The House that will become home

When freshman Wilson Cheung and his four suitemates awakened at 7 a.m. on Thursday, the sounds of upperclassmen gathering in the Yard outside their residence were already apparent. Excitedly, they awaited in their room as the noise amplified, until around 8:30 a.m. when a lively group ascended the stairs.

Upon hearing chants of “C-A-B-O-T,” Cheung briefly speculated if he was being assigned to Cabot House. However, when the door swung open, it was a contingent of Adams House residents there to warmly welcome him and hand him his assignment letter.

Fifteen minutes later, as he embraced a friend in front of the John Harvard Statue, Cheung couldn’t help but beam with happiness.

“My suitemate and I secured Adams and we’re absolutely thrilled,” he stated. “Adams just concluded its renovations, so we’ll be living in a brand-new dormitory. It’s also centrally located, right in the heart of campus. It’s a really fantastic dorm.”

Housing Day, a day when first-year students discover their living arrangements for the next three years, stands as one of Harvard’s most cherished — and boisterous — annual traditions. Upperclassmen representing the 12 residential Houses congregate in Harvard Yard early in the morning to exhibit their House pride and friendly competition. At 8:30 a.m., upperclassmen invade the freshman dorms to distribute housing assignment letters and welcome their newest Housemates home.

Students danced and rejoiced in front of the bronzed John Harvard, many donning coordinated attire, such as blue shirts for Lowell House and burgundy hats for Winthrop. Some Dunster House residents paraded by playing brass instruments, while Leverett House inhabitants, adorned with green bunny ears, honked green plastic stadium horns. House mascots, including the Dunster House moose, Currier House tree, and Cabot fish, frolicked around and posed for photographs.

Winthrop House residents Ikenna Ogbogu and Ebun Oguntola, both in their second year, joined with the rest of their Housemates, clad in burgundy shirts. Ogbogu, holding a sign that read “’Throp, what a W,” expressed that he treasures Housing Day as receiving his housing assignment the previous year was a significant moment in his Harvard journey.

“You belong to a larger community with a rich history that exceeds just your freshman hall,” Ogbogu remarked. “Being on this side now and being able to storm the dorms of freshmen, dressing up, and shouting at 7 a.m. is truly enjoyable because you’re involved in crafting an experience for everyone present.”

Rakesh Khurana, Danoff Dean of Harvard College, took a moment to capture selfies with a costumed group while greeting students in the Yard. Khurana expressed that the annual event is one of the most “extraordinary” experiences at the College.

“The Houses are what render Harvard College so unique,” Khurana elaborated. “One of the aspects I appreciate about this day is that this…

is when every House transforms into a home for our scholars.

Outside Hollis Hall, Lowell House upperclassmen Anoushka Chander and Una Roven, both donned in azure jackets, collaborated for a photograph as their housemates surged into the dormitory. The seniors, holding a placard that proclaimed “take the L,” were filled with nostalgia as they participated in the tradition for the final time.

“It’s merely a wonderful custom to honor our House and the splendid community we cherish and each other,” Chander expressed. “It’s our final Housing Day to make sure everyone understands they secured the top House, and that it will be their sanctuary for the upcoming years.”

Their suggestion for first-years encountering Housing Day for the first time?

“Simply relish it,” Chander advised.

“Absolutely, relish it; whichever House you secure will be fantastic,” Roven concurred before hesitating. “But Lowell is unmatched.”