The Harvard Crimson - Volume CL, No. 17: My First Year 2023

My First Year 2023

A Primer on Harvard Issues: Catch Up on Campus Causes

BY THE CRIMSON NEWS STAFF

It’s your first week on campus and you’re drowning in a sea of petitions, stickers, and ever-so-urgent emails, all with one blaring message: Join our cause! But what are they actually talking about?

Here’s a quick rundown of the most prominent campus causes so you can impress your new friends with your deep well of knowledge about the issues (don’t worry, we won’t tell them you got it from us).

Below, learn about four issues that have produced some of the most advocacy and debate on Harvard’s campus:

Academic Freedom and Campus Speech

Though nothing quite as raucous as the March shouting match at Stanford between protesters and Federalist Society invitee and U.S.

Circuit Court Judge Kyle Duncan has taken place at Harvard in recent years, the College has still been a hotbed of controversy over pressures around the speech of students and faculty.

This April, a group of more than 70 Harvard professors co-

led by Psychology professor Steven A. Pinker joined to form the Council on Academic Freedom at Harvard, with the goal of protecting free speech and inquiry. The group now boasts more than 130 members.

In a Boston Globe op-ed, Pinker and co-leader Bertha K. Madras, a professor at the Medical School, wrote that they will support those who are “threatened or slandered for a scholarly opinion,” presenting their case even when “activists are shouting into an administrator’s ear.”

Separately, an “Intellectual Vitality Committee” of undergraduates, faculty, and alumni has been meeting for the past two years, facilitated by Dean of the College Rakesh Khurana, with an emphasis on promoting tolerance of and engagement with opinions that dissent from majority views on campus.

Campus conservatives, who tend to make up around 9 percent of the Harvard student body according to The Crimson’s annual freshman survey, have often reported feeling pressure to hide their views — and in some cases, even their identities. The Salient, a conservative opinion publication whose pieces often stoke controversy, predominant-

Here’s Where to Eat, Grab Coffee, and Chill in Harvard Square

more than the restaurant.

ly publishes its writers under pseudonyms like “Publius” and “Marcus Porcius Cato” to avoid “ad hominem attack.”

While more than 75 percent of faculty surveyed by The Crimson reported concern that academic freedom is under threat in America, many disagreed about the source of such a threat, with one respondent citing “MAGA-inspired parents and politicians” and another criticizing “wokecrazed students and cancel culture.”

But alleged incidents of attacks on academic freedom on Harvard’s campus are rarely clear-cut.

J. Mark Ramseyer, a Harvard professor and member of the Council on Academic Freedom, came under fire just two years ago for a controversial article falsely claiming that women forced into sex slavery by the Imperial Japanese army during World War II were instead contracted sex workers — sparking international condemnation and large protests on Harvard’s campus.

In a 2022 response paper to his critics, Ramseyer characterized the public pressure as a restriction on his academic freedom —

SEE PAGE 4

BY ELIAS J. SCHISGALL CRIMSON STAFF WRITER

finding

way around campus,

admiring

tiful Annenberg Hall.

— known as “Berg” — will likely

culinary needs

all

few weeks on campus. But if you ever start to get tired of Harvard University Dining Services’ revamped menu that debuted last semester, Harvard Square has plenty of restaurants, cafes, and takeout counters to sample.

Here’s what you need to know about going out to eat in Harvard Square.

The Midnight Mainstays Harvard is a school full of night owls, and restaurants here know their audience. Whether you’ve been grinding all night at Lamont Library or living it up in the basement of Tasty Burger, chances are you’ll be able to grab a bite no matter the time.

Two of the most popular latenight destinations are El Jefe’s

Taqueria and Felipe’s Taqueria. Both serve a variety of buildyour-own Mexican food — burritos, tacos, nachos, bowls, quesadillas, and so on — and both are open until the wee hours of the morning: Felipe’s closes at 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, and Jefe’s at 4 a.m every day. (Felipe’s also boasts a rooftop bar, but if you’re under 21, don’t test your luck.)

Because both restaurants fill a niche of midnight Mexican food — and because, with Jefe’s new location, they are literally across the street from one another — the question of which is better has become a source of spirited campus debate.

Addea Gupta ’25 said she prefers Jefe’s not only for the later hours but also for the quality of food.

“There’s something about the vegetables that is just so much better at Jefe’s, and the Mexican rice is particularly good,” Gupta said. “And the insane amounts of sour cream they add whenever you say, ‘Please add sour cream to my bowl,’ is amazing.”

Tejas S.S. Vadali ’25, on the other hand, said he prefers Felipe’s vegetables and appreciates the option to get a “super burrito” — but said the experience matters

“I don’t think it really matters where you get your food, I think it’s about the people you go with,” he said. “My friends and I would always go to Felipe’s late at night, so I associated it positively.”

Another great late-night option is Pinocchio’s. Affectionately known as “Noch’s,” this hole-inthe-wall pizza counter has been operating in Harvard Square since 1966. As you wait for your Sicilian slice, look closely at the walls and try to find a photo of a young Mark Zuckerberg.

Noch’s is open until midnight on Sunday, 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays during the school year.

Rounding out the midnight bites are Falafel Corner and the newcomer Madras Dosa Co., both open until 3 a.m. And, though it’s not a restaurant per se, the Harvard Square CVS deserves an honorable mention as a 24-hour stop for snacks, both salty and sweet.

The Caffeine Coves

Soon enough, you’ll find yourselves with hundreds of pages of

SEE PAGE 9

JOEY HUANG—CRIMSON PHOTOGRAPHER

THE HARVARD CRIMSON

Eleanor V. Wikstrom 24

Christina M. Xiao ’24

Arts Chairs

Anya L. Henry ’24

Alisa S. Regassa ’24

Magazine Chairs

Io Y. Gilman ’25

Amber H. Levis ’25

Blog Chairs Tina Chen ’24

Hana Rehman ’25

Sports Chairs

Mairead B. Baker ’24

Aaron B. Schuchman ’25

Associate Business Manager Derek S. Chang ’24

STAFF FOR THIS ISSUE

Night Editors Vivi E. Lu ’24

Brandon L. Kingdollar ’24

Leah J. Teichholtz ’24

Design Chairs

Sophia Salamanca ’25

Sami E. Turner ’25

Multimedia Chairs

Joey Huang ’24

Julian J. Giordano ’25

Technology Chairs Kevin Luo ’24

Justin Y. Ye ’24

Meimei Xu ’24

Andy Z. Wang ’23-’24

Assistant Night Editors Sami E. Turner ’25

Stephen Gwon Graham Lee

Story Editors Cara J. Chang ’24

James R. Jolin ’24

Vivi E. Lu ’24

Brandon

Save

for Your Freshman Year at Harvard

out on your Google Calendar — which, yes, you must update religiously as a newly minted Harvard student.

President Claudine Gay’s Inauguration, Sept. 29

new president, so this is an event that you won’t want to miss. Pregaming, however, is not recommended.

First-Year Family Weekend, Oct. 26-29

tional friends will also appreciate having some Mike’s Hard Lemonade and Fireball to help them get through the weekend.)

The novelty of starting your first year of college will quickly wear off as you begin to drown in readings, essays, and Annenberg coffee.

Just like it is impossible to tell whether it is daytime or nighttime when you are inside Lamont, it will soon be unclear whether you are in your third, sixth, or ninth week of the fall semester. But occasionally, a certain event or College tradition will come along to awaken you from the all-consuming stupor that is a college semester. Here are three dates to block

Freshmen are not the only ones at Harvard who moved into the Yard this summer (condolences to everyone in Greenough, Hurlbut, and Pennypacker). Harvard

President Claudine Gay moved into Mass. Hall in early July, after she assumed office as the University’s 30th president. The University will fete Gay with an inauguration ceremony on Sept. 29, the last Friday of the month. The ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. in the Yard’s Tercentenary Theatre, and the celebration is expected to continue into the early evening with additional festivities.

It is not every day that Harvard celebrates the inauguration of a

First-year family weekend might be two months away, but before you know it, your parents will be knocking on the door to your dorm as you scramble to hide those half-empty bottles of Tito’s.

While this weekend is a great chance for you to celebrate starting college with your parents, siblings, grandparents, and Dean Khurana (you will see him literally everywhere over those four days), the weekend will also pose some challenges.

First and foremost, make sure to reach out to an international friend whose parents won’t show up over the weekend and ask them to hide your booze. (Your homesick and lonely interna-

First-Year Family Weekend also inexplicably coincides with Halloween celebrations every year — so make sure to stow away that extra spicy costume before giving your family the grand tour.

Eating brunch with your family while fighting the worst hangover of your life is a tried and true Harvard College experience. Don’t forget to plan in advance by asking around for a good hangover cure.

Harvard-Yale, Nov. 18

By mid-November, to put it bluntly, the New England weather will be miserably cold, you will likely be completely burnt out, and it will feel as if midterm season will never end.

Our collective suffering, however, will briefly pause for a couple of hours on Nov. 18 at 12 p.m.

Our savior? A college football game between the Crimson and our archrivals, the Yale Bulldogs.

If you want to survive Harvard-Yale, our first tip is that you don’t have to join your roommates in getting inebriated before the crack of dawn. Drinking that early in the morning is both disgusting and unnecessary. Also, no amount of alcohol will improve the quality of that football game.

Our second tip is that you should not hold back in being obnoxious with your signs for Harvard-Yale. The Yalies have it coming, so get as creative as you’d like! (And just be aware that no variation of the “safety school” joke will count as creative.) Last but not least, don’t forget to wear a hat, gloves, and a scarf. It’ll be freezing and nobody at HUHS wants to treat a bunch of freshmen who think they have frostbite.

A Run Down of Important Campus Issues

but some of his critics dismissed these claims, with two professors who rebutted his paper calling them a “classic example of misdirection” from factual inaccuracies in Ramseyer’s original paper. Academic freedom is sure to be a hot topic of conversation this year as it always is, and now, we hope you are properly equipped to join the debate.

Comaroff Facing

Condemnation

Harvard Anthropology and African American Studies professor John L. Comaroff has faced more backlash in recent years than perhaps any other figure on Harvard’s campus.

In the spring, more than 100 students attended the first lecture of his class for the sole purpose of staging a mass walkout protest. But why?

Comaroff has been the subject of controversy since 2020, when an investigation by The Crimson revealed that at least three female graduate students had contacted Harvard’s Title IX office with

complaints of unwanting touching, verbal sexual harassment, and professional retaliation by the professor.

Comaroff and his attorneys have categorically denied all allegations of misconduct.

University President Claudine Gay — then dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences — placed Comaroff on paid leave as the University internally investigated his conduct. In January 2022, Harvard concluded that he violated the school’s sexual harassment and professional conduct policies and placed him on one semester of unpaid administrative leave.

Among the sanctions against Comaroff were temporary prohibitions on teaching required courses and taking on additional graduate student advisees.

In February 2022, Anthropology graduate students Margaret G. Czerwienski, Lilia M. Kilburn, and Amulya Mandava sued Harvard, alleging that the University was aware of accusations of misconduct against Comaroff before the school hired him and that it failed to adequately handle the

complaints against him in the time since.

Though he is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit, Comaroff’s attorneys have disputed the claims of harassment and retaliation that are a central focus of the students’ complaint.

Harvard has maintained that the lawsuit inaccurately portrays the University’s response to the complaints against Comaroff. The University unsuccessfully sought to dismiss the case, but in April 2023, a federal judge ruled that all counts except one could proceed.

As the lawsuit progressed, Comaroff returned to the classroom.

