Every weeknight, you are almost guaranteed to find me in Annenberg Hall at some point between the hours of 8pm and 11pm, for I am a proud “Brain-Breaker!” 

Brain breaks occur in several dining halls across campus, but for first-year students, brain break is the 3-hour period during which Annenberg (Harvard's Hogwarts-esque first-year only dining hall) is open for students to step away from their studies and enjoy light snacks under the majestic chandeliers and stained-glass windows. In the servery, you can find bagels, cheese, vegetables, and soft drinks, as well as more imaginative creations such as “S’Mores Cereal” (cinnamon toast crunch, chocolate chips, and marshmallows mixed together).

On Wednesdays, brain break is “enhanced,” which means that some sort of special food is served, such as mozzarella sticks, smoothies, churros, or (my personal favorite) ice cream sundaes. Each enhanced brain break is sponsored by an on-campus organization, such as the Dean of Students Office or Harvard Votes Challenge, making them a great way to learn about getting involved on campus.

I've also found brain break to be a wonderful way of building community; since Annenberg is less busy during this time than at lunch or dinner, it's easy to spot familiar faces. Within just a few days of attending brain breaks, I found myself in a community of fellow "brain-breakers" who also look forward to the nightly time to socialize and relax with each other in Annenberg.

An additional type of "break" comes in the form of weekly entryway "study breaks." Entryways are groups of students in a dorm that share a common entrance (or floor), and thus form your Harvard "neighborhood." Each entryway has a proctor (a Harvard staff member or graduate student living in the dorm), as well as Peer Advising Fellows (PAFs), who are older students serving as student mentors. 
Each week, our proctors and PAFs organize a wonderful study break in the Thayer Hall's basement common room, featuring homemade or catered food and games; some of my favorites have been "nacho average trivia night," "s'mores under the stars," and "bubble tea and board games!" After a long week of classes, study breaks never fail to be a highlight, as they are a wonderful chance to catch up with my entrywaymates and also an informal opportunity to get advice from my proctor and PAF.

Ultimately, brain breaks and study breaks have been an integral part of my first year experience, providing a wonderful way to meet new friends, enjoy a late-night snack, and take a break from homework!