Decoding Harvard’s Dorms: A Guide to the Best Digs on Campus
So, you’re thinking about Harvard. Congrats! It's a HUGE deal. But beyond the classes, the clubs, and the prestige, there’s a massive part of the Harvard experience that people don't talk about enough: where you’re going to live. Honestly, your dorm can shape your entire four years. It’s your community, your late-night study spot, and your home base. I’ve spent a lot of time getting the inside scoop on the housing situation, and let me tell you, it's a whole world unto itself.
Here’s the thing, Harvard housing is pretty unique. It’s not just about getting a room; it’s about being sorted into a community. From the historic freshman dorms in Harvard Yard to the grand upperclassman Houses, each place has its own vibe, its own traditions, and its own secrets. So, let’s break it all down.
The Two-Part Housing Journey: Freshman Yard & Upperclassman Houses
Harvard splits its housing into two distinct phases. First, you have your freshman year, where you'll live in one of the dorms situated in or around the iconic Harvard Yard. Then, for your remaining three years, you'll be sorted into one of the 12 upperclassman Houses. This sorting process is a whole event in itself, called "Housing Day," and it's basically like the real-life version of the Hogwarts sorting hat. Freshmen form "blocking groups" of up to eight people, and these groups are then randomly assigned to a House. It’s a day filled with chanting, cheering, and a whole lot of House pride.
But before we get to the upperclassman experience, let's start with where it all begins: freshman year.
Freshman Year: Living in the Heart of Harvard
Living in Harvard Yard as a freshman is a quintessential Harvard experience. You're literally steps away from most of your classes, the main libraries, and the freshman dining hall, Annenberg. The Yard is divided into smaller "yards" like Ivy Yard, Elm Yard, and Oak Yard, each with its own cluster of dorms. While all the freshman dorms are pretty solid compared to other universities, there are definitely some that are more sought-after than others.
Here's a rundown of some of the best and most talked-about freshman dorms:
Grays Hall: Often called the "Harvard Hilton," Grays is arguably one of the best freshman dorms. Its location is prime, right in the center of the Yard, and the rooms are spacious suites with in-suite bathrooms. Fun fact: Natalie Portman reportedly lived in Grays, and some say her room is the only one in the Yard with locks.
Weld Hall: Known for its large suites and a solarium on the top floor with amazing views of the Yard, Weld is another top contender. While not all rooms are singles, the six-person suites on the first floor are particularly impressive.
Holworthy Hall: If you're looking for a suite with a huge common room, Holworthy is a great bet. It's located in the "Old Yard" and is super close to the Science Center and Annenberg. The dorm has a real sense of community, with arts and crafts rooms, a party space in the basement, and music practice rooms.
Apley Court: For those who value luxury, Apley is the place to be. This dorm, located just outside the Yard, is filled with marble and offers some of the most beautiful freshman housing on campus. T.S. Eliot's former room on the fourth floor is considered the best freshman room at Harvard, period. The trade-off for this opulence is a slightly longer walk to the heart of campus.
Thayer Hall: While some find it unremarkable, Thayer's location is its biggest selling point. It's incredibly close to Annenberg, the Science Center, and most classes, which is a lifesaver in the winter. The rooms are also known for being quite large.
Straus Hall: Located right next to Johnston Gate, Straus is super convenient, especially at night when other gates are closed. It boasts ensuite bathrooms, spacious and bright suites, and a beautiful common room.
It's worth noting that each dorm has its own unique character and quirks. Some have vertical entryways, meaning you'll have to make more of an effort to meet people, while others have long hallways that encourage socializing. No matter where you end up, you're in for a memorable year. And if you’re bringing a car to campus, which is rare for freshmen but not unheard of for upperclassmen, finding a place to park it can be a real headache. That’s where a service like Prked comes in handy. It connects you with local homeowners who are renting out their driveways & garages for parking. It can be a much more affordable & convenient option than trying to find a spot on the street or in a pricey garage.
The Upperclassman Houses: Finding Your Home for Three Years
After freshman year, the real fun begins. The 12 upperclassman Houses are where you'll spend the rest of your Harvard career, and each one has a distinct personality and culture. Nine of the Houses, known as the "River Houses," are located along the Charles River, while the other three, the "Quad Houses," are a bit further away. Each House has its own dining hall, library, gym, and common spaces, creating a small, tight-knit community within the larger university.
One of the most significant things to happen to Harvard's housing in recent years is the House Renewal project. This massive, multi-billion dollar initiative has been renovating and updating the historic Houses to meet the needs of 21st-century students. This means that many of the older Houses now have modern amenities, improved accessibility, and more comfortable living spaces.
So, which House is the best? That's a matter of fierce debate among Harvard students, but here's a look at some of the most popular and well-regarded Houses:
Lowell House: The Perfect Blend of Tradition & Modernity
Lowell House is often considered one of the most desirable Houses on campus, and for good reason. It’s got a prime location near the river, and its recent renovation has made it even more appealing. Lowell is famous for its beautiful courtyards, its iconic bell tower that students can ring on Sundays, and its strong sense of community.
