Hall.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-05b99da3ff415f3fd822d4852d4a8f7f285de6f0}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/204959_1377230.jpg.1500x999_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="Winthrop House's highly coveted Junior Common Room.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-c5f459b3fce972ca62854a115fae61fdc4f4f71a}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/194736_1377223.png.975x1500_q95_crop-smart_upscale.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='medium', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=, , ]>)])

('

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At Home in the Domus

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Eliot House enjoys a prime location in front of the Charles River, offering its 450 to 500 students a rich history of long-standing traditions. Students in Eliot are often found spending their late nights at The Grille or in the Square after partying at the nine- or ten-man suites with other Eliotites. With famous alumni like Gabby Thomas ’19 and Rashida Jones ’97 from “Parks and Recreation,” Eliot alums do not fall short of the Hollywood spotlight. Want to hear more about why Eliot House is the place to be? We’ve conducted some research to see exactly what it means to live in the home of the Mastodon (which is just an elephant, basically).

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If there’s one thing that defines Eliot, it’s residents’ sense of community — everyone in the House truly knows each other. Walking into Eliot’s dhall early in the morning, it was impossible not to notice the lively conversations filling the room. Unlike other Houses, where students bury themselves in emails or otherwise fixate on their screens, Eliotites gather around the long, communal tables, catching up with friends and staff alike. During my interview with one of the House Committee (HoCo) chairs in the building manager’s office, Eliot residents and staff constantly stopped by to say hello, popping in and out like it was second nature. “I think we have, like, a super strong relationship, like across years and grades,” HoCo chair Annabel S. Lowe ’26 said. “Our faculty deans do a great job…You, like, can’t walk past Paul’s office (the building manager) without him saying hello. He knows everyone. Sue knows everyone as well. She’s our House Administrator. Grace is our dhall worker. She’s awesome. Renee as well…it’s just such a lovely community in that sense.” It’s safe to say that this social bunch lives up to their reputation! Whether it’s the staff or tutor greeting every student by name, Eliot isn’t just a House…it’s a family and the place to be!

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Eventful Evenings in Eliot

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If you find your social battery still buzzing by Thursday night, Eliot House has biweekly steins, hosted by the Eliot House Committee (HoCo). With themes like St. Paddy’s Day and Halloween Golf, plus its semesterly Karaoke Stein, there’s always something to look forward to in Eliot’s walls. Whether you drop by for a couple of minutes or stay until the end, these events are great spaces to escape the library (though it’s the most gorgeous place you’ll ever lock in).

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But it doesn’t stop there: Eliot’s faculty run Tiny Desk, an intimate performance series in the House library. “It’s all student performances, and people do poetry and music…I think it’s once a month,” Lowe said. Tiny Desk performances are super low-stakes and no pressure, so stop by and showcase your secret talents to fellow Eliotites, or be part of the best-dressed audience — you decide!

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Every month, students enjoy an enhanced dinner, where students can take a break from regular dhall food and catch up with professors or Resident Tutors. The Holiday Dinner and F.O. Matthiessen dinner are also exclusive events for Eliot residents, featuring heartfelt senior speeches and performances. In February, the House also celebrates the birthday of a former faculty member. But wait — there’s more! One of the most beloved traditions happens during graduation week when seniors paint the famous Eliot tunnels, leaving behind drawings, blocking group names, and initials.

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Eliot’s spirit isn’t just found inside the House; it thrives on the field and courts as well. Competing for the Straus Cup, Eliot’s IM teams bring the same energy to sports as they do to House traditions. Led by IM Kings John P. Philips ’26 and Thomas A. Tait ’26, the House competes in everything from soccer to basketball, fostering both friendly competition with other Houses and House spirit!