The revelation that Comaroff would teach an elective course in fall 2022 sparked outrage both on campus and nationally. In protest, five graduate students walked out of Comaroff’s first class back on campus as dozens rallied in Science Center Plaza to demonstrate against the University’s decision to continue employing him.

The condemnation only grew in spring 2023 — more than twen-

tyfold.

In January, more than 100 exited Comaroff’s classroom in protest, chanting “Justice for survivors” and “No more Comaroff, no more complicity.” Students papered Comaroff’s classroom and the John Harvard statue with critical flyers decrying his continued presence at the University and continued to protest Harvard’s response in the months since.

Comaroff remains a tenured professor at Harvard. While he is not slated to teach any courses in the fall, the University’s course catalog suggests he may teach three electives in the African and African American Studies Department in spring 2024.

Calls for Ethnic Studies

If you visited Harvard Yard for President Claudine Gay’s ice cream social last month, you may have been surprised when the gathering was briefly interrupted by protesters. Instead of screaming for ice cream, demonstrators held signs

and chanted “Hey, President Gay!

We need ethnic studies today!”

Instead, protesters affiliated with the Harvard Ethnic Studies Coalition were putting forth a demand that students have advanced for decades with limited success: greater support for ethnic studies at Harvard.

Since 1972, many students and faculty have advocated for the creation of an ethnic studies department at Harvard focusing on the culture and history of ethnic groups in the United States — but to date, their shared goal has not been met. Neither an ethnic studies concentration nor department exists at Harvard.

But advocates have made some progress in the intervening years. In 2009, Harvard established an Ethnic Studies secondary, which was later renamed Ethnicity, Migration, and Rights.

Likewise, the University hired a cluster of three professors whose scholarship focuses on ethnicity, indigeneity, and migration — Government professor Taeku Lee, History professor Erika Lee, and History professor Jesse E. Hoffnung-Garskof ’93 — toward the end of Gay’s time as FAS dean.

Gay has responded to student criticisms by citing the need for more faculty before the establishment of a concentration or a department — but it is unclear whether the University plans to create either, and, if so, when it will do so.

Denaming Dilemmas

When you receive your upperclassman housing assignment at the end of freshman year, you may be surprised to find yourself sorted into a House that students are rallying to strike the name of.

The College’s Winthrop, Lowell, and Mather houses have all faced student denaming campaigns in recent years due to their controversial namesakes.

More than 200 Harvard affiliates signed on to a petition calling for the removal of Winthrop House’s name in February. Soon after, student activists demonstrated during dinner in the Winthrop dining hall and held a teach-in drawing attention to the actions of some members of the Winthrop family, for which Winthrop House is named.

Student demonstrators point-

ed to the fact that both Massachusetts Bay Colony Governor John Winthrop and his descendant of the same name, a former acting president of Harvard, enslaved people. The elder John Winthrop, who was a member of Harvard governance, helped legalize slavery in Massachusetts as governor and presided over the Pequot War, in which the colonists sought to destroy the Pequot tribe.

In March, the Generational African American Students Association and Natives at Harvard College submitted a formal request for the House to be denamed. Mather House, named for former University president Increase Mather, has also been the subject of controversy as the former Harvard president was, like both John Winthrops, a slaveholder.

In addition, some affiliates have called for the denaming of Lowell House — named for Boston’s prominent Lowell family — due to former University President Abbott Lawrence Lowell’s racism, antisemitism, and xenophobia.

During his time leading Harvard, Lowell implemented admissions policies aimed at limiting the number of Jewish students at Harvard, excluded Black students from living in Harvard Yard, and led a purge of gay students in 1920.

Still, neither Mather nor Lowell House faces a formal denaming request under the University’s new denaming policy. Announced in late 2021, the policy details a “careful, painstaking, and laborious” process for considering name removals.

The Arthur M. Sackler Museum and Building, however, has been targeted with such a request, with members of the Harvard College Overdose Prevention and Education Students submitting their request in October due to the Sackler family’s ties to Purdue Pharma, the pharmaceutical company that created and marketed OxyContin, a highly addictive opioid.

Opponents of the denaming request — including Sackler’s widow — have criticized the initiative as misguided, noting that Sackler died before the founding of Purdue Pharma and the release of OxyContin, both of which were overseen by his brothers.

Dozens of Harvard students staged a “die-in” at the Harvard Art Museums in April to protest the University’s ties to Arthur M. Sackler and his family. J. SELLERS HILL— CRIMSON PHOTOGRAPHER

Biggest Stories of the Summer

The Supreme Court Strikes Down Affirmative Action

The Decision — and Fallout

The Supreme Court sent shockwaves across the nation when it declared affirmative action in higher education admissions unconstitutional on June 29. Following the ruling, University administrators reiterated the importance of a diverse campus but said Harvard would comply with the decision.

The 6-2 decision comes after a nearly decade-long legal battle between Harvard and anti-affirmative action group Students for Fair Admissions. SFFA was also successful in its suit against the University of North Carolina for its admissions policies in a ruling released the same day. Students and faculty at Harvard, alongside government officials from Massachusetts to Washington, criticized the Court’s ruling in the days and weeks that followed. Still, for some anti-affirmative action advocates, the decision marked an

important victory against admissions policies perceived as discriminatory.

The Court’s majority opinion, however, did not ban the discussion of race altogether: An applicant’s discussion of how “race affected his or her life” may be taken into consideration, so long as that discussion is “concretely tied to a quality of character or unique ability.”

In response, Harvard overhauled its essays for this year’s application cycle, requiring applicants to answer five short prompts — including one that asks students to discuss their life experiences in light of the importance of campus diversity. Though the ruling was widely expected due to the Court’s strong conservative majority, it remains to be seen how administrators, admissions officers, and prospective applicants in the Class of 2028 and beyond will adjust to a transformed admissions landscape.

BY THE CRIMSON NEWS STAFF

Legacy Admissions Under Fire

As the Court struck down affirmative action, Harvard’s legacy and donor admissions preferences have also faced scrutiny.

In a concurring opinion, Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch suggested that eliminating the admissions edge for children of alumni and donors could increase campus diversity without affirmative action. And President Joe Biden, in a press conference following the ruling, took aim at legacy admissions and “other systems that expand privilege instead of opportunity.”

Just days after the ruling, a federal complaint filed by three Black and Latinx groups alleged the admissions preferences given to legacies and children of donors violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Education Department opened an investigation into Harvard’s donor and legacy preferences on July 25.

Business School Professor Accused of Data Fraud

Harvard Business School professor Francesca Gino, whose research focuses on behavioral economics, was accused of committing data fraud in at least four papers. A trio of business school professors detailed the allegations on their data investigation blog, Data Colada, in June.

Earlier this month, Gino filed a lawsuit against HBS Dean Srikant M. Datar, the three professors, and Harvard, alleging a defamation conspiracy to smear her reputation. The lawsuit denies that Gino falsified data and accuses the defendants of painting a false narrative of the professor and her work.

HBS spokesperson Mark Cautela declined to comment. The three data investigators did not reply to requests for comment.

A 2021 Data Colada invesigation found that a 2012 paper coauthored by Gino contained evidence of fraudulent data.

A 2021 Data Colada investigation found that a 2012 paper co-authored by Gino contained

Harvard University, Medical School Sued Over Morgue Thefts

ently was violated.”

evidence of fraudulent data. The paper was submitted for retraction in 2021, though Gino claimed she was not involved with the specific experiment that contained falsified data.

Of the other papers flagged by Data Colada, two have since been retracted since the blog’s posts, while the last is expected to be retracted in September.

According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, Harvard has been investigating “a series of papers” involving Gino for more than a year. Data Colada wrote on their blog that an internal report by Harvard regarding Gino’s work may be around 1,200 pages long.

Harvard University and the Medical School have come under fire after federal prosecutors alleged a former employee stole and sold human remains from the school for profit.

Families affected by the mishandling of human remains at HMS have filed three separate class action lawsuits against the University so far.

Cedric Lodge, former manager of the morgue at the Anatomical Gift Program at HMS, was accused of transporting “heads, brains, skin, bones, and other human remains” that he stole from the Medical School morgue “without the knowl -

edge or permission of HMS.”

Federal prosecutors say that Lodge is connected to a network of individuals that sold “fraudulently obtained human remains.”

Janet Pizzi, who was notified by the school that her uncle’s remains had been mishandled by Lodge, decried HMS for its lack of oversight during a June press conference.

“Harvard Medical School violated all of these folks and their families,” Janet Pizzi said. “I certainly think they had a responsibility to respect and protect the bodies of those that were donated and that appar -

One class action lawsuit was amended last month to accuse two current HMS employees — Anatomical Gift Program managers Mark F. Cicchetti and Tracey Fay — of negligence and infliction of emotional distress. HMS spokesperson Ekaterina D. Pesheva declined to comment on the pending litigation, but noted that “no one at HMS is facing any criminal charges or is suspected of any wrongdoing” and “Lodge’s activities were carried out without the knowledge or permission of anyone else at HMS.”

24 Candidates Seek Election to Cambridge City Council

Cambridge City Council could be facing a shake-up this November: For the first time since 2017, three incumbent councilors have declined to seek reelection, leaving at least onethird of the body open to new faces.

Twenty-four Council candidates, including six incumbents, are set to appear on the ballot this fall.

Vice Mayor Alanna M. Mallon, Councilor Dennis J. Carlone, and Councilor Quinton Y. Zondervan each announced

over the summer that they would not seek reelection. When they step down, the three officials will have a combined experience of 26 years on the Council.

Eleven candidates are also vying for six seats on the Cambridge School Committee, which oversees the city’s public school system and determines its budget.

Only two School Committee incumbents — Ayesha M. Wilson, who is running for a spot on the Council, and Fred Fan -

tini, the body’s longest-serving member — are not seeking reelection. Both Cambridge city councilors and School Committee members are elected atlarge every two years through the proportional representation voting system, a version of ranked-choice voting. The election will take place on Nov. 7, and Council candidates are set to gather for a forum hosted by A Better Cambridge on Sept. 12. Early voting begins Oct. 28.

The Supreme Court effectively struck down affirmative action in higher education admissions in July, declaring Harvard’s race-conscious admissions practices unconstitutional. JULIAN J. GIORDANO—CRIMSON PHOTOGRAPHER Cambridge is likely to see a

QU—CRIMSON PHOTOGRAPHER

‘Comp’-fused? A Guide to Harvard’s Clubs

FIND YOUR NICHE. Harvard offers more than 500 student groups, but you only have so much time — peruse a list of some of the clubs that campus offers.

BY J. SELLERS HILL CRIMSON STAFF WRITER

For all intents and purposes, “comp” might as well stand for complicated. Harvard famously boasts that it has more than 500 student organizations, and it can understandably be quite daunting to the uninitiated. Before you set off into the sprawling jungle that is the student organization fair (Sept. 8), we hope this brief list of clubs can provide a starting point.

College Events Board

If you have a knack for party planning or are particularly invested in creating inclusive opportunities for fun on campus, consider joining one of CEB’s student-run committees.

In addition to planning two of the largest campus events of the year — Crimson Jam and Yard Fest — CEB has hosted spirit weeks, speaker events, and

group outings in years past, but new ideas are welcome. As the group wrote on its Instagram, “Stop wishing Harvard had more events and help us plan them.”

Consulting Groups

Various consulting groups dot Harvard’s campus, but two of the oldest and largest are the Harvard College Consulting Group and Harvard Undergraduate Consulting on Business and the Environment.

Both groups offer the opportunity to work with high-profile clients across a variety of industries while offering retreats and networking opportunities for their members, who earn their spots via a competitive application process.

