Between our libraries, academic buildings, houses, and dining halls, there's no shortage of awesome spaces to explore at Harvard.
Here are just a few of my favorite spots on campus to hang out, study, eat, and enjoy the sun!
1. Randolph Courtyard. This courtyard is the perfect size--it's between Randolph and Apthorp House so most visitors would miss it, but it's also big enough for the Adams House graduation ceremony! From the yard, you can find an entrance to the courtyard on Linden and/or Plympton Street.
2. Widener Loker Reading Room. In my personal opinion, the Loker reading room in Widener is one of the prettiest rooms at Harvard. The light-green, arched roof and natural light is awe-inspiring. This is on the second floor of the library, just right up the steps from Harry Elkins Widener's study.
3. Main Entrance of Lowell House. I belong to Adams House (best house!), but I have to admit, Lowell's entrance is gorgeous. The contrast between the red brick arch and all the greenery in the background makes it really feel like you'll be stepping into a whole new world!
4. Annenberg Hall. Yup, this where the freshmen eat. A lot of students refer to it as just the 'berg. For example, "Dinner in the 'berg?" I've been calling it "Annie" recently -- hoping this catches on! I can't really explain just how beautiful the inside of this building is. It really does look like the Great Hall from Harry Potter. From the exit of Annie, you can take the elevator up and get to the balcony (where I shot this picture) if you have swipe-access.
5. Dudley Garden. This little garden is a hidden gem. It's secretly tucked away between the end of Wigglesworth Hall and Lamont Library. There are a a few stairs from the gate and you'll eventually find a pathway that leads to this. It's definitely a great spot to grab lunch with a friend or read a book.
6. South Porch of Memorial Church. A great place to do some work, people-watch, or eat your lunch. From this area, you get a great view of Tercentenary Theatre, with Widener Library straight across and Sever Hall to your left. This spot is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change colors!
7. Sunsets over the Charles River. With the Charles so close, we also have a few bridges--the one I'm standing on gets you to the athletic facilities and Harvard Business School. Cambridge has some stunning sunsets--which are not to be missed! You can get to this bridge if you follow JFK street from the Square.
8. Science Center Observatory. This is one of my favorite views--you can see all of Harvard, including the Science Plaza, Memorial Church, Lowell House, the Lampoon Tower, and even some of Boston! The observatory is on the 8th floor of the science center--if you have swipe access, you can use the giant telescope and also have access to the deck.
Gathering together for their welcoming ceremony students prepare for the start of a new year.
Here I posed with my new team to celebrate our victory in my first game of flag football. I even taught the team how to sign "K" for Kirkland House in ASL
A sign welcoming new Quincy house residents on Housing Day!
Secquoia with her mom and sister at a family weekend event!
Pfohomies Enjoying the Grill'n'Stein
A view with my food from my first year, eating in the famous Annenberg Hall.
My friends from my entryway and I pose for a picture together before we go kayaking!
Outfield seat view of a game at Fenway Park between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles
A selfie with six of my block mates, two of which performed in this dance show!
Ana's Harvard (Friends)
A photo taken in my last class at Harvard with one of my closest friends my senior year.
A photo of myself looking at the Zanzibari waters
My blocking group and I after being dorm stormed
My room in the wonderful Stoughton Hall!
Pretty views in the heart of Harvard Square
My bookshelf in my dorm!
Seniors at the Harvard Islamic Society Send Off
Dining with the Harvard Muslim community, my junior year
Seeing the Lotus Temple in Delhi, India was only one of the many great experiences I've had thanks to Harvard Model Congress
Food provided by Harvard University Dining Service Workers on Thanksgiving Day
I officially declared Sociology as my concentration this fall!
I love catching the crisp morning breeze every Saturday morning!
My friends and I holding the Winthrop banner at our graduation!
The sunrise on the morning of Housing Day this year.
My first cookout at Harvard was successful!
My First Harvard Yale Game
An empty room? More like a clean canvas!
A picture of a white poster with "Adams House is the Best House" written on it.
hey, what's that--a liminal space?
My one of my Floridian roommates in the snow last year looking warm in a coat and jeans!
To relax after midterms, some friends and I enjoyed donuts for breakfast in Leverett Dining hall.
The front of Claverly Hall on Mt. Auburn Street.
This is our entryway ready for their convocation!
A snapshot of my room in the afternoon
A picture of the Charles River overlooking Harvard's River Houses
A group of PAFs after an evening of games during orientation.
I got to take photos with my thesis (or at least the first 25 pages of it) on the steps of Widener Library!
Me and a teammate sailing the first double handed sail of the year.
Cherry Blossom outside Lowell
Here's Harpreet and I with our best friends back in high school!
Mt. Auburn Street Side of Harvard University Health Services/Smith Center
Here is a picture of my family, including my mom, brothers, grandma, uncle and aunt, and cousins.
The SEF is just one way for low-income students to receive extra support towards the cost of attendance at Harvard
trips into Boston are worth it!
Photo of side of Apley Court
My blockmates and I at Winthrop House on our Housing Day!
I have very specific playlists for every mood.
My family and I during my move in.
Here's a collage of all the outfits I'll be featuring in this blog.
Harvard Yard, where many first-year students live.
A Zoom Picture from my FYRE Family!
I miss doing reading for my English and creative writing classes on my Winthrop House dorm room!
Weld Hall, the first-year dorm where I am a PAF!
A snap of an empty Tercentenary theater as I worked on my homework
My friends and I love hanging out in the roof-top common room in Winthrop House!
I make the most of my Zoom-ed reality by taking calls outside!
Here I am teaching a government class from last summer!
The view of the Charles River from Leveret House, which is right next to Winthrop House!
My Harvard Journal Project notebook, with its (not so successful) attempt to color the Harvard logo on the front.
Selfie in the Seattle Airport.
Lowell IM Soccer after a big win the in the Semi Finals!
Lowellians ready to welcome first years to our home!
Snow falling outside Wigglesworth Hall, one of 17 first-year dorms.
Veritaffle
Kirkland House Opening Days 2018
Here's a picture that includes members of my entryway community at Weld Hall!
My roommates and I in our Straus room
Dining in at By Chloe in Fenway
My friend and I posing in the snow during Housing Day! We were ready to go storm first-year's dorms!
Interior design for days.
This is what my House at Harvard looks like. Dunster for life! (Credit: http://htlit.com/elements/DunsterHouse.jpg)
Going back to Weld at the end of the day is a great feeling.