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Obviously, there’s one event we can’t forget when it comes to Eliot: Fête!. Every spring, Eliot House throws the biggest House formal on campus, complete with an enormous budget, stunning décor, and a walk-in photo booth. “There’s a lot of preparation that goes into picking a theme and doing it to its fullest potential… Last year, they spent ages thrifting — I think it was Renaissance-themed,” said Lowe. Each year, Eliot’s central courtyard is transformed into a picture-worthy venue, with a massive, decorated tent and live music from a jazz band of Eliot musicians (talk about self-sufficient!). And, of course, Fête has its iconic ice sculpture of the Eliot mastodon on display for its guests who either pay dues or had to convince (or pay) their friend (or potentially a Sidechat stranger) for an invite. Since it’s almost about that time…does anyone have a plus-one ticket? Asking for a friend...

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Dorms in the Domus

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Typically, sophomores entering Eliot House can expect an n-1 housing setup, meaning that most students will be in doubles (or a suite with at least one double) for their first year living in Eliot. (Or, you could always try the age-old tactic of having a suitemate sleep in the common room…we’re sure that’ll end well.) However, with Eliot going through renovations, next year’s sophomores will be placed in (very luxurious) overflow housing in the Prescotts, the Inn, Fairfax, Hampden, or Ridgely.

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While some may be disappointed not to live in the House itself, Eliot is making sure its community stays as strong as ever. With an increased budget during swing housing, students can look forward to even more House programming, events, and traditions to keep the Eliot spirit alive, no matter where they’re living.

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Wonderland Down Under

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Eliot is also packed with top-tier amenities that make everyday life better. The House gym is perfect for getting in a quick workout, while the dedicated dance room doubles as a space for yoga and other activities. For those who prefer a quieter study spot, Eliot’s stunning library offers a peaceful escape with breathtaking views of the Charles River. The excitement continues as you walk through the tunnels connecting most of the House’s entryways, as students can unwind with a pool table, chill out in the TV lounge, and prep for midterms and finals in dedicated study spaces. Down in the basement, movie lovers can head to the Golden Arm Screening Room, a cinema space to watch movies and snack on popcorn while leaning back in the room’s super fancy recliners. And of course, there’s the Eliot Grille, run by Henry Xuan ’25 and Zoha A. Ibrahim '26, which serves late-night bites every Friday through Sunday. The Grille offers a lineup of late-night favorites, including burgers, milkshakes, and mozzarella sticks, all of which you can purchase with BoardPlus — so practically for free (yes, you will run out too early in the semester, but no, you won’t regret it).

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Discussions with the Domus

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Can’t get enough of Eliot House? Here are some additional questions answered by Eliot HoCo chair Annabel S. Lowe ’26!

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What has been your favorite memory in Eliot House?

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AL: The community dinner last year when they did the swapping over of the IM chairs… [Eliot House] did this whole procession during dinner — the changing of crowns — and it was really fun!

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How would you describe Eliot House in three words?

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AL: The absolute best.

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Look out for Eliot House this housing season, and pray to the River Gods for good luck! Happy Housing Day!

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{shortcode-ba5e76d08e28afbe1bafb57cd5b502feabad8c4d}

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Need to know more about the real estate market? Read the rest of the feature here!

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-1f9439d68a8b695f6aad05f5a41441eb0f36908f}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/193522_1377218.jpeg.1500x976_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='xlarge', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-a5e6b5b9a9790ce0e7dc78e5d74c19c9679407dc}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/200433_1377226.jpg.1500x1000_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="Eliot House's beautiful brick exterior — and you can't forget the dome.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-a034e5f92862ee4f7beef6885722eb4fa6a7e1bf}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/200005_1368380.jpeg.1500x1000_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='The always bustling Eliot House dining hall.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-bcc2bc3c91f0e936e67441ddefff8b96747e152c}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/200244_1377225.png.1500x834_q95_crop-smart_upscale.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='A dorm room in Eliot House, complete with a beautiful circular window.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-4719031358e4dbc18e57cfddae5aaf8167dae94e}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2020/03/09/000444_1343297.jpg.1500x1000_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="Eliot House's Grille, sometimes referred to as The Inferno.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-ba5e76d08e28afbe1bafb57cd5b502feabad8c4d}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/193749_1377221.png.975x1500_q95_crop-smart_upscale.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='medium', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=, , ]>)])

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Kirk’s Quirks

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Kirkland House, commonly known as simply “Kirk,” is where tradition, chaos, and an oddly strong sense of community come together. Ever participated in Secret Santa? Consider Kirkland’s Secret Santa Week — the Super Bowl version. If you thought it was about exchanging small gifts, think again: Kirk residents can choose to participate in the exchange at several levels of commitment. Some of the higher levels include lavish gifts such as full-scale performances, elaborate pranks, and in one case, an actual internship?!