Other student-led consulting groups include the Behavioral Strategy Group, which specializes in behavioral economics, and the Harvard Undergraduate Global Research and Consulting Group, which focuses on pro bono, nonprofit consulting.

Finance Clubs

Too many to list. Just attend a Harvard Poker Club event and ask someone to give you the run-

down.

Funny Clubs

If you see upperclassmen leaned over a table at Lamont, head in their hands, declaring that “Harvard sucks,” they are actually talking about the Harvard College Stand-Up Comic Society. Founded in 2007, Harvard College SUCS is undoubtedly the place to start if you’re looking to work on your tight five. No experience is required to join.

If you’re more into improv comedy, consider auditioning for the Immediate Gratification Players, Three Letter Acronym, or On Thin Ice — Harvard’s trio of improv comedy troupes.

If You Enjoy Sticks

With a reputation for tight-knit club dynamics, the Harvard Outing Club has been a campus staple for the outdoorsy since its founding in 1939. HOC leads trips to get you out of the Harvard bubble, from quick day hikes to multiday excursions, no previous outdoorsy-ness required. The club also offers gear borrowing and the opportunity to rent their club cabin in New Hampshire.

The Harvard Mountaineering

No Experience Needed: How to Find a Job at Harvard

BY CAM E. KETTLES CRIMSON STAFF WRITER

Whether you are looking for a side hustle or beginning a workstudy program, finding a campus job at Harvard is easy if you know where to look.

Harvard’s libraries, cafes, and institutes are always looking for undergraduates to staff roles, from baristas at popular campus spots like Cafe Gato Rojo and Barker Cafe to game-day ticket office workers. Many jobs are cataloged either by the Student Employment Office or the Mignone Center for Career Success and often require no previous experience.

Namira Mehedi ’25, a student media consultant at Lamont Library, said she started her job search at the SEO’s job database and and the career center before arriving on campus.

The SEO database, which is regularly updated with on-campus openings or off-campus jobs geared toward students, allows students to find jobs that meet their time commitments and ac-

ademic interests. “I think the Student Employment Office is an especially great source for Harvard students because they’re catering to people of all different types of experiences and expertise,” Mehedi said. Mehedi, who was able to find employment before she arrived on campus, recalled initially applying to on-campus jobs at random. While different positions require a variety of submissions, Mehedi said she was often able to apply with “one-click.”

“I got a lot of job opportunities. It was really just about more so personality and just if you’re a great fit or not for the work environment,” Mehedi said.

As a different approach, Grace

J. Kim ’25, who has worked as a research assistant for multiple Harvard professors, recommends emailing directly and expressing interest.

“Even if it’s not your professor, I wouldn’t be afraid to reach out because two of the professors that I emailed, I never took any of their classes, but they still offered me a job,” she said. Kim suggested finding a pro -

fessor whom you have something in common with and expressing interest in their work.

“Obviously if you’re studying Gov, you don’t want to email a Bio professor or anything crazy like that,” Kim said. “But also within Gov professors, I emailed a Korean professor because I was really interested in working with a Korean American professor.”

Harvard’s many institutes, including the Harvard College Women’s Center and the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations, are known for hiring undergraduates because they “want first-year engagement,” according to Mehedi.

While research assistants at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study are paid $18 per hour and expected to commit eight to 12 hours each week, hours and compensation vary wide -

Club offers many of the same opportunities with a more explicit focus on climbing and other types of “mountain adventure.” Yes, they also have a cabin.

Phillips Brooks House Association

In addition to being an actual house in Harvard’s old yard, PBHA has served as Harvard’s premier center for volunteering and community service for decades. PBHA utilizes a common application for students looking to get involved in its many programs benefiting local children, teenagers, adults, and senior citizens.

Publications

Not to toot our own horn, but if you’re interested in any aspect of journalism — including news coverage, photography, or business — The Harvard Crimson is the place to be. With 10 boards, hundreds of members, and a building at 14 Plympton St., there’s a place for everyone at The Crimson. We’re also the oldest continuously published college daily newspaper in the nation, boasting 150 years of history and a litany of accomplished alums.

Students interested in creating and curating works of art, fiction, poetry, and literature should consider the Harvard Advocate. Based in an unassuming-yet-occasionally-very-loud building on South Street, it’s the oldest continuously published collegiate literary magazine in the country.

FIG. Magazine is another option with a specific focus in fashion. For publishing academic essays, there are a variety of reviews, including the Harvard Technology Review, Harvard International Review, and Harvard Review of Philosophy.

Theater and Dance

Harvard has no shortage of organizations dedicated to dance, including the Asian American Dance Troupe, Bhangra, Candela Latin Dance Troupe, Expressions Dance Company, and Harvard Undergraduate Breakers Organization, to name just a few. On the thespian side of things, look into the Hasty Pudding Theatricals and Harvard College Opera.

WHRB

In the basement of Pennypacker Hall lies the studio of WHRB 95.3FM, Harvard’s student-run

radio station that has broadcast to the Boston area for more than 70 years. Club members can produce original broadcasts for the station, which features nine departments. WHRB is also the inventor of the “WHRB Orgy” — a registered trademark — but you’ll have to ask them what that is. This just scrapes the surface of the extracurriculars campus has to offer. Harvard has a thriving ecosystem of student organizations, which means all of the options and comp processes can be confusing and overwhelming. If you’ve just arrived on campus, maybe don’t rush to join 15 clubs all at once. Attend some interest meetings, talk to members, and make healhy choices about how many comps to take on your first semester. If you want to get more involved in the spring, all of these clubs will still be here — and another 50 will probably have cropped up.

sellers.hill@thecrimson.com

anywhere from four to 20 hours a week, though students are capped at working 20 hours per week during the semester — no matter how many University jobs they have.

“There are a plethora of jobs that range from a lot of commitment to very low commitment,” Mehedi said.

Some students, like Lucy Vuong ’26, found work on campus the traditional way.

Vuong, who has worked at the Cambridge Queen’s Head Pub since it reopened last fall in October, found the position advertised on a chalkboard outside Annenberg Hall, the freshman dining

easy as filling out a Google form.

“One of the perks about working at a job through the University as opposed to getting, let’s say, an outside tutoring job, is that all of the staff are super aware that you’re a student,” Vuong said. “They’re aware that you have deadlines, and they’re super accommodating.”

Fall 2023 is a unique semester to be starting a job as an undergraduate, as freshmen are arriving on campus amid an ongoing unionization campaign by the Harvard Undergraduate Workers Union.

The potential bargaining unit includes undergraduates em-

ployed in campus libraries, cafes, and the Cambridge Queen’s Head Pub, along with interns in the Harvard Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Eligible workers — including newly-employed freshmen — can vote in the union election to be held in October.

If their union election is successful, HUWU organizers plan to expand the bargaining unit to include a larger variety of undergraduate workplaces.

cam.kettles@thecrimson.com

AFFINITY GROUPS

Finding a Home in Harvard’s Affinity Groups

HOME AWAY FROM HOME. Here are some of the many organizations you can join if you’re seeking an affinity space.

BY JOYCE E. KIM CRIMSON STAFF WRITER

Stepping onto campus as a freshman might feel overwhelming, but finding an affinity group can help to ease the transition and provide a home away from home. Here is a guide to some of the organizations you can join if you’re seeking an affinity space:

Asian American Association

The Harvard-Radcliffe Asian American Association is a PanAsian student group and one of the largest affinity groups on campus. AAA’s annual events include feAAAst — a showcase of Asian American students in the arts with catered dinner and live music — and Lunar New Year celebrations. In the past year, AAA hosted panel discussions, fundraisers for AAPI issues, mixers, affinity group discussions, and an inaugural Pan-Asian Formal in partnership with other cultural groups.

President Chelsea Wang ’25 said AAA enabled her to “stay rooted in the Asian American community” and reach beyond her grade to meet students of all class years.

Wang added that AAA promotes educational and political opportunities alongside social and cultural events that are open to all members. For example, in the wake of the Supreme Court’s affirmative action decision, AAA led advocacy efforts such as affirmative action teach-ins, speaker events, and rallies.

“I think AAA really covers all sides you might want out of an Asian American community,” she said.

Asian and Asian American students can also join groups focused on specific identities, such as the Harvard-Radcliffe Chinese Students Association, the Harvard South Asian Association, or the Harvard Vietnamese Association.

Black Students Association

The Harvard Black Students Association is Harvard’s largest affinity group, boasting a membership of more than 700 undergraduate students and a network of nearly 3,000 alumni since its founding in 1977. During the school year, BSA hosts social gatherings, pre-professional programming, and service opportunities for members.

BSA’s signature events include Apollo Night, an annual talent show, and the Black Legacy Ball, a gala held during Black History Month to commemorate the achievements of Black students, faculty, and alumni.

Freshmen are invited to BSA’s annual Black Convocation, which takes place on Sept. 23 this year. The event features speakers, performers, and a program to welcome the Class of 2027 to Harvard.

Mara S. Sims ’25, BSA’s vice president, described Black Convocation as “an annual favorite” that serves as a “wonderful celebration” and an “introduction to the Black community at Harvard.”

“In BSA, you can bring your entire self, in all of your Blackness to a community of people who are looking forward to guiding you, welcoming you, and making you feel at home here,” Sims added.

Other affinity groups for Black undergraduate students include

the Harvard Black Men’s Forum and the Association of Black Harvard Women, as well as cultural groups such as the Generational African American Students Association that focus on different experiences of the African diaspora.

Fuerza Latina

Harvard Fuerza Latina is the largest pan-Latine organization on campus, welcoming Latinx students and pursuing advocacy. Fuerza Latina hosts game nights, social events, and panels and workshops throughout the school year.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Fuerza Latina launched Ritmo Latino — an inaugural cultural fair featuring performances, live music, and food from more than 10 Latin countries. Freshmen are welcomed to the Latinx Convocation, hosted by the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies, in September.

Fuerza Latina belongs to an umbrella organization for Latinx groups called Concilio Latino. Other than Fuerza Latina, Concilio Latino includes other cultural groups, like Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA, the Dominican Student Association, and the Colombian Student Society.

Primus

For first-generation, low-income students, Harvard Primus provides an affinity space for students navigating similar challenges and shared experiences.

Last year, Primus — in partnership with the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations — hosted the inaugural First Generation Visibility Week, as well as pre-professional workshops, study breaks, mixers, and

A NON-EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF AFFINITY SPACES

FGLI Affinity Groups

Harvard Primus

the FGLI Formal. Freshmen are invited to a FGLI welcome ceremony, which aims to bring together FGLI undergraduate students and celebrate the Class of 2027.

The Harvard Foundation also houses the FGLI Student Task Group, a program that supports FGLI students by connecting them with graduate student mentors, faculty, and staff.

Queer Students Association

The Harvard College Queer Students Association is the largest affinity group for LGBTQ+ undergraduates. Formerly known as the Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, and Supporters Alliance, the organization underwent several structural changes before becoming QSA in 2009.

Freshmen were welcomed in April to Visitas Drag Night, one of QSA’s annual events and a showcase of the art of drag. QSA has hosted Gaytamatch — a spin on matchmaking app Datamatch, where Harvard students fill out an annual survey to find love or friendship on Valentine’s Day — and numerous events including Queer Prom, Friendsgiving, game nights, and mixers.

