Calling all first-years! Are you shaking in your boots just thinking about Housing Day THIS Friday? Yes, let me reinforce the fact that this will be THE house you live in until the day you graduate. As scary as that sounds, trust me when I say there are ways to deal (both before and after your housing assignment). Because I’m also a first-year anticipating this day alongside you, I’ve included a few tips below on how to manifest your dream house (I know we all have one, and it’s not Lowell…).

1. Write, quite literally everywhere

Notebooks, notes app, Lamont basement tables (just kidding), trees, John Harvard... Between now and Friday, sharpie your name and the house in a heart on your Blank Street matcha and write it on every Canvas submission (you never know who is reading). True story: one of my blockmates manifested her first-year dream dorm by writing it on a sticky note and sticking it under her pillow as she slept. Talk about running back naively believing in magic and whimsy, a.k.a. the Tooth Fairy. Time to leave those physical and digital traces everywhere as offerings for the Housing Gods to keep in mind when assigning you. You never know when they may smile upon you.

2. Become a House Ambassador

Another classic, but the key is to do this when you are alone, too. It’s great that everyone at Berg knows that you want Adams, but you also have to convince yourself that you’re getting it. The walls have ears, so it’s time to practice that repetition.

3. GATEKEEP the house.

I’m so serious about this. I made the mistake of telling people what house I wanted (which is just between the River Gods and me), and apparently, I was too convincing. Especially if you’re going for an underrated house, keep that appreciation to yourself. Better yet, hype up a different house to get them off the scent. Did you hear that Leverett has the best community? Boy, do I want Eliot…

4. Visit the house whenever you can

Yes, this is beyond obnoxious, but also to be expected from a future resident. You are simply adjusting a little in advance, getting the lay of the land, if you will. You can grab a coffee there and have late-night lock-ins, perhaps coincidentally befriending a few upperclassmen who already reside in that house. Bring in that proximity and energy into you.

5. Write a love letter and store it somewhere in the house.

Another extreme manifestation technique, but how special and intimate is this? No one will read your feelings about this house except the house itself. Be sure to hide it somewhere well (maybe plant it under the courtyard or something) so no one can find it. And honesty is the best policy, so don’t be afraid to be vulnerable here. Either it works, or you’ll give someone a good laugh twenty years down the line when your time capsule gets unearthed!

All things aside, keep your options open. Harvard house pride goes insane, and no matter which house you are put into, each house has their own quirks and benefits. It’ll grow on you, and you’ll love it (and the amazing people). Good luck to all first-years! May you receive your dream house.