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“I truly appreciate the sense of fun and silliness that the House just so deeply embraces and embeds within our House culture,” House Committee (HoCo) chair Joy R. Ho ’26 says. With so many different traditions, it’s evident that Kirkland’s biggest strength is its sense of community.

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Are weekly events more your vibe? You can enjoy the House’s Boat Club, formerly started by members of the rowing team (but now run by Resident Tutors Clara Baselga-Garriga ’19 and Austin Gregg), a friendly space that offers freshly-baked cookies every Monday night, testing out brand new flavors each week. Or perhaps you’ll sit in on Beer Seminar, where of age Kirklanders brew alcohol for House events. Fighting the Sunday scaries? You can also drop by Sunday Tea Seminars to partake in some sweets freshly made by students. No more having to make the trek to Insomnia to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings — Kirkland has you covered in-House, and for free!

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Love Mondays (said no one ever)? Enjoy staying up until midnight? Every Sunday at midnight, embrace the upcoming week by chanting in Kirkland dhall. But the chanting isn’t for just the vibes. As students chant, the theme of the week is chosen out of the special animal cracker jar. Remember high school spirit week? Well, for Kirk, spirit week never ends. Each week represents a new theme that Kirklanders abide by. Past themes have included milk week (just chug!), pool week (bring your floaties), and trip week (not the noun, the verb…). As a non-Kirklander, I can appreciate the various traditions my Kirkland friends have dragged invited me to (even without having been inducted into the Kirk-ult). So, as a first-year destined for Kirk (or an upperclassman planning to drop by), I know you will, too.

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There are also plenty of opportunities to meet fellow Kirklanders. One way to revel in the Kirk craziness solidarity is to play intramural sports. Kirkland IMs have been strong for quite a streak now. As the current Straus Cup champions, they are hoping to secure yet another trophy to show off in their Junior Common Room.

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“When you sit in the dining hall, the way it’s set up, you can just talk to anyone. Not exactly like Annenberg, but you’re as close as you’re gonna get,” HoCo co-chair Jacqui R. Schlesinger ’26 added. So whether you’re here for the cookies, the chaos, or just the community — once you get Kirked, there’s no turning back.

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Kirk’s Cozy Housing

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As a sophomore in Kirkland, you also don’t have to worry about overflow housing. This means that you’ll actually get to live in your House (goodbye, Class of 2025!). Sophomores are usually housed in doubles or triples, and whether you’re in a hallway double or a suite of two singles and a common room, one thing is guaranteed: ensuite bathrooms! Now, instead of being forced to leave your dorm to use the restroom, you’ll be able to brave the true test of your blocking group…following a cleaning schedule.

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While shared bedrooms are typical for Kirk sophomores, by your junior and senior years, you can look forward to having your own single. Furthermore, Kirk’s bed frames are on the newer side, so the beds are sure to be comfortable (use this information as you will). However, as someone who hates stairs, I must note that Kirkland lacks elevators around the House. While this will definitely make for a hassle on move-in day, who doesn’t appreciate a little extra cardio to keep them feeling young? If you run into the unique problem of making too many friends with the random Kirklanders who help you move in your couch, mini fridge, or 50-inch TV, you could choose to live with them in Kirkland’s ten-man suite known as “The Beef” or even the nine-man suite known as “The Eef” (each named to reflect the entryway they’re in) and help keep Kirk’s social scene going strong.