The Office of BGLTQ Student Life serves as an affinity space for LGBTQ+ students seeking resources such as support groups, student organizations, professional staff and interns, and grants and funding. These are just some of the many affinity spaces Harvard has to offer. For more groups to explore, check out the Student Organization Center Online website and the Student Organization Fair on Sept. 8. Whichever affinity spaces or groups you ultimately join, we hope Harvard will soon feel like home!

joyce.kim@thecrimson.com

AAPI Affinity Groups

Harvard-Radcliffe Asian

American Association

Harvard Asian American

Womxn’s Association

Harvard-Radcliffe Chinese

Students Association

Harvard Taiwanese Cultural Society

Harvard Tibetan Cultural Association

Harvard Korean Association

Harvard Philippine Forum

Harvard South Asian Association

Harvard Vietnamese Association

Pakistani

Harvard College

Students Association

Bengali Association of

Students at Harvard

Harvard Undergraduate

Nepali Student Association

Black Affinity Groups

Harvard Black Students

Association

Association of Black

Harvard Women

Harvard Black Men’s Forum

Harvard African Students

Association

Generational African Americans Students

Association

Harvard College Nigerian Students Association

Ethiopian and Eritrean

Students Association

Harvard Undergraduate

Black Pre-Law Association

Harvard Undergraduate

Black Pre-Medical Society

Harvard Society of Black

Scientists and Engineers

Disability Affinity Groups

Harvard University

Disability Justice Club

FGLI Student Task Group

Latinx Affinity Groups

Harvard Fuerza Latina

Latinas Unidas de Harvard

Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA

Harvard Colombian

Student Society

Harvard Undergraduate

Dominican Student

Association

Cuban American

Undergraduate Student Association

Harvard Undergraduate Latinxs in Finance & Tech

LGBTQ+ Affinity Groups

Harvard College Queer Students Association

Harvard Undergraduate

Queer Advocates

BAGELS

Harvard College SHADE

Harvard Undergraduate

BGLTQ Business Society

Religious Affinity Groups

Harvard Islamic Society

Harvard Dharma

Harvard Hillel

Harvard Chabad

Harvard Christians on

Campus

Harvard Undergraduate

Faith and Action

Other Cultural Affinity

Groups Natives at Harvard College

Harvard Society of Arab

Students

Harvard College Turkish

Student Association

Harvard College Iranian Association

Harvard Armenian Student Association

Harvard Ukrainian Student Association

10 Boards

350 Editors

150 Years of History

Comp The Crimson

HARVARD SQUARE

A Guide to Popping the Harvard Bubble

TRADING GOWN FOR TOWN. Boston and Cambridge have so much to offer, whether it be a quick off-campus getaway or a longer trip.

BY DARLEY A.C. BOIT CRIMSON STAFF WRITER

Though campus life may quickly monopolize your schedule, do your best to make time for some fun outings. Boston has so much to offer, whether it be a quick off-campus getaway or a longer trip. Though my personal favorite remains long walks along the Charles River with friends, there are plenty of ways to explore Cambridge and Boston.

DOWNTOWN

The Boston Common is a mustsee spot in Boston, and most Bostonians will argue you have not seen anything in the city if you haven’t been to the park. Located in the middle of downtown by Park Street station (four stops from Harvard on the Red Line), the Common hosts a beautiful view of New England’s autumn foliage as well as a festive Christmas light display in the winter months and a seasonal ice skating rink (a must-try activity, although be prepared for a long line).

The Common is also directly across from the Boston Public Gardens, where tourists can ride in circles in a swan boat, see the Make Way for Ducklings sculpture, and appreciate the city’s skyline at sunset.

About a 20-minute walk away is Faneuil Hall — home to the famous Quincy Market, a tourist attraction constructed in 1742. Inside Quincy Market, there are rows of food vendors with everything from lobster rolls to ice cream to sushi. Outside are retail stores and other vendors (my personal favor-

RESTAURANTS FROM PAGE 1

ite being the year-round, two-story Christmas store), and just behind Faneuil Hall is a pretty view of the Boston Harbor. If you choose to walk along the harbor for another several blocks, you will quickly find yourself surrounded by Italian flags and narrow cobblestone streets. The North End is a well-known hub for restaurants and old-style

Here’s Where to Eat in Harvard Square

readings, multiple papers, weekly discussion posts, and arduous problem sets. Unless you have superhuman time management skills, chances are you’ll want some coffee to carry you through the day (or night). Thankfully, Harvard Square has no shortage of coffee shops to keep you fueled.

The source of that delicious smell along Massachusetts Avenue is Tatte, part of a chain of Mediterranean-inspired cafes throughout Boston and Washington, D.C. Brave the lines, and you’ll be treated to a range of coffee and tea drinks, as well as fresh-baked pastries and breakfast and lunch food.

As Harvard students, you also automatically receive $65 a semester in BoardPlus.

Capital One card holders can enjoy a 50 percent discount at the Capital One Café, a JFK Street coffee shop that doubles as a quiet study space. If you’ve already made the Smith Campus Center your home base, consider Pavement Coffeehouse, located just to the right of the welcome desk.

Likewise, for the Science Center, Clover Food Lab operates just outside Cabot Library (as well as another location on Mass. Ave.)

Other coffee options include Bluestone Lane, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, two Starbucks locations, two Dunkin’ Donuts locations, and Blue Bottle — frequented by many a coffee-starved Crimson editor.

As Harvard students, you also automatically receive $65 a semester in BoardPlus, which you can spend with your Harvard ID at HUDS-operated cafes, including Barker Cafe in the Barker Center and Cafe Gato Rojo in Lehman Hall. Many departments also have lounges that offer free coffee.

“It’s been a long time since I

paid for coffee around campus,” said Crimson Editorial editor Ivan Toth-Rohonyi ’25, who gets his coffee at the History of Art and Architecture department office.

The Newcomers

In a real estate market as competitive as Harvard Square, new businesses come and go seemingly every other week. If you want to branch out, take a chance on one of the area’s many up-and-coming new restaurants. Egg lovers, rejoice: After more than a year of preparation, Friendly Toast — a chain offering all-day brunch — has opened in Harvard Square. Other new restaurants include Faro Café, described by a barista as a “regenerative space,” and Madras Dosa Co., an Indian restaurant vying for a cut of the late-night clientele.

And over the course of a year, the number of boba shops in Harvard Square quadrupled from one to four, with Möge Tee, Gong Cha, and Tiger Sugar joining Kung Fu Tea.

Another new restaurant is Cava, the hotly-anticipated Mediterranean fast-casual chain which opened its doors on Brattle Street in May. According to Addea Gupta ’25, it’s worth the hype.

“I’d say it’s solid good food,” she said. “You can mix and match to your own preference, so that makes it all the more better.”

And if sticking around Harvard Square doesn’t suit you, Boston, Somerville, and the rest of Cambridge have no shortage of delicious restaurants representing an array of cuisines.

“Particularly by way of Middle Eastern food, Harvard Square is very limiting,” Valadi said. “My biggest point of advice would be to not limit oneself to Harvard Square when looking for food options.”

Welcome to campus, and happy eating!

architecture, as well as home to Boston’s original Mike’s Pastry, an iconic spot for cannolis. The neighborhood is perfect for a lunch outing with friends and always offers a solid date option.

Of course, many other neighborhoods thrive within Boston’s borders and warrant exploration. Other notable recommendations from current students

include Chinatown, Seaport, Fenway, Back Bay, and the South End.

SPORTS

Tired of waiting for the Harvard-Yale Game to be your one exciting sports event of the year?

Though the Harvard sports scene often lacks vitality, I promise that Boston fans do not disappoint on

team spirit. If you have ever really met a Bostonian, you will quickly realize that locals go absolutely crazy for Boston sports games.

Whether it is the Red Sox or Bruins, most locals will fight tooth and nail for their teams. The most exciting part for you?

Harvard students have access to sports deals that you must check out: huge ticket discounts to base -

ball and basketball games along with other occasional discounts. Try a Patriots game in the fall, a Celtics game in the winter, and a Red Sox game in the spring, or more if you’re a big sports fan!

HISTORY

If you consider yourself a history nerd, you’re in luck. The whole city is a living museum of American history.

Walk through the city on the Freedom Trail, explore the Boston Tea Party ships, or visit the Bunker Hill Monument. Lexington and Concord — where the American Revolution started — are also easily accessible via the Fitchburg Train Line.

MUSEUMS

Boston has no shortage of traditional museums. My personal favorite is the Museum of Fine Arts — where I have spent countless days and will likely spend many more. Besides hosting an array of world famous artists, like Frida Kahlo and Claude Monet, it is also home to the largest Classical marble statue in North America. And your HUID ensures free entry!

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and Museum of Science are also notable mentions.

Of course, Harvard also offers students full access to its collections, including the Harvard Art Museums, Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, and Museum of Natural History. The Art Museums are also home to a cute and underrated cafe that doubles as a nice study spot.

Whether you’re a seasoned Boston native or an international student living in Cambridge for the first time, be sure to take advantage of all the city has to offer — these recommendations are just the tip of the iceberg!

darley.boit@thecrimson.com

TOBY R. MA—CRIMSON DESIGNER

Your Guide to Harvard’s Academics

BY RAHEM D. HAMID CRIMSON STAFF WRITER

Choosing classes can feel like “being a kid in a candy store,” as someone once told me about Harvard’s course offerings.

It’s hard not to feel that way, when there are nearly 6,000 course offerings across the University and an additional 2,200plus down the Charles River at MIT. But like going to a candy store, it’s hard to know what to buy.

Q Guide

Any mention of course selection must start with the Q Guide. This treasure chest for all of Harvard’s undergraduate courses contains student evaluations for courses dating back to 2006 — though the guide has existed in some form since 1925, when The Crimson first published its extremely popular guide to courses. Use this resource to determine how much of your time a course will consume and what former students thought of the material and the instructors. You can also see written comments that can go into useful — and often wonderfully juicy — detail.

Expos

Harvard requires an expository writing course of all its students, which is almost always taken in your freshman year. You’ll either be placed in Expository Writing 20 or Expository Studio 10, depending on the results of your summer placement exam. Expos 20 courses are focused on a particular subject (like “Personhood in U.S. Constitutional Law” or “Climate Fictions”) while Ex-

pos Studio 10 is more focused on writing generally.

Students in Expos Studio 10 will take Expos 20 or another option, Expos Studio 20, the following semester. Students who place into Expos 20 also have the option of forgoing Expos and instead taking the two-semester sequence Humanities 10a and 10b.

Whichever route you take, you’ll gain foundational knowledge for college-level writing that will be an invaluable resource for the rest of your time at Harvard.

Gen Eds

Since the General Education Program revamp went into effect in 2019, Harvard has required its undergraduates to take one course in each of four categories: “Aes-

thetics and Culture,” “Ethics and Civics,” “Science and Technology in Society,” and “Histories, Societies, and Individuals.” These are often large lecture courses, and while some are more popular than others, many offer a broad overview of a particular field or major. Their relatively lighter workload makes them popular options for freshmen determining courseload for the first time.

Freshman Seminars

An opportunity afforded only to freshmen, these courses allow students to be in small settings (just a dozen-odd people) with professors at Harvard, including many who are giants in their field. These are graded satisfactory-unsatisfactory instead of a let-

Preparitas: Supplies to Survive

BY CLAIRE YUAN CRIMSON STAFF WRITER

With the semester rapidly approaching, it’s time to start thinking about “school supplies” — which, in college, means everything from pencils to shower caddies to extra-strength earplugs (because despite his claims, your new roommate John snores. Loudly.)

Here’s the supply list we wish our professors handed out:

Tech

You know you need a laptop — but a second, smaller screen could be helpful, especially for psetting.

“I think it’s helpful if you have an iPad and an Apple Pencil to not weigh heavily on your back with books,” Ariel Z. Wang ’25 said. “I personally use it side-by-side with my computer so that when I’m typing up quotes or something, you don’t need to split screen or shift between screens — you can just look on your iPad.”

