fauve

For dr.d- If you state you're a very light sleeper, you may be placed in the quiet Union dorms, as they are away from the bells of Memorial Church (think hourly chimes) and the traffic of Mass. Ave. If you claim to have walking problems, you'll need to file offical medical forms from your doc.
--I suspect they will not fulfill a request for a well-profiled person if they suspect he is from the same school or area.
--Apley Court is randomly assigned. But if you say you would love being in the center of town rather than on the Yard perhaps this would tilt your app.
I think Weld is the freshman dorm with the police station in the basement, and I vaguely remember that is where security-issue students are housed (ex:an Arab royal family member a few years ago?)

twinmom

I was under the impression that freshman are randomly sorted into the various Yards (Ivy, Elm, etc.) and then within that sort they are placed with roommates.

fauve

Yes, we were discussing how/if comments on the freshman housing application can/might sway assignment. The FDO is very good about figuring where a person might thrive, and with whom. They design the dorm arrangements with a personal and deft touch...lovely Harvard.