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Kirk’s Cool Places

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Additionally, you’ll have access to special places within Kirkland such as the historic Hick’s House, the House’s library. As the second oldest house in Cambridge, Kirkland residents know that this building must have seen some things, which makes it an appropriate choice for their haunted house during Halloween. There’s nothing scarier than walking into Hick’s House on Sunday as you realize how much work you have left to do…but maybe that’s just me.

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If you need an alternate refuge to finally tackle those psets, then the Kirkland Junior Common Room (JCR) has you covered. With its cozy, wood-paneled, dark-academia aesthetic, the JCR is able to make even the most soul-crushing pset feel slightly more bearable. With grand windows, comfy seating, and an atmosphere that screams, “I am definitely a productive Harvard student!!!” (even if you’re just doom scrolling), the JCR is a go-to spot. And if you run into someone willing to procrastinate with you, just take a quick walk downstairs to the famous Kirkland basement.

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The basement offers a variety of places to procrastinate socialize. From the comfortable couch set in front of a smart TV (the best place to play Mario Kart, as far as I’m concerned), to the pool table, and even a foosball table, there are plenty of ways to not do that reading that you swore you’d do. But if you want another space to study, the basement has a few study areas such as a quiet study room and a computer lab for any student to use.

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Another perk of Kirk is the connectivity between various parts of the building through the basement, which means you’ll never have to step outside! While this might not seem that important at first glance, let’s be frank, it is definitely nice during the harsher winter months. These paths throughout the House will ensure that you are always bound to meet new Kirklanders, even at times when you might not expect it. Whether you are doing your laundry, working out in the gym (which has brand new equipment, by the way!), or socializing studying in the various common spaces, you are bound to run into someone you may recognize.

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Chatting Up Kirk

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Still haven’t had enough about Kirkland’s culture? Keep reading!

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What side of TikTok would Kirkland be on?

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JRH: “Okay, if we were to be on a side of Tiktok, Kirkland would be the side where, like, someone’s giving a story, but there’s like a Subway Surfers at the top of the video. That’s what side of Tiktok we would be on… there’s a lot going on but you’re really happy to be there.”

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JRS: “And everyone loves that side of Tiktok.”

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If Kirkland were a HUDS meal, which would it be?

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JRH : “We are the nachos because, like nachos, you can choose and customize the toppings that you want. So you can choose how engaged you want to be in Kirkland, but either way, it is a melting pot of different flavors. We are a melting pot of different personalities. But at the end of the day, nachos just taste great. And so is Kirkland.”

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JRS: “I love it.”

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Kirkland is where a simple midnight tradition spirals into a full-House obsession, where your tutors’ pets might just have more social clout than you, and where a ten-man suite named “The Beef” is a normal thing. It’s a House that thrives on inside jokes and somehow convinces you that waking up early or staying up late for IMs is worth it. If you end up here, just roll with it — the odds are that you’ll never want to leave!

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{shortcode-e609c4030c594adc0bde9305f44be5fe2fa8be3f}

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Need to know more about the real estate market? Read the rest of the feature here!

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-8b47e3acec365e8b325f77333b866141b1a7e2e2}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/193604_1377219.jpeg.1500x976_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='xlarge', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-834e281cea4ce3bcec1d69e2fe409e886cf2e316}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2018/03/01/230007_1328611.jpg.1500x1000_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="Kirkland House's spacious yet intimate dining hall, the site of the weekly Choosening.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-47a8ffcf2ad276c2154d7f1705cae2b02f4abc97}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2022/03/10/213604_1354947.jpg.1500x999_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Kirkland students demonstrating their House pride on Housing Day.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-e0e5b7e2922546f9ddf7a683a901555af3e0686f}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2023/03/07/200701_1361925.jpg.1500x1000_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='Inside the historic Hicks House, which serves as a library for the lucky residents of Kirkland House.', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-62ea8d274f82f750a566484b53237f25eea34e37}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2015/03/05/182247_1304654.jpg.1500x1057_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="Kirkland House's much adored Junior Common Room.", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-e609c4030c594adc0bde9305f44be5fe2fa8be3f}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/194137_1377222.png.975x1500_q95_crop-smart_upscale.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='medium', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=, , ]>)])

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{shortcode-e8db161606c835c434d0b4efa7ca3f710209cfdd} Housing Day is almost upon us. Each House has its own library, a space for students to toil into the late hours of the night without having to stay in the Yard past 6 p.m. With so many libraries and aesthetics to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to spend your next night of torture academic enrichment. Hopefully taking this quiz will help you decide which House library to sneak into next!