Harvard offers educational discounts on computer hardware and software (Adobe Creative Cloud is entirely free with your HarvardKey login!) Students on financial aid can also take out a subsidized-interest loan through the Harvard Computer Loan Program for up to

$1,500 to purchase a computer or related equipment.

Extension Cords

With electronic devices comes a need to charge them. Unfor tunately, Harvard dorms often don’t come equipped with enough easily accessible outlets, making extension cords extreme ly helpful.

“Make sure they’re with you the minute you move in,” Sasha Agarwal ’25 said.

“There’s probably like one [outlet] a room and it’ll be in the most inaccessible corner,” she added. “You don’t want to spend your first two or three days figuring out how to charge all your devices.”

Room Decor “Room decor is necessary because otherwise your roommates might think you’re crazy,” Wang said.

Wang recommended choosing items that are compact and easy to pack away and travel with at the end of the year, like thinner posters. For Taspia Khan ’26, having some greenery in the room is a good way to make a dorm feel more like home.

Agarwal noted that room decor can also mean setting up an effective study space.

“It’s also worth designating that space and getting whatever you need for your study table,” she said. “It’s important to designate a workspace and keep that separate from your sleeping space.”

Winter Wear

For those arriving in Cambridge from sunnier lands, developing a winter wardrobe is a must.

“Investing in a good winter jacket is really important,” Khan

available to all students with family incomes less than $65,000. The fund is meant to support stu dents in purchasing the neces sary winter gear.

“Definitely get a fan because I don’t think there are any air-con ditioned man dorms,” said.

“I know our suite, I think each of us got one fan and we had four — and that wasn’t nearly enough,” she added. “Definitely coordinate with suitemates, et cetera, to get a bunch of fans because it’s so hot through move-in.”

For Khan, her bunk bed set-up required a little creativity: She attached a clip-on fan to the end of her bed.

Card Holder

Surviving at Harvard requires at least one ID card and one key — but ditch the lanyard.

“My big hack is: get a hard card holder that has a key ring or has a zipper that you can put your key inside,” Wang said. “Otherwise I would just lose my keys.”

Agarwal chose a card holder that stuck to her phone and had space for her key.

“Just keep all of that on your phone because you’ll always have your phone on you,” she said.

ter grade, so the pressure is off. Students have to apply to these and rank their choices, but it’s not necessary to take a freshman seminar — while a significant percentage of freshmen enroll in a seminar each year, a sizable percentage of students choose not to.

Hidden Gems: Languages

You will have to take two semesters of a language class if you have not already waived the requirement, but if you have, the language programs are still some of Harvard’s hidden gems.

The University provides world-class instruction in dozens of languages, from Albanian to Mandarin Chinese to Zulu. This year, in exciting news, Harvard is offering new language courses in Tagalog, Bahasa Indonesian, and

Thai. Even if you have waived the requirement, consider taking a language for just a semester: it will be worth it.

Remember the Pre-Reqs

There are only so many courses that freshmen can take, as many concentrations have prerequisites for the ones that look very fun. While you by no means need to have your concentration figured out, certain courses are generally very common for freshmen given their foundational nature.

Computer Science 50, the iconic introduction to computer science taught by professor David J. Malan ’99, usually boasts enrollment between 600 and 800. Economics 10a and 10b — the introductory series to micro -

economics and macroeconomics typically taught by renowned economists David I. Laibson ’88 and Jason Furman ’92 — sees similar levels of student interest.

These two courses are wildly popular among freshmen, given the popularity of the CS and Economics concentrations. Foundational math courses are generally useful for essentially all STEM concentrations and are very common in the typical freshman course load.

Some concentrations — especially those in the Arts and Humanities or Social Sciences divisions — often don’t have prerequisites that are as clear-cut. Still, freshmen tend to take introductory lecture-courses before jumping to intensive seminars as upperclassmen.

For this reason, you’ll often see your peers taking very similar course-loads. Math courses, Gen Eds, introductory science courses like Life Sciences 1a, or courses like English 10 are designed for you to learn the skills you’ll need to succeed in the more intensive (and often much more interesting) courses you’ll take after your first semester.

Explore!

After this semester, Harvard will do away with course preview period for pre-registration. To student dismay, shopping period — a glorious week where students could sit in on lectures before enrolling — is gone.

Still, taking advantage of a liberal arts education requires exploration, and you should do just that! Check out course sites and syllabi on Canvas, do a detailed dive of the course catalog, and search through all the courses in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences to see what may pique your interest. Your college years are a special time, and the courses available at Harvard — while daunting — are rich and can be deeply fulfilling.

rahem.hamid@thecrimson.com

Professor N. Gregory Mankiw delivers an economics lecture in Sanders theater, one of Harvard’s main lecture halls. JACQUELINE S. CHEA—CRIMSON PHOTOGRAPHER

ATHLETICS

A Crash Course in Athletics At Harvard

STAYING ACTIVE. Harvard athletics takes shape in many forms. Here’s a run down on different ways to stay with your sport.

Whether you were the best youth wide receiver in the state of Texas, won the lightweight boxing title in your hometown, or simply enjoyed playing a game of basketball in your elementary school’s after-school program, there is a place for you to continue your athletic pursuits at Harvard.

At Harvard, athletics are split into three categories by level of competition. Here, we’ll show you how you can get involved, in descending order of time commitment.

Varsity Sports

Varsity sports at Harvard are where you’re going to find all the recruited athletes — the cream of the crop competitors.

That being said, there are still opportunities for students to try out — or “walk on” — to Harvard’s varsity teams.

Harvard boasts 40 varsity teams, divided into 20 women’s teams and 20 men’s teams. Varsity teams tend to have intense practice schedules and require high levels of commitment, but students who join develop close bonds quickly and often find friends for life.

Varsity athletes also have the greatest opportunity for travel, as they regularly compete against schools across the country.

The best way to join a varsity

Club sports generally have less intense practice schedules than varsity sports — typically between one to four practices a

Although grinding through problem sets in a six-person Canaday common room may seem luxurious for the first month of freshman fall, Harvard has endless study spaces to offer. From the elegant halls of Harvard Law School to the sunny corridors of the SEC, we’ve compiled a collection of some of the best study spots on campus. Explore these six sensational study spots and make your academic journey one for the books!

Cabot Science Library

Cabot is conveniently situated at the entrance of the Science Center — perfect for psetting after a physics class or a meal in Annenberg. Featuring two floors of expansive island tables, group meeting rooms, and futuristic egg-shaped study pods, it is the go-to hub for group studying and socializing (sometimes, more the

latter than the former). This hotspot is particularly favored by freshmen, who are drawn not only by its collaborative layout but also by the proximity to their Yard residences.

HLS Harkness Dining Room

Take in the Law School’s graceful columns as you lounge amid the hustle and bustle of graduate students. With sunlight streaming through vast windows and comfy recliners around the entire thirdfloor reading room, there is no shortage of warm nooks for hitting the books. HLS is also the perfect spot to exchange those BoardPlus dollars for a study snack or hearty comfort food from the all-day grill, dining room, or coffee bar.

Smith Campus Center

With its harsh brutalist exterior and plush, cozy interior, the Smith Center is the burnt marshmallow of Harvard study spots.

A surprisingly warm haven for

Cantabrigians and tourists alike, at the Smith Center you can enjoy lofi beats as you study with a snack from the eateries on the ground floor, including Saloniki Greek, Mother Juice, and Bon Me.

There’s more than enough space for everyone, whether in the lofty Collaborative Commons, the second-floor Commons, or in various study rooms — including a former bank vault! And when night falls, ascend to the top floor for a student-exclusive lounge with modern decor, game tables, and a beautiful backdrop of the Charles River. Just keep an eye out for the 10 p.m. closing time.

Annenberg Hall

Add a magical twist to finishing that dreaded essay in this grand, Harry Potter-esque dining hall. The spacious rows of long tables at Annenberg Hall are perfect for spreading out textbooks and flashcards. As the clock strikes nine on weekday nights, hungry night owls crowd the hall to indulge in

bagels, snickerdoodles, and off-brand cereal. On the floor below, adjacent to Fly-By, additional desks line the quieter basement for less social scholars.

Science and Engineering Complex

The Science and Engineering Complex is just a short bus ride from Widener Gate but serves as a vast modern getaway from the red bricks of Harvard Square. This 544,000-squarefoot, eight-level building is flooded with rays of sun via skylights and features unique study spots from private glass rooms to maker spaces and outdoor patios. The cafeteria is located conveniently inside for a quick bite of Fly-

week — but can offer just as much competition.

For instance, the Ultimate Frisbee team traveled to Obetz, Ohio, last school year to compete at Division III Nationals. Club sports can be a great way to become involved in athletics without the pressure of total commitment. Many sports at Harvard are only offered as club sports — for instance boxing, jiu jitsu and Quidditch.

More information about the club sports can be found on the Harvard Club Sports office website, which lists all 52 club sports and their respective websites.

Many of the active club sports teams will also participate in the upcoming Student Organization Fair on Sept. 8 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Harvard Yard, where you can learn more about campus activities.

Intramurals

The least serious — but some would say most fun — category of competition is House intramural sports. Freshmen represent their respective yards in competition for the Yard Trophy, while upperclassmen play against other Houses for the coveted Straus Cup. Intramural sports have no official practices, only games, and can be a nostalgic reminder of middle school gym class.

All that is required to participate is showing up at the designated time and location sent in a schedule to your College emails on a weekly basis.

Intramural sports include flag football, soccer, basketball, volleyball and a peculiar sport

Students on the varsity team for a certain sport may not play on the intramural ing those of us who are preciated chance in the With three varying levels of commitment, everyone interested in vard can find a way to al Harvard-Yard football tial, when students from both schools come out of libraries for once to show at the event, which is slated to take place at Yale this year.

asher.montgomery@thecrimson.com

By, sushi, or chicken fingers after class.

Lamont Library

Finally, beware of the infamous Lamonsters who roam this 24hour library: Lamont offers a quiet space for those who are unfortunately truly behind. Navigate

PEMA CHOEDON—CRIMSON DESIGNER

through rows upon rows of bookshelves and find a cozy cubicle to dive into your studies. After toiling away in the dark dungeon below, raid the upstairs collaborative space for some playful banter with friends before returning to conquer the night.

jennifer.song@thecrimson.com

BY ASHER J. MONTGOMERY CRIMSON STAFF WRITER

Former Harvard forward Matthew Coronato

Editorial Snippets: Advice from the Ancient

PEER POINTERS. We asked our upperclassman editors to reflect on what they wish they’d known — and what they’re glad they learned — in freshman year.

BY THE CRIMSON EDITORIAL BOARD

New school year, new additions to the Harvard College family. As a way to welcome the Class of 2027, we asked our upperclassman editors to reflect on what they wish they’d known — and what they’re glad they learned — via brief messages to the incoming class. Best of luck to all those joining our ranks, and we (the old and decrepit) can’t wait to meet you on campus soon!

What advice do you, as an established upperclassman who’s undergone the collegiate highs and lows of taking classes, making friends, and surviving Sunday scaries, have for the incoming freshman class?

Remember the eager and excited version of yourself that opened that acceptance letter. It is easy to get so caught up in various comp processes, take on every opportunity, and generally feel like you have it all figured out. The reality is that no freshman has it all figured out, and many of your peers are honestly discreetly overwhelmed. This semester, you should remove the pressure you may be putting on yourself and try new things, meet new people, and remind yourself that you do not have to do everything all at once.

