Freshman Life
Freshmen Want More One-on-One Support After Harvard Overhauls Advising
Freshmen say Harvard’s overhauled advising system has pushed them toward PAFs and departments for help — but many still want a dedicated one-on-one academic adviser.
Annenberg Opens Overnight During Reading Period
Annenberg Dining Hall has remained open 24/7 during reading period, giving first-years an overnight study space as students prepare for final exams, according to a Monday email sent to first-year students by Senior Assistant Dean of Residential Life and First-Year Students Nekesa Straker.
‘I’ve Now Memorized All of the Chants’: Freshmen Report Noise, Study Disruptions from Strike
The sound of drumming and chants from striking graduate students in the Science Center Plaza has woken some freshmen before 9 a.m. and driven others out of their dorm rooms as classes wind down for the semester.
‘People Like Free Stuff’: Harvard Explores New Perks To Convince Students To Fill Out Surveys
Harvard College’s Dean of Students Office is looking for new ways to convince students to fill out its residential life and freshman experience surveys — adding “I Surveyed!” stickers to a list of incentives that already includes raffles, special study breaks, and House merchandise.
HUA Announces First-Year Team Leadership at General Meeting
The Harvard Undergraduate Association met on Sunday for a 10-minute general assembly meeting to discuss updates on several projects and announce the leadership of their First-Year Team.
Housing Day To Be Held Friday After Spring Recess in Break From Tradition
Harvard College will hold Housing Day on the Friday following spring break in 2025 — pushing back the annual festivities more than a week past their traditional date on the Thursday before break.
Deming Puts Positive Spin on Harvard College Diversity Office Closures, but Acknowledges Outside Pressure
Harvard College Dean David J. Deming told students that the College can no longer host programming targeted at specific races or identity groups during a presentation to Peer Advising Fellows last week — telling attendees he assumed they already understood why the change was necessary.
Harvard Welcomes Class of 2029 to a Campus Reshaped by Trump’s Second Presidency
From the start, Harvard’s Class of 2029 witnessed how the College is refashioning itself for a new political era, embracing calls to address antisemitism while backing away from diversity programs disfavored by the White House.
‘Uplifting and Welcoming and Inclusive’: Admitted Students of Class of 2029 Visit for Visitas
Admitted students to Harvard’s Class of 2029 flocked to Harvard Square on Sunday for Visitas, Harvard’s annual admitted students’ weekend.
‘Feels Like Christmas’: Freshmen Revel in Annual Housing Day Festivities
Freshman received their house assignments Thursday as part of Housing Day 2025. One freshman described River Run as “Halloween” and Housing Day as “Christmas.”
Harvard To End Faculty Pre-Concentration Advising Program After Two-Year Pilot
The Harvard Advising Programs Office will end the faculty pre-concentration advising program at the end of 2025 after a two-year trial run, according to a university spokesperson.
‘It’s Honestly Not That Serious’: Peer Advisors Help Freshmen Navigate Blocking Decisions
Freshmen annually learn of their housing assignments when upperclassmen boisterously storm into their dorms on Housing Day — a tradition that dates back to 1995. But tension builds in the weeks leading up to the reveal when freshmen must select up to eight other students to “block” with, forming blocking groups that are guaranteed to be assigned the same House.
Harvard Freshmen Face Continued ‘Pervasive’ Rodent Problem
When Harvard freshmen moved back into their Harvard Yard dorms last month after winter break, several students returned to evidence of unwelcome visitors: mouse droppings and chewed-through belongings.
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