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Need to know more about the House you'll be spending reading period in? Read the rest of our Housing Market feature here!

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-e8db161606c835c434d0b4efa7ca3f710209cfdd}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2025/03/11/090847_1377200.PNG.1500x859_q95_crop-smart_upscale.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeWidgetGQL(key='{shortcode-a322717ac9e3209faa77a149983cebf8d280ef1e}', widget=, pos='center', size='large', caption=None, contributors=]>)])

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Mather House Home

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Mather is home to what Matherites would refer to as the best in-House community on campus. How do they do it, you may be wondering? With the help of none other than the wonderful Mather Faculty Deans Lakshminarayanan Mahadevan and Amala Mahadevan, of course. The Faculty Deans make it a point to be involved with the Mather community and events, developing tight-knit relationships with students and making humorous appearances in Mather’s Gorilla Gazette newspaper. “I would say that our Faculty Deans’ open houses are the best around. Maha and Amala have great taste in food. Cannot recommend [enough], like, showing up right at 8 so that you can get those mochi donuts,” said Matherite Nina Howe-Goldstein ’25. In fact, House Committee (HoCo) chair Olga Kerameos ’27 even claimed that “the Mather Faculty Deans are the reason that there’s now no cap on how many years a House can have a faculty dean for — they’re just that good!” Free food and wonderful vibes tells you all that you need to know about this lovely pair and House!

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Matherites also know how to have fun. For real. I swear. They definitely aren’t forcing me to say this… The House is great at bringing people together through an exciting array of social events, throughout the year. The most revered of these events include the infamous famous Mather Lather (because nothing says “college experience” like a foam party with strangers in a dhall), and Mather Prom (yes, you get another wear out of that prom dress). On top of these events, Mather boasts many popular party spots on campus, including some renowned party suites and a Junior Common Room that is much loved by Matherites and is a coveted party spot for people outside of Mather, too. While most encounter the JCR after hours, in the daylight the room is equipped with its own ping-pong tables (yay), a kitchen, a piano, and a signed picture of
\r\nnotable Mather alum, Conan O’Brian ’85.

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At Home at the Jungle Top

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One of the largest Houses at Harvard, Mather is home to around 400 students, all of whom live in singles. Yes, you heard that right — all of them! Sophomores typically live in the low-rise and have two-story suites of four to five singles off of a common room. Seniors and juniors can expect to live in the main, 19-story Mather tower and have their own huge singles. This means no more doubles, ever. Let that sink in. This almost makes up for the fact that the tower elevator only stops on floors that are multiples of three, for no logical reason. It’s essentially leg day every day; why go to the gym when you can live on the wrong healthiest floor of the tower? Within the buildings themselves, there have been consistent reports of great hot water, with phenomenal water pressure specifically in the low-rise suites, which is another huge win. That sounds like the perfect reward for climbing a long flight of stairs — I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous.

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As a true investigative reporter, I stopped by one of the low-rise suites to properly envision your future in Mather. There, I found a spacious common room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Dunster House. By “overlooking,” I mean that you could literally reach out and touch it — that’s how close it is. (Does that mean it’s time for some parkour?) Heading further into the suite, I went down a set of stairs to find a set of two singles with a shared hallway, each equipped with vanity space and very generously sized closets. Now, your closet can finally accommodate some actual clothes and not just your collection of coats.

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The room I visited was decked out in maximalist decor; this might make it seem like you’re trying too hard in other House’s, but Mather’s simple interiors allow you to go wild with decorating. Howe-Goldstein, one of the room’s residents, has loved accumulating art and posters throughout her time at Mather. Howe-Goldstein noted, “It’s easy to learn to love Mather…If you go into it thinking, ‘yes, I’m gonna love Mather, I’m gonna have a single, I’m gonna really embrace the brutalism and the, like, scrappy vibe’ — you’re actually gonna have a great time.”