— Zion J. Dixon ’26, a Crimson Editorial Editor, lives in Winthrop House

The advice is older than my parents, but it remains just as true: When you feel like everyone hates you, sleep. When you feel like you hate everyone, eat. When you feel like you hate yourself, shower. My only two addenda are: When you feel like you’re alone, find someone to talk to. Even if it’s just your mom. And always try to make at least one friend in every class.

— Vander O. B. Ritchie ’26, a Crimson Editorial Editor, lives in Leverett House

Here are my top pieces of advice for freshman fall, taken directly from my own reflections from the time:

If you read a little every day, you won’t have to read it all the day before it’s due. Take things one step at a time. If you choose not to sleep, you will still be stressed tomorrow — then it will just be a sleep-deprived stress. It’s okay to struggle, and there is no shame in asking for help. Don’t take anything for granted.

Work hard, take care of yourself, and the best of luck to you all!

— Gracia A. Perala ’25, a Crimson Editorial Editor, lives in Adams House

It’s ok to say no. Harvard is full of so many incredible opportunities, and your instinct may be to embrace them all. But know it’s reasonable to try clubs and classes and decide you don’t like them. Stick with what you love, and drop what you don’t think is worth your time and effort. College is different for everyone, and there is no one correct path. Keep your head up, you’ll do great!

— Sandhya Kumar ’26, a Crimson Editorial Editor, lives in Winthrop House

What’s for you doesn’t go by you.

I’m borrowing from my go-to source for wisdom freshman year: my mom. Everyone I know faced rejection their first year. Whether from a club or a class, “no” is a nasty word to hear in your first few weeks. Mourning can be rejuvenating, but keep running towards the experiences that excite you. At least some of them will be the destination for you.

— Saul I. M. Arnow ’26, an Associate Editorial Editor, lives in Adams House

You are lucky to be at Harvard and Harvard is lucky to have you. Learn as much as you can from your peers and give your peers opportunities to learn from you. Do not fret if your college experience deviates from that of your peers; trust your gut and stick to the things that bring you joy and that you can learn something from.

Also, have your meals in the dining hall as much as you can. Even when you have no one to get a meal with, sit alone or join someone new — please avoid eating alone in your room.

— Joshua Ochieng ’24, an Associate Editorial Editor, is an Economics concentrator in Quincy House

Work fills the amount of time you give it. You can leverage this principle to either a) force yourself to start and finish psetting the night before every deadline (generally not recommended, but maybe it’ll work for you) or b) schedule reasonable blocks of time into your calendar for each bit of work you have to do.

— Christina M. Xiao ’24, a Crimson Editorial Chair, is a joint concentrator in Computer Science and Government in Eliot House

The opportunity cost of everything is reading. Judge every minute of your time against a minute that could be spent in the library. This seems like a low bar but it’s actually incredibly high. Probably only one of the internships and one of the clubs I did clears the bar. So, don’t be afraid to turn down prestigious, yet uneducational, internships or clubs. You’ll be better in the long run for it.

— Aden L. Barton ’24, an Associate Editorial Editor, is an Economics concentrator in Eliot House

PSA: The Harvard bubble is real, but it is breakable. The first few weeks on campus will feel like a whirlwind, from Harvard-planned events and gatherings to just the sheer excitement and nervousness of being in a new place surrounded by a host of unfamiliar faces and fascinating stories. But in between those amazing moments, taking the time to visit a locally owned coffee shop or exploring the coastline at Revere Beach can prove to be invaluable memories. Many of my most cherished moments have been found through spontaneous adventures around and about! Exploring your new home can be both affordable and accessible, so have fun and expand your lore!

— Hea Pushpraj ’25, an Associate Editorial Editor, is a History concentrator in Adams House

When someone says, “We should grab a meal sometime!” absolutely follow up on it. As a freshman, it can be very easy to fall into a pattern of class, dorm, Annenberg, dorm, repeat. It is also just as easy to fall into the habit of making hollow plans. Grab that coffee, meet for dessert in the dining hall, go for a walk by the Charles, study together — moments like these have marked the beginning of some of my best friendships at Harvard.

— Sidnee N. Klein ’25, an Associate Editorial Editor, is a Sociology concentrator in Currier House

Unwed yourself from your ideal ‘four-year plan.’ Take advantage of the freedom that freshman year affords to purposefully enroll in classes far outside your intended concentration. I arrived at Harvard intending to solely study the humanities but instead fell in love with proof-based mathematics after taking Math 22A: “Vector Calculus and Linear Algebra

I.” Give yourself the opportunity to have a similar experience — you may find your intellectual journey enriched by subjects you had no intention of studying at university.

— Max. A Palys ’26, a Crimson Editorial Editor, lives in Currier House

Screw the certificates. Few employers care about your concentration, much less the secondary or language citation you picked up because you were just a few classes away or worried your resume was too bare (an empty concern, given neither even appears on a diploma). So learn broadly. Take courses that do not relate to your concentration or career. No one discipline has sole title to the truth; by opening your mind to the epistemic multiverse, you can begin to gather together the threads of this messy, inchoate world and see something greater. Every semester, I do this; every semester, I struggle (Math 101: “Sets,

Groups and Real Analysis” was particularly nasty for this Social Studies concentrator); and after my eight semesters conclude, it will all just be a line on a transcript few will ever read. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world, because it’s learning broadly that delivers me the world in the first place.

— Tommy Barone ’25, a Crimson Editorial Comp Director, is a Social Studies concentrator in Currier House

One privilege of a Harvard degree is that what it says isn’t exceedingly important — that is, you can likely get the cushy job you want without designing your entire academic and extracurricular track around pursuing it. That’s an enormous freedom, and you shouldn’t be shy to use it to find interesting, novel experiences.

— Lucas T. Gazianis ’24, an Associate Editorial Editor, is a Social Studies concentrator in Currier House Don’t stress about not being practical enough. Around half of the most important inventions in history weren’t discovered by careful planning, but instead were stumbled upon accidentally. The same goes with Harvard. Your most valuable experiences will most likely be serendipitous, so don’t worry too much about how useful that Comparative Literature class will be.

— Manuel A. Yepes ’24, an Associate Editorial Editor, is a Social Studies concentrator in Cabot House Harvard has a way of turning people into serial schedulers. There’s some lizard brain instinct, honed by observing others around you with satisfyingly complete and color-coded Google Calendars, that makes carving your day into successive activities impossible to resist. But even as you learn to craft this mosaic of efficiency, give yourself the permission to let those fixed time chunks blur and bleed — to let the coffee that you scheduled for a specific 40-minute slot between lectures, or the reading that you intended to crank out in an hour, linger a little longer. The unexpected vibrance of forming a genuine friendship or savoring a resonant paragraph will always put GCal’s preset colors to shame.

— Eleanor V. Wikstrom ’24, a Crimson Editorial Chair, is a Social Studies concentrator in Adams House

Remember why you came here in the first place.

It’s so easy to get caught up in what comes next — to make class decisions solely based on employment prospects or to prioritize ‘getting ahead’ over quality time with friends — that you forget why you ever applied. It was probably the promise of fascinating

classes taught by world-class faculty and the opportunity to forge friendships with brilliant and diverse people that excited you when you opened your Harvard acceptance in the first place. Your career is important, but don’t let it distract you from why you dreamt of coming to Harvard. Squeeze the most out of every minute here — it passes quickly.

— Jacob M. Miller ’25, an Associate Editorial Editor, is a Mathematics concentrator in Lowell House Describe your own freshman year experience. During freshman orientation, my proctor told us to wait six weeks before we made any judgments about college.

During those first six weeks, I was miserable with mono, the warm sticky weather kept me up at night, and classic Annenberg fare left me lacking an appetite. But by mid-October, I was healthy, the leaves were approaching autumnal hues, and a late night bagel from brain break had become an enjoyable part of my routine. I had made my first few friends and was happy.

That six week wait was well worth it.

— McKenna E. McKrell ’26, a Crimson Editorial Editor, lives in Adams House

Give the freshmen something to look forward to: What is your all-time favorite memory from your time at Harvard?

My favorite memory at Harvard is having two consecutive sleepovers in my dorm room on a very cold (think less than 0 degrees Fahrenheit) weekend with my two best friends. We spent the days watching horror movies, eating snacks, drinking beverages, and telling stories of life-changing experiences, in our warm oasis from the cold.

— Autumn Shin ’26, a Crimson Editorial Editor, lives in Quincy House

My fondest Harvard memory is elatedly leaping over the Yale bleachers onto the football field after Harvard scored in the last minute of the 137th Harvard-Yale game. Streams of Harvard students rushed the field as boundless exhilaration, gleeful excitement, and Crimson spirit pierced the chilly New Haven air. Football school or not, Harvard is a family — and the Harvard-Yale game always leaves me with no question that this notion is absolutely true.

— Alvira Tyagi ’25, a Crimson Editorial Editor, is a joint concentrator in Neuroscience and Government in Kirkland House

THE HARVARD CRIMSON

OP-ED

Stranger in a Strange Band Where Sports Once Were

BY VIOLET T.M. BARRON

Every other Thursday night in the spring, at approximately 9 p.m., Harvard Yard is struck by a joyful eruption of sound.

A lone baritone saxophonist plays the opening notes to the Budweiser jingle “Here Comes the King.” He is quickly joined by an assortment of other saxophones, trumpets, mellophones, flutes, and clarinets, and a sprinkling of snare and bass drums. The entourage moves from the Science Center Plaza to Massachusetts Avenue, filling the cavernous expanse of the Yard with thundering polyphony.

These magnetic, musical rumblings met me at my desk one fateful evening last November, drawing me out of my room. My memory of that night is a blur of detached moments: Racing down the stairs of Straus Hall, sprinting down a dark pathway, and trailing alongside the Harvard University Band as they marched on merrily through the night.

I wanted to know — I had to know — where they were going. I asked, and one of the percussionists told me to follow them back to the band room. So I tagged along, to a basement on Mount Auburn Street, moving forward in a state somewhere between walking and flying, floating on a sonic wave.

A lot of spaces on this campus require you to prove yourself before you can feel like you belong. It’s as if getting into Harvard wasn’t hard enough — we must also apply for some classes, endure a months-long process to join most clubs, and know the right people to be accepted into select social circles. Harvard is an institution of higher learning, but to succeed here, it often feels as though you need to already know everything there is to learn.

This paralyzing pressure vanishes at the door of 74 Mount Auburn St. My first night in the band room, I was met with the most welcoming reception I have received at this school: I left with a trumpet, a super suave blazer, and a plethora of new faces to wave hello to when walking around campus.

Granted, ‘playing’ in the band is a generous description of what I do as third trumpet; I still feel like a musical impostor at times. For one, consistently making a sound on the trumpet has only been a recent breakthrough for me. Despite years of piano lessons, my sheet music reading capabilities are abysmal, so on the off chance that I do produce a note, it’s usually the wrong one. During our gigs, 99 percent of the time I am not even remotely playing the correct tune.

But the amazing thing about the band is that

none of that matters.

My bandmates don’t mind that I entered their community on a whim, or that the first rehearsal I attended was also the first time I had ever touched a trumpet. They have taught me to play — one of my fellow trumpet players leads weekly sectionals to guide new players through the basics — all while fostering a community of radical acceptance, with weekly shoutouts and Starbursts on bus rides home from gigs.

Many of my peers arrive at Harvard having already mapped out their plans to join pre-professional clubs and apply for exclusive summer internships. They view their time here as transactional, treating Harvard as a stop along the way to great experiences rather than a great experience in itself.

My friends in the band have shown me a different perspective. They have taught me how to be spontaneous, seek out the novel and absurd, and linger just a little bit longer in the space between adolescence and adulthood.

