The Co-op is a wonderful space for students looking to be part of an intentional, hands-on community. Every Thursday evening, residents gather to democratically make decisions about the Co-op’s overall operation. Day-to-day chores like cooking, baking bread (my favorite!), and keeping the house clean are all done by students. Because the Co-op is self-sustaining, living … Read more
Penguins are among the most social of all animals; they live in large colonies, they feed, breed, nest, and winter together, and form life-long loving relationships throughout. Although we Quincy House Penguins cannot all claim to be speedy swimmers, frequent movie stars (Happy Feet anyone?), or exclusive breeding partners; like all penguins, we view our … Read more
Much like the majestic polar bear, Pforzheimer House reigns supreme as apex predator in the ecosystem of Harvard Houses. While its Quad neighbors are great in their own right, Pfoho — figuratively and literally — rises above both to claim the title of “Best Harvard House.” But what exactly makes so many students proud to … Read more
The first question I asked after getting into Mather was “where is it?” Sure, I had been to Mather before, but only for parties and it was dark and there were drinks involved, so that doesn’t really count, right? When I first really visited Mather, I was struck by its unique, brutalist architecture. The concrete. … Read more
You all want to get Lowell. Admit it. If you say that you don’t want Lowell, it’s only because you’re saving yourself from disappointment. No one wants to set their eyes on #1 and risk ending up with #12. You all say “I’d be happy anywhere in the River” and “I’m just happy to be … Read more
On a snowy March morning two years ago, a flurry of bunny ear-clad shouting upperclassmen burst into my blocking group’s room in Grays Hall, singing the praise of “Lev House, Best House!: My response: “What’s Leverett again?” I mean, no one wants Leverett, but at least it’s not the Quad. Right? Wrong. For too long, … Read more
Kirkland easily takes the cake when it comes to community. As the smallest river house, it’s easy to maintain friendships with fellow residents. The structure of the dining hall makes you walk through all the tables before getting to the food, allowing you to greet everyone you know. And thanks to the small square tables, … Read more
There is something to be said about that quiet House tucked away in a corner on the Charles River between Winthrop and Kirkland. With a placid, diamond-shaped courtyard, you might even call Eliot House the hidden gem of Harvard’s housing system. The tight-knit community of ‘Eliotites’ — guided by HoCo, tutors, and House administrators — … Read more
There’s a meandering path that leads from Cowperthwaite Street to the main entrance of Dunster, which is charming in the summer and somewhat impractical in the winter. On those cold February nights when I finally reach the keycard reader and start fumbling for my ID, hands freezing, I’ll hear the click of the door already … Read more
Moving from Singapore to the U.S. meant that Freshman Year left a lot to be desired — many a times, I felt lonely and out of place. Adams’ Housing Day felt like getting accepted to Harvard all over again. Showered with drawstring bags, shirts, and merch (cigars? sunglasses??), I didn’t think it could get any … Read more