Amenities: Lowell is packed with amenities, including a fully equipped gym, a dance studio, a squash court that doubles as a basketball court, a movie theater, and a maker space. The dining hall, with its bright yellow walls, is a campus landmark, and the House library is a stunning, wood-paneled study spot.
Culture & Traditions: Lowell is known for its many traditions, like the weekly "Lowell Tea" with the Faculty Deans, "Lowell Speeches" where students give speeches after dinner, and the legendary "Bacchanalia" party in the spring. The House also has a strong alumni network that stays connected through the Senior Common Room.
Housing: After the renovation, about 85% of the rooms in Lowell are singles, mostly arranged in suites. Sophomores usually get a suite with a mix of singles and doubles.
Eliot House: Classy, Historic, & Full of Spirit
Eliot House has a reputation for being a bit "bougie," with a history of housing Harvard's social elite. But don't let that fool you; it's also a warm and welcoming community with a ton of House pride. Eliot is known for its beautiful architecture, its stunning views of the Charles River, and its lively social scene.
Amenities: Eliot has some of the most unique amenities on campus, including "The Inferno" (a social grille), a photography darkroom, a record room, a woodshop, and the "Golden Arm" movie theater. The House also has underground tunnels connecting the different entryways, which is a lifesaver in the winter.
Culture & Traditions: Eliot is famous for its spring formal, "Fête," a glamorous event with a swing band and chocolate fountains. The House also has a strong intramural sports culture and a beloved tradition of "Yappy Hours" where students can play with the resident dogs.
Housing: Eliot's rooms are known for their large common spaces, walk-in closets, and classic architectural details. While the dorms are older, many students love the historic charm.
Adams House: The Closest to the Yard & a Hub of Creativity
Adams House has one unbeatable advantage: its location. It's the closest House to Harvard Yard, which means you can roll out of bed and get to class in minutes. But Adams is more than just a convenient place to live; it's a vibrant and artistic community with a rich history.
Amenities: Adams is famous for its underground tunnels, which are covered in murals painted by generations of students. The House also has a theater, a printing press, and an arts space. The "Gold Room," with its tiled and gilded entrance, is one of the most beautiful spaces at Harvard.
Culture & Traditions: Adams has some of the most unique traditions on campus, including "Drag Night," a black-tie reading of "Winnie-the-Pooh" at the Winter Feast, and weekly "Carpe Noctem" events. The House is also known for being a welcoming and inclusive space for students of all backgrounds.
Housing: Adams is currently undergoing a multi-phase renovation, so the housing quality is constantly improving. Even before the renovations, Adams was known for its spacious rooms with high ceilings and in-suite bathrooms.
Kirkland House: Small, Spirited, & Full of Surprises
Kirkland is one of the smallest Houses at Harvard, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in spirit. Kirklanders are known for being fiercely proud of their House and for creating a tight-knit and welcoming community.
Amenities: Kirkland has a gym, a game room, a movie theater, music rooms, and a lovely courtyard with a hammock. The Hicks House, a historic building from 1762, serves as the House library and even gets turned into a haunted house for Halloween.
Culture & Traditions: Kirkland is famous for its "Secret Santa" week, where students go all out with elaborate gifts and pranks. The House also has a strong tradition of student-run plays and a weekly "Choosening" ceremony where a new theme is chosen for the week.
Housing: Kirkland's rooms are on the cozier side, with many sophomores and juniors in smaller suites. However, the rooms have a classic charm with wooden floors and fireplaces.
Quincy House: "The People's House" with a Modern Vibe
Quincy House is known as "The People's House" for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. It's one of the largest Houses on campus and has a more modern feel than some of the older, Neo-Georgian Houses.
Amenities: Quincy has a pottery studio, a dance studio, a large gym, and a unique library called "the Qube," which has an excellent comic book collection. The dining hall is bright and airy, with large glass walls that offer great views of the courtyard.
Culture & Traditions: Quincy has some quirky and fun traditions, like an annual "Exorcism" of the spirit of Josiah Quincy, a House-wide game of "Assassins" with Nerf guns, and a "Qarnival" with cotton candy and games.
Housing: Quincy's housing is a mix of older and newer buildings. Stone Hall, which was recently renovated, has mostly doubles and singles, while New Quincy has duplex suites. Quincy is also the most wheelchair-accessible of the River Houses.
Storing Your Stuff: A Quick Note
Living in a dorm, whether it's a spacious suite in Lowell or a cozy single in Kirkland, often means dealing with limited storage space. This is especially true if you’re moving from far away and have a lot of belongings. One solution that many students overlook is renting a small storage space nearby. A platform like Prked can be a lifesaver here. It connects you with people in the Cambridge area who are renting out extra space in their homes, like a garage, attic, or even a closet. It’s a super convenient & affordable way to store your extra stuff, whether it's winter clothes, sports equipment, or furniture you don't have room for.
The Final Word
Honestly, there's no single "best" dorm at Harvard. Each one offers a unique experience, and what's perfect for one person might not be for another. The beauty of the Harvard housing system is that it forces you to meet new people and become part of a community. Whether you're a freshman in the Yard or an upperclassman in one of the Houses, your dorm will be a central part of your Harvard journey.
So, do your research, talk to current students, and get excited. You're in for an incredible four years, no matter where you end up living. Hope this was helpful, and let me know what you think