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Concrete Amenities

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In addition to its multitude of singles, Mather boasts a horde of other amenities. Mather excels at the basics, with one of the largest gyms on campus and a triple-decker library. Moreover, what it lacks in red brick and moldings it makes up for with an abundance of spaces unique to the House. For starters, there is an intricate tunnel system — I may or may not have gotten lost trying to find my way out of the House — that lets Matherites traverse the House without ever stepping foot outside. In the winter, this is an enviable feature of life in the “concrete jungle,” allowing Matherites to stay indoors until they decide it’s warm enough to venture out; who wouldn’t want to be Harvard’s very own groundhog (Punxsutawney Lion, Punxsutawney Gorilla, perhaps)? In terms of themed rooms, fan favorites are the multimedia art room and a tranquility/yoga room for when you need to have a mid-midterms zen moment (or pre-midterms, or post-midterms — we don’t judge)

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Most uniquely, Mather also has a series of arts rooms including, but not limited to, a pottery-making studio and wood-turning tables (both of which offer classes throughout the week), as well as numerous soundproof music practice rooms. Any hobby that sparks your interest, Mather has an outlet for! “Because we have so much concrete space, we decorate it with a lot of art,” said Kerameos. These colorful pieces of art, and an accompanying army

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of plants, aid in making Mather feel slightly less desolate like an architecturally sophisticated but lived-in home. Couple that with copious skylights, floor-to-ceiling windows, and more plants than you can load into a pickup truck, and the space feels very bright and welcoming.

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Of course, we can’t forget everyone’s favorite common space: the dhall. The Mather dhall serves as the hub for much of the activity within the House. Weekly pset nights, Happy Hours (known as steins in some Houses), and Faculty Dean open houses bring great food and a strong sense of community together in the House. The “hominess” of the Mather dhall makes it a central hangout space for most of the residents, and occasionally the resident House dogs — shoutout Donkey, Moose, and Marshmallow!

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Getting Some Concrete Answers

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Still not fully convinced? Hear more from HoCo chair Olga Karemeros ’27 (and Nina H. Goldstein ’25)!

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If you had to describe Mather in 3 words what would they be?

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OK: We’re artsy…green…and proud.

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What are the Mather Faculty Deans like?

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NHG: We love them. My concentration is nowhere near the sort of scientific stuff they’re doing, but that does not matter. They are the sweetest people; they really care about students.

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Does Mather’s confusing layout get easier to navigate as you go?

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NHG: It can be kind of hard to navigate, but once you sort of understand the pattern, because Mather is very pattern based, part of brutalist architecture… I would say that in many ways it’s actually easier to learn than some of the older neo-Georgian Houses.

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If you had to liken your House to a fruit, what would it be and why?

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OK: Something that’s ugly on the outside but good on the inside. What is that?

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CFH: Like an avocado?

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OK: That’s good. Maybe an avocado.

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What is one thing that you want freshmen to know about your House?

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OK: Mather is the kind of House where you’re glad that you have a single, but you also never want to stay in it because you want to be here in the dhall, meeting new people and interacting with all the other wonderful faces that we have here!

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What is your favorite memory regarding the House?

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OK: The trajectory of hating Mather the first time you get it… and then a couple of months later, you find yourself either in charge of the House or just eager to come back after a long way in this ugly yet very warm place, feeling like home only after a couple of months.

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As you can see, once you get past its unique concrete exterior, Mather is a place you will never want to leave. Half of the battle is getting to the edge of River East to begin with, but let’s look on the bright side: You will never have to try to get your daily steps in! All jokes aside, Mather has amazing amenities, an ideal housing situation, and a great community, all of which make it a standout on campus. So yeah, is it cute on the outside? No… but it’s great on the inside, and maturing is realizing that’s what really Mathers, right?

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