<p>Crimson15Mom Has your s/d mentioned “blocking”? That is the process the freshman use to chose next year’s roommates/suitemates. A blocking group can also choose to link to another blocking group so they will be in a nearby house so a fairly large group can arrange to be somewhat close together geographically in future. I’m vague on the details. It’s nice to be able to avoid a random roommate assignment but it can be a very stressful time! Some will feel they have too many options and be torn choosing between various friends. Others may feel they don’t have enough choices and some end up single floaters which I suspect is pretty awkward and can feel alienating. Also, not sure why the houses make such a big deal of “selling themselves” as the freshman are randomly assigned.</p>
<p>Yup, 2born, we know all about blocking! I was more curious about how the actual suite/room assignments within the house are made. Huinsider gave me the answer. I agree about the houses “selling” themselves via elaborate videos… but I suppose it’s a way to build house spirit and get rising sophomores excited about whatever house they’re assigned to.</p>
<p>Just back from Junior Parents’ Weekend and we had a great time. We saw so many music and dance performances that it was like going to the Spoleto festival, but with colder weather. The standout was Friday night’s performance of Mozart’s Requiem in Sanders Theater. Our daughter received permission for us to sit in on her only class on Friday. It was my first exposure to statistical mechanics, but I had sufficient background to follow along and I enjoyed seeing the pedagogy of an upper level physics class. She also obtained permission for us to sit in on her ballet rehearsal so it was great to watch that process and to meet the choreographer in residence as well as the new head of the dance department. Both official house functions, a reception in the master’s residence and a lunch, included a cappella performances that were great. We have been through the museums on prior visits so we did not visit them this time around. We did take a tour of Widener Library which was enjoyable. We attended a variety of talks that were also enjoyable. I recommend it to parents of upcoming classes.</p>
<p>cltdad - If you enjoyed the music and dance performances over JPW, you should really go to ArtsFirst Weekend (April 27-29). There are performances all over campus all weekend long and most are free. On Saturday afternoon there are 12 different venues where the acts change every half hour. The biggest problem is deciding what to see. I highly recommend it!</p>
<p>We also attended JPW and thought it was great. I particularly enjoyed the panel discussion about job/grad/prof school options. It made me feel easier about my daughters possible plans. The reception and lunch were delightful. It was very clear the house master and tutors knew my daughter. I attended a chemistry class with my daughter, and went to Bach and His Worlds at Memorial Chapel, took a tour, visited two museums, and ate at all my daughter’s favorite restaurants in Cambridge.</p>
<p>Unlike some of the others, my daughter was thrilled to be assigned to the quad. She doesn’t mind the buses out, and feels the rooms are nicer. Here is their clip to convince freshmen the river houses are not the place to be. I agree- the reason for these is more to build a sense of community and team than to “convince” anyone of anything.</p>
<p>[Sh*t</a> River People Say - YouTube](<a href=“Sh*t River People Say - YouTube”>Sh*t River People Say - YouTube)</p>
<p>Silly question, but how far out do you really have to reserve a room for graduation? I can’t believe it is really a full year before… Do hotels even take reservations that far in advance?</p>
<p>Housing Day – My S got Dunster! A new adventure begins.</p>
<p>As did my S! The Crim placed it last in its ranking which initially got my S sad when he found out but now that he has gone and spent the day he is PUMPED. BTW, Roger Porter, the Master, is a terrific guy!! I am very happy for him and your S!</p>
<p>Etondad, that is so cool! I saw the rankings, too, but last year Dunster ranked much higher. I am sure it will be great. Did you S go in with a group of 8? Mine did.</p>
<p>Apparently the rooms in Dunster are small, but they CAN’T be any smaller than what he has this year!</p>
<p>Hey!!! My D got Dunster too!!! She is very excited and happy too:)</p>
<p>Congratulations to Dunsterites! They hold the most beautiful diploma ceremony for graduation in the courtyard, which blooms with lush rhododendrons and roses.</p>
<p>Ronsard- If you want to stay near Harvard Square for Commencement, you must get on the list at The Charles or the Inn at Harvard, then prepay as soon as that date opens, usually one year before the graduatuon date. Prepare to pay triple the usual rate, ouch.
It is nice to be so close to all the events, though.</p>
<p>Well, I see that my son’s house came in 1st. He’ll appreciate that, now that he is in grad school far away from Cambridge. Seriously, though, everyone ends up loving his or her house, from what I understand.</p>
<p>When I walked through the yard this morning, I was confused as to why there was so much whooping and running around – to be honest, the yard’s usually pretty quiet when I’m walking to lab. 
</p>
<p>Congratulations to all. All the undergrads I know were very happy today.</p>
<p>he is in a group of 7 : 5 guys and 2 girls. He just txted-- the love affair with Henry Dunster Moose has begun :D.
He’s in Hollis where the rooms are ENORMOUS–seriously. I told him he was spoiled by his Yard room–and that no matter what, they allow approved lofts (I had one when in college) so even if small, there should be plenty of room…besides the common rooms/dining hall/library are among the most beautiful at Harvard–no reason to just hang out in the room all the time!<br>
(Even the Crim said that Dunster ranked first in House pride and community–which is so key…)</p>
<p>congratulations to everyone and their new house assignments for the next few years. My son has lived in Quincy and has loved it :)</p>
<p>Congratulations on your new housing assignments! My D stays on the 5th floor of Dunster and has enjoyed her stay there. They don’t have an elevator and she is having runner’s knee and going for physiotherapy.</p>
<p>I lived on the 6th floor of Calhoun College at Yale–I’ll never forget 68 steps from door to floor…I found I became really good, really quickly at remembering everything I would need until I had to head back to the room-- but the view was spectacular and I wouldn’t have traded that room for any other…(I also lost a couple of pounds too ).</p>
<p>For those who were Quadded - my D1 got Pfoho and was initially very disappointed. She ultimately found that she loved it and couldn’t have imagined being in a River house. D2 got so fond of the Quad after two years of visiting D1, that she was praying for the Quad. She got Currier and has been thrilled. Things tend to work out - often splendidly.</p>
<p>D also got Dunster. She wasn’t sure at first but quickly became excited. She exclaimed that “so many cool kids got Dunster!” She’s in a forced double now so I can’t imagine the rooms being any smaller and she’s partial to Meese, having several beloved stuffed ones from her childhood. The beautiful weather added to a glorious day.</p>
<p>My freshman S got Adams. He’s excited about it! It looks pretty on google images. Anybody care to share their thoughts/experiences about Adams?</p>
<p>My son’s girlfriend has lived in Adams for the past 3 years and has really enjoyed it. When we went to visit last year for junior parents weekend, we found that the location was great. congrats to your son and to everyone.</p>