The band’s unofficial motto is “illegitimi non carborundum,” mock Latin for “don’t let the bastards grind you down.” It’s printed on the back of our sweatshirts and written into an extra verse of the most recognizable fight song we play, “Ten Thousand Men of Harvard.” Every time I think of the three words of our motto, I smile, because they remind me to act without fear of judgment.

Even if you’ve never done something before, or if you’re not exactly sure how it will fit into your future, don’t be afraid to try it out. We have these four years to wander, searching for doors of opportunity cracked ajar — and the rest of our lives to figure out what we learned about ourselves from the things we discovered behind those doors.

The thought of joining a band in college had never once crossed my mind until I heard one outside my window. I still have many traditions to learn, and a basic level of proficiency in the trumpet to achieve, but for now, I will happily join my bandmates in tossing shoes and paper airplanes through the air at rehearsal, even if I don’t know what for.

I feel the same way today that I felt that first night I entered the band room — satisfied with tagging along for the ride, even if the destination isn’t always clear.

—Violet T. M. Barron ’26, a Crimson Editorial editor, lives in Straus Hall.

BY APRIL S. KEYES

The idea for this piece came to me on a run. It wasn’t even really a run, more of a half-run, half-walk situation that would have made me very embarrassed a year ago. My pace was slow, and I had a heavy coat on that was weighing me down — mainly because I had intended it to be a walk before I got bored and started running. It wasn’t anything impressive, certainly not something that would make someone think that I was one of the captains of my track team in high school. But I was, and yet when I exercise now it often looks like this.

Many of us here are ex-athletes. Always overachieving and searching for the next organization to join, we were led into sports, and many of us were good at them, too. We were captains and team leaders, we led teams to championships, and we competed at regional, state, and even national levels. We devoted countless hours to our teams, committing hours almost every day of the week to practice. It was rewarding to see ourselves become so physically skilled: so fast, so strong, so agile.

ly fit, despite those standards being largely unattainable.

I’m not stubborn enough to try to fight against the fact that exercise is good for you. But demanding exercise isn’t the only way to be happy, and it’s also not the only way to take care of your physical health. It often seems like the end-all beall, and after years of running I often struggle to accept it myself.

It wasn’t healthy to define myself by how fast I could run a lap around the track. It definitely wasn’t good to see how long I could last before practicing the hurdles got a little too dangerous because of exhaustion. Looking back, it was stupid to still try to practice when injured, and to feel bad when I missed even one workout. What I thought was so healthy couldn’t have been any less.

“So instead of wallowing about your past athletic days, as I so frequently did at the beginning of my freshman year, experience the seasons that Cambridge offers outdoors.

But now we’re in college, and that’s gone — not for all of us, but for the vast majority. With a new schedule, new clubs we feel compelled to join, and no threat of a yelling coach, it’s easy to put exercise first on the chopping block.

There’s a certain shame in not working out as much as you used to, not being guaranteed a worked-up sweat everyday to make you feel good about yourself. In high school, physical exhaustion was a symbol of accomplishment, and aching muscles were a source of pride. A lot of us lack that now. With such a routine source of achievement gone, it’s easy to feel ashamed, or at least a little lost.

It’s difficult to realize that you can’t do as many pull-ups, or that you can’t run that six-minute mile you ran a year ago, or that you can’t do nearly as many consecutive backflips. It hurts to no longer see yourself as stereotypically physical-

So now I try to remember the other aspects of health besides physical fitness. It’s good to focus on how friendships can lengthen your lifespan, how spending time outdoors lessens anxiety and muscle tension, and how eating a variety of foods gives you nutrients you otherwise would have missed. I open my windows when it’s not too cold out and my water bottle is always being refilled. I still enjoy exercise, but I’m glad it’s no longer the only factor I value in determining my health.

So instead of wallowing about your past athletic days, as I so frequently did at the beginning of my freshman year, experience the seasons that Cambridge offers outdoors. Seek out new and old friends to simply be around — even call it networking if that motivates you. Try new foods, and if you ever just feel like walking, feel good about it.

I’ll continue to go on my unplanned half-runs, half-walks, where my legs don’t hurt incessantly and I have the energy to enjoy my surroundings. I’ll keep enjoying jogging alongside the Charles river and taking pictures on top of the many bridges that span it. These days, I know that that’s good enough.

—April S. Keyes ’26, a Crimson Editorial editor, lives in Pennypacker Hall.

flyby.

TRADITIONS

How to: Live in a Harvard Freshman Dorm

light your entryway into thinking hand-washing their clothes is the newest trend. Do whatever it takes to ensure that your laundry gets done because sometimes you just have to put yourself first.

So you just moved into your shoebox of a dorm and you’re thinking to yourself: there must be more. We know exactly how you feel. Sure, some of you might still be excited enough to ~romanticize~ your dorm, but trust us, give or take a month and you too will be agitated by the fact that there is no air conditioning to relieve you from the sweltering heat of Cambridge summer. The good news is, no matter what your rooming situation is, with the right attitude and a little bit of (amazing) advice you can and absolutely will have a blast living in your Harvard dorm.

How to: Laundry

Sorry, there is nothing I can say to help with the payment situation except for the fact that I am also infuriated by the fact that every load of laundry is nearly $4.00. For the school with the largest endowment in the world, it’s seriously outrageous that laundry is not free. If you are an Economics concentrator and you’re reading this, please write your thesis on the revenue Harvard makes by forcing students to pay for laundry.

How to: Be a Good Roommate

don’t need to have friends over till ungodly hours of the night. Recognize that their schedules are just as important as yours, and adjust accordingly.

How to: Optimize Common Spaces

In-suite common room: This will hopefully be a place of fond memories and bonding experiences with your roommates. Have fun with the interior design, invite as many (or as few) people over as you want, host movie nights, build pillow forts…the world is your oyster, my friends.

BY TINA CHEN AND HANA REHMAN CRIMSON STAFF WRITERS

C

September

FDOC: The First Day of Classes, September 5th, is a day of excitement and #fdoc posts. This is the day where you’ll plan to be on top of everything and not fall to the woes of procrastination. Here’s hoping you achieve those goals!

Extracurricular Fair & Crim-

son Jam: On Sept. 8, take the afternoon to learn about all the clubs on campus — from affinity groups to performing arts and everything in between. Remember, most of the time, joining a club requires “comping.” Then, in the evening, enjoy a concert hosted by the College Events Board featuring a ~special~ guest performer.

President Gay’s Inauguration:

Sept. 29 is the inauguration of Harvard’s 30th president, Claudine Gay. Begin the day with academic symposiums, followed by the official ceremony at 2:00 p.m. in Tercentenary Theatre, with celebrations and festivities in Old Yard.

October

Midterms: Once they start, they never end. You’ll have multiple midterms and nope, they will never be in the middle of the term.

Halloween: The spookiest night of the year. Be prepared for ragers and yes, people dress up. We also go trick-or-treating.

The Cold: Due to climate change and other sad events, it is impossible to predict when the cold will begin, but by October, have your winter gear ready to go for anything.

November

Harvard-Yale: The Game. The

biggest sporting event of the year. For fall 2023, The Game will be at Yale. Harvard typically provides transportation to and from New Haven, and judging from last year, Yale may host Harvard students overnight. For the Game itself: cheer when Harvard scores, always boo at Yale.

lass of 2027, the year is going to fly-by. Time will pass faster than you think, and soon, you’ll be done with your first year. It sounds exciting, but when there’s so much going on, sometimes you wish you knew what to expect. Luckily, Flyby’s here to make sure you know the important Harvard milestones.Thanksgiving: Before you know it, it’s American Thanksgiving. There are still classes on Monday and Tuesday, only if you choose to go (iykyk). If you’re going home, book tickets early to avoid price surges. A lot of students also stay on campus, so don’t fear being the only one here.

December

LDOC: Dec. 5, the Last Day of Classes before Reading Week ensues. For some reason, a day decided by many professors to also be the perfect day for your last “midterm.”

Reading Week/Formals: The period of time after LDOC where you’re supposedly preparing for final exams and projects. Others view it as formals week, with upperclassmen houses and clubs hosting formals during this time. There’s a separate formal for freshmen, so everyone can enjoy the festivities!

Primal Scream: Everyone runs around naked in the Yard the night before the first day of exams period. Optional.

Finals Period: For about two weeks, final exams and projects will be everywhere. Different classes have different deadlines, so check your syllabi and plan accordingly!

Q Guide Deadline: The Q Guide is Harvard’s course evaluation system where students rate their classes and leave comments.

Those who fill out the Q Guide get to see their grades ASAP once they’re released.

Winter Break: Woohoo! Congrats on surviving the fall semester! Take a well-deserved break, whether it be at home, at a friend’s home, or on campus.

January

J-term: Fancy term for our winter break, which lasts well into the month of January. Some use this time to start planning ahead, whether it be applying to internships, booking spring break getaways, or figuring out to survive the spring semester.

FDOC Part 2: Jan. 22, 2024. Basically the same as fall FDOC,

SOPHIA SALAMANCA—CRIMSON DESIGNER

except there’s less introductions and it’s a lot colder.

February

Datamatch: Hoping to find love, or maybe just free food? Whatever you need, Harvard’s very own Datamatch team can pair you with other Harvard students for some company on Valentine’s Day.

Midterms: Once they start, they never end. Round 2.

March

River Run: The night before housing day, it is tradition that many freshmen visit the houses along the river to pray to the River Gods. Some even visit the Quad in hopes of being Quadded. We promise this will all make sense in March.

Housing Day: The Thursday before spring break is Housing Day! Upperclassmen and freshmen alike are excited on this festive day. While picking out your blocking group (people who will be in the same house as you) may seem like a daunting process, Flyby will have a guide to blocking and rooming to help you out.

Spring Break: When half the Harvard population goes to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, or Miami while the rest of us go home or stay on campus. Take this time to relax!

April

Visitas: Newly admitted students visit campus and ask life-changing questions (“do you like Harvard?”). Yes, you will complain. Yes, you should still host a prefrosh.

Yardfest/Block Parties: A big concert is held on campus to wrap up the school year, featuring a world famous artist. Past performers include Swae Lee and Jeremih!

May

LDOC/Reading Week/Formals/ Finals: Pretty much the same as fall semester, but warmer.

Commencement: Graduation for the seniors! When you’ll regret making senior friends because they’ll have to leave. But lots of love in sending them off. With that, you finish your first year of college. Good luck and remember, Flyby Blog has a guide for everything.

tina.chen@thecrimson.com hana.rehman@thecrimson.com

Choose the most obscure times. Going to school with the brightest students means you can’t even slack off when it comes to organizing your laundry schedule. So, ready your Tide pods and read up on game theory because making sure you have both washers and dryers available will be an unnecessarily tedious task. Speaking from experience, the laundry rooms are usually the emptiest on weekday mornings (even weekday nights are good). But when push comes to shove... Throw away your morals and fight for that washer/dryer. All is fair in love and war…and now laundry. Put an “out of order” sign on a washer and dryer that is in fact still very much in order. Put up posters for Laundry Pollution Awareness Month to let people know that if they really cared about the environment they would refrain from using washers and dryers to reduce their carbon footprint. Gas-

CLEAN: Listen, we do not care if you rated yourself as extremely messy on your housing questionnaire. There is a difference between being messy and being dirty. Your new roommate does not want to see (or even worse, SMELL) your dirty laundry creeping onto their side of your double. They also do not want to see your dirty bowl that you said you would clean days ago when you made instant ramen noodles. Pitch in to keep your living space sanitary.

