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Every year brings new changes — and new freshmen! (I think Thoreau said that?) Often, the changes the College makes serve to create a better, safer environment for the incoming students, but sometimes they just really miss the mark. To make sure the freshman know what they’re missing out on, here are some great things about Harvard that unfortunately don’t exist anymore. I’m sorry in advance.
1. Gatekept River Run
With the recent decriminalization of River Run, students younger than the current senior class no longer know the thrill of dodging security guards, climbing fences, and utterly failing to passably imitate an upperclassman swiping into their house. Although the new River Run is admittedly much safer, thrill-seeking Harvard students may be disappointed.
2. Un-Gatekept HUDS Takeout Boxes
Every day I miss the convenience of the previous disposable takeout boxes. It was so easy to just grab one, get some food, and immediately dodge any and all social interaction. Now, you have to wait and register the box, potentially hold up the scan in line, and repeat the whole process when returning it. Shout-out to HUDS for the eco-consciousness of the new choice, though… I guess.
3. Barker Cafe
Imagine sunlight streaming through windows, a pleasant smell of coffee in the air, opportunity for BoardPlus (a.k.a. free) matcha, and a bunch of fashionable students chatting around you. No, it’s not heaven, it was Barker Cafe. Unfortunately, new students will never be able to experience the atmospheric magic of the cafe, which was closed due to budget cuts.
4. Correct CS Course Names
As a CS major, this is very personal to me. The CS department last year added a 0 to the end of all course names, a decision that I can and will ignore. However, I recently met a freshman who pronounced CS124/1240 (pronounced CS1-24) as CS 12-40. After intense questioning, I further discovered that CS120(1-20) was 12-hundred, CS181(1-81) was 18-10, and so on. WHAT! Do I have dust as bones? How is it possible to feel this old?
5. Taking GenEds Pass/Fail
Although this doesn’t personally affect me, I do sympathize with future Harvard students who no longer have the cop-out called taking a Gen Ed pass/fail. Whether Harvard’s decision will ultimately be a correct one is beyond me, but I will say that there will likely be many more stressed students in Gen Eds going forward.
6. That Gate Near Canaday
You know that gate to the Science Center near Canaday that has a vent that always spews suspicious hot air at you? No? Because it’s always closed so you never use it? Well, if it was ever open, you would really miss it. I promise. I blame this gate closure for adding at least a minute to my daily commute to the Science Center.
7. The Inn
I heard someone say recently that they saw a turkey by “The Dome.” Honey, this is Harvard, not Las Vegas. Dome from Domus? Very original… totally missed out on the opportunity for the name Hotel-iot. Or Eliotel. Until I’m able to walk down Mass Ave and see flashing lights and a giant LED sphere, I don’t want it.
8. Ice Cream
Before there was Dole Whip there was Oatly soft serve, and before that there was even fro-yo. I don’t miss the fro-yo… but the Oatly made for a great topping on a microwaved brownie. Wow, I miss those days of glory… and you should too (even if you weren’t here to experience them)!
9. Some of the Trees in Harvard Yard
I just want to bring attention to the fact that every year I see at least one tree cut down… but I never see them planted… I think my deforestation class taught me about this…. or maybe I’m just missing the forest for, you know, the trees.
And the list goes on. Without Tasty Basty and even the real Queen’s Head Pub, the future generations of Harvard will truly never know it like us old folk do. Take this as your sign to savor the moment, even if that moment is a paper to-go box, before future classes cannot!