What to Expect on Housing Day

The Tradition, Related Events, and Lottery Reminders 

Dear <<First Name>>, 

We look forward to celebrating Housing Day with you in just a few short weeks! 

On the Thursday morning prior to spring break, members of each House Committee race to University Hall to pick up letters for their assigned first-year students. Together with throngs of cheering upper-level students, each House storms through the Yard to personally deliver letters and welcome each first-year student (also known as the dorm storm!). You’ll be able to join upper-level students to celebrate and enjoy a meal in Annenberg on Housing Day. 

If you prefer to receive news of your assignment in another manner, please reach out to the FYE for more details, and be aware that most activity in the dorms takes place between 8:30 am and 9:30 am. 

Remember that everyone is invited to participate in Housing Day – even if you have a blocking group of one, there will be so many opportunities for you to connect with your House community! 

Upcoming Events

FYSC

Housing Day Hopes

Monday, March 4

11:30am - 2:30pm

Annenberg Hall

Take a moment to think about some of your hopes for Housing Day. What House are you hoping for (hint- they’re all great!)? How do you want to remember Housing Day when you think of your time at Harvard? There will be a display in Annenberg for you to post your Housing Day hopes. 

Housing Day Kits

Tuesday, March 5

11:30am - 2:30pm

Annenberg Hall

Want to be fully prepared for Housing Day Eve festivities? Residential Programs will be handing out Housing Day Eve tote bags with all the Housing Day Eve essentials (while supplies last). 

Housing Day Eve

Wednesday, March 6

9pm - 12am

Malkin Athletic Center

Head over to the Malkin Athletic Center (the MAC) for food trucks, other snacks, and games!

On Housing Day

House Notification (Dorm Storm)

8:30am - 9:30am 

Students from your House will visit your dorm to let you know about your House assignment! 

Housing Day afternoon 

You will receive an email confirmation of your House assignment 

Annenberg Celebration

11:30am

During lunch, you can pick up your swag from your House outside of Annenberg. Each House will be at a clearly marked table, and there will be a photo booth in Annenberg, for you to take lots of pictures with friends to savor the memory. Tag your photos on social media with #HousingDay2024 and be sure to follow Harvard College on Instagram and TikTok. 

Your House will communicate with you regarding any and all upcoming House specific celebrations. 

Rising Sophomore Lottery Dates and Deadline 

Monday, February 26

12pm

Lottery registration opens in the Residential Portal. During the lottery, you’ll select your blocking group. The College Housing Office will send notifications to remind you to select a blocking group until you do so. If you don’t create a blocking group by the time the lottery closes, the Housing Office will make you a group of 1.

Wednesday, February 28

12pm

Lottery registration closes

Lottery Requirements: 

• All eligible first-years are required to participate in the lottery including students who: 

  • Are on a leave of absence or have been required to withdraw  

  • Are intending on taking a leave of absence  

  • Are intending to move off-campus  

  • Are intending to apply to live in the Dudley Co-Operative. 

• One student in each blocking group must submit a housing application 

If you have any questions about Housing Day, reach out to the First-Year Experience Office, your proctor, your Resident Dean, or your PAF. For questions about the lottery process, please contact the College Housing Office. 

We look forward to celebrating with you soon! 

Kind Regards,