Keep them in the loop: Nobody is asking you to be best friends with your roommates, but it is always a great idea to check-in with them when plans arise. You’re out partying? Great! Just shoot your roomies a text to let them know that the sound of the doorknob jiggling at 2 a.m. will be you, not a mysterious intruder. Have social awareness: We all know that living with others can be difficult when you are on different schedules. Maybe your Friday schedule is super chill, but your suitemate has a 9 a.m. lab. In that situation, maybe you

Communal kitchens: Put it on your college bucketlist to cook/bake something with your friends. Not only is it a great way to bond, but also by the end of the activity you will have a tasty treat to enjoy. You can even try to finesse ingredients from the kitchen in the Memorial Hall basement, or maybe even ask our amazing HUDS workers.

Pool tables/Foosball: If you want a new hobby or if you have an awkward amount of time to burn between classes, drag a friend into a dorm building for a round of pool or foosball. You can take these sports as seriously as you want to. Who knows, you might become the next foosball champion.

There you have it: our many tips on how to make dorm living at Harvard the most enjoyable. We hope that whether you’re returning to campus or stepping foot on Cambridge soil for the first time, our wise advice can help to make the transition the slightest bit easier. Enjoy your time living the dorm life — as ~interesting~ as it might feel in the moment, it’ll pass by faster than you think!

SOPHIA SALAMANCA—CRIMSON DESIGNER

DON’T MISS OUT on any milestones this year. Flyby is here with a month-bymonth guide to all the essential Harvard traditions.

AUGUST 25, 2023 THE HARVARD CRIMSON

FEATURES

Twenty-Seven Vocab Words for the Class of 2027

LEARN THE LINGO. Flyby Blog defines 27 need-toknow words to get around campus.

BY ELLEN S. DENG CRIMSON STAFF WRITER

Welcome to Harvard, Class of 2027! As you take your first few steps on campus, there’s a lot awaiting you here, and it can honestly get very confusing very quickly. Here at Flyby, we offer you an important resource: our annual breakdown of Harvard lingo for the Class of 2027!

The Yard

Your one-stop shop for all things Harvard: the statue, freshman dorms, the President’s office, genetically-engineered grass and too many tourists.

The Houses Freshmen are randomly assigned to one of 12 upperclassman Houses, each equipped with a dining hall, gym, library, plenty of amenities and House spirit. But really, there’s no best house… (except for Mather ;))

The Quad QUAAAAAAD.

Located in Radcliffe College’s former residential campus, the Quad is home to three Houses: Cabot, Currier, and Pfoho, and is known for its amazing food, spirit, and Housing Day videos.

The SEC Harvard’s secret partnership with Meta to sequester the CS concentrators. Also has been called “The Cheese Grater” due to its exterior. In reality, the Sci-

ence and Engineering Complex is home to the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, as well as some really cool amenities (did someone say Peloton bikes?).

Dhall (dee-hall) Short for dining hall. That’s pretty much it.

Berg

An affectionate nickname for Annenberg Hall, the freshman-only Harry Potter-esque dhall that you’ve seen in all the promotional materials. Get ready for some of the highest highs (fried chicken sandwiches) and the lowest lows (molasses ???? chicken) of your freshman dining experience.

Memorial Hall

The big brick and stained glass building that contains practically all you need: Berg, Sanders Theatre — a site for performances like Cultural Rhythms and CS50, classrooms, grab-and-go dining options, and the Cambridge Queen’s Head Pub, a popular spot for trivia nights and wings.

HUDS (hudds)

Harvard University Dining Services. The 2023 HUDS revamp was an overhaul of the dining menus that showed just how little college students require to feel happiness.

Cabot Science Library vs. Cabot House Cabot Science Library is a studying space within the big concrete-glass building in the Science Center Plaza and will be the site of many (many) late nights. Cabot House is 20 minutes away in the Quad. Read your emails carefully.

Entryway

Your freshman residential com-

munity, which includes 20-30 freshmen in the same floor or area of the dorm.

Proctor

A graduate student or member of Harvard staff who is your live-in resource for all things Harvard, including emergencies, support, academic advice, and free food.

PAF (paff)

Short for Peer Advising Fellow, a PAF is an upperclassman who does not live with you but is a great resource for advice on classes, campus life, and extracurriculars.

Rakesh / Dean Khurana

Dean of the College and everyone’s favorite Instagram influencer/adopted dad. +10 if you can get on the ’gram during Visitas.

Concentration

Our quirky little way of saying “major.”

Secondary

Because we’re sometimes too quirky, this is how we say “minor.”

Double vs. Joint

Both refer to studying two fields. Before Harvard approved double concentrations last year, joint concentrations were the only way to study two areas, culminating in a thesis combining your two fields of choice. A double still allows you to study two fields but without the requirement of a thesis. It’s still new, we’re all figuring it out.

Pset (pee-set)

A pset, or problem set, is a collection of questions typically assigned by STEM classes that can take you anywhere from two hours to two weeks to complete.

Office Hours

Time outside of lecture to ask questions, get help on problem sets, and feedback on essays. If you take any math from Math M to 21B, we’ll be sure to see you in the Math Question Center Sundays through Thursdays from 7:30-11 p.m.

TF / PSL / CA

TF: Teaching fellow. Usually a graduate student that will help teach the class or grade your coursework. PSL (peer study leader) and CAs (course assistants) are undergraduates who have previously taken the course and can help answer questions or clarify concepts.

Canvas

Why reinvent the wheel when 2022 Ellen explained it so well?

Canvas is the app that ruins your day when you find out your midterm scores have been re leased. Canvas is a central platform (both a website and a mobile app) where your instructor will post course-related docu ments including as signments and sylla bi and where you turn in your homework (and find out how well you did on it).

With a more devout following than the Bible, the Q Guide pub lishes student rankings and eval uations of past and current cours es. We took these classes so you… still have to, but at least you know what to expect going into it (and can build your coping mechanisms now)!

The T Our favorite-by-de fault transporta tion system. Extensive?

Sort of. Functional? Sometimes.

Cheap? Eh. At least it gets you where you need to go…usually.

Jefe’s vs Felipe’s

The age-old debate between two classic fast-casual Mexican establishments and the most-asked icebreaker question. If you’re stuck on what to order, we HIGHLY recommend the nachos from Felipe’s and the quesadillas from Jefe’s.

Comp Just when you thought applications were over…psych! Many (but not all!) extracurriculars have a process to join called “the comp”, which can stand for anything from “competitive” to “completion.” Don’t worry though; plenty of incredible extracurriculars have absolutely no barriers to entry!

Women’s Center Located in the basement of Canaday, the Harvard College Women’s Center provides space and programming designed to explore gender and women’s issues and build community. Plus, there’s free tea!

QuOffice

The Office of BGLTQ Student Life, fondly dubbed “QuOffice”, is located in the lower level of Thayer and is a resource to celebrate and support LGBTQ+ students across campus.

Flyby vs Fly By Flyby is us. We are Flyby, the blog of The Harvard Crimson. We are cool. So cool. Fly *SPACE* By is the grab-and-go lunch service provided under Berg for those who only have 15 minutes to eat between classes. Flyby is for everyone <3.

ellen.deng@thecrimson.com

MICHELLE LIU—CRIMSON DESIGNER

EATERIES IN THE SQUARE

Bonchon Chicken

El Jefe’s Felipe’s

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

Hong Kong Restaurant

Mike’s Pastries

Nine Tastes

Pinocchio’s Pizza

Pokeworks

Russell House Tavern

Shake Shack

Sweetgreen

Tasty Burger

COFFEE AND DRINKS

Capital One Coffee

Dunkin Donuts

Faro Cafe

Gong Cha

JP Licks

Kung Fu Tea

Pavement Coffeehouse

Starbucks

Tatte Bakery and Cafe

Tiger Sugar

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Harvard Square T-station

M2 shuttle stop at Lamont Library

Shuttle and bus stops at Widener Gate

SHOPPING COOP CVS

Broadway Market

Harvard Square Map

The Garage

Harvard Book Store/ Grolier Poetry Book Shop

Harvard Shop

BY CLAIRE YUAN CRIMSON STAFF WRITER

Public Transit Harvard Square is easy to explore by foot, but to explore the rest of Cambridge and head across the Charles River into Boston, you might want to hop on the subway, a bus, or a bike.

The subway, more commonly referred to as the T, is the most popular

form of public transit. Harvard Square sits right on top of the Red Line, which offers direct access to neighboring Central Square and MIT in one direction and Davis Square and Tufts University in the other.

Students traveling through Boston Logan Airport will also find transferring to the Silver Line useful, and — on a night out on the town — hopping onto the Green Line will bring you into the heart of Boston. Each T trip costs $2.40, and you can

load funds into your Harvard ID. Cambridge public buses are also convenient. From the 1 line to the 66, the buses reach widely into the neighboring areas — all at the price of $1.70 per trip. Again, you can store money directly on your HUID for payment.

The M2 shuttle — which is free to those with an HUID — also makes stops into Central Square and MIT. For student researchers in the Boston hospital neighborhood, the M2 shuttle serves as a convenient way to access

the Harvard Medical School area.

Finally, for those eager to explore by bike, there are several Blue Bike stations in the Square, including ones near Dunster House, the Harvard Kennedy School, and Smith Campus Center.

Coffee

For those in the incoming class who are already coffee addicts — or are quickly barreling down that road — there are plenty of options around for

THE HARVARD CRIMSON

that morning latte, afternoon mocha, and evening espresso. For cost-comparison purposes, we’ve noted the price for the smallest-sized latte at each establishment.

Just outside of Harvard Yard, Tatte ($4.75), J.P. Licks ($5.20), and Pavement ($5.25) sit in a neat row on Massachusetts Ave., offering coffee, bagels, pastries, and more. A little further from the central

hub are the quintessential classics of coffee — Starbucks ($2.95) and Dunkin’ ($4.86) — as well as some small shops like Faro Café ($7.00) that offer a quiet place to work in addition to the much-needed kick of caffeine. Even Zinneken’s, a popular Square dessert spot, has coffee to go with your Belgian waffles ($4.30).

On the walk up from the Charles River back to Harvard Yard, students can swing by Blue

Bottle ($5.25) for a steaming cup of joe. And even after a quick trip to Capital One ($4.45) for some banking, students can grab a quick coffee on the way out. And for those who aren’t yet coffee connoisseurs and would rather peruse a menu of fruity or milky boba teas, Harvard Square is also the place for you! The Square now boasts four bubble tea stores: Gong Cha, Tiger Sugar, Kung Fu Tea, and Möge Tee. Each

offers a variety of teas and slushes in a dazzling array of colors and flavors.

BoardPlus

Each semester, the College provides its undergraduate students with $65 of funds called “BoardPlus” to supplement and add flexibility to the existing dining plan. BoardPlus dollars can be spent at any cafes operated by Harvard

University Dining Services. They can be swiped in exchange for coffee and snacks at a variety of cafes on campus, including Buckminster Cafe in the LISE building and Cafe Gato Rojo in the basement of Lehman Hall.

For a change of scenery, undergraduates may also take their BoardPlus funds to be spent in the graduate schools, including the Law School, Divinity School, and Kennedy School cafes and cafete-

Within each of the upperclassman houses, too, there are student-operated grilles serving latenight snacks and refreshments, which accept BoardPlus as payment.

If students are hosting non-Harvard guests, BoardPlus can also be used to purchase guest meals in undergraduate dining halls. claire.yuan@thecrimson.com

rias.

ILLUSTRATED BY ISABEL W. BROWN—CRIMSON DESIGNER, LAYED OUT BY LAURINNE EUGENIO—CRIMSON DESIGNER