No, Your Blocking Group Isn’t Unique

Today at noon, your blocking fate will be sealed. For those living in the Yard (or the Union Dorms, I guess), nothing (apart from midterms) has been more pressing than Housing Day. For a class of kids who are allegedly some of the “brightest,” we sure have had a hard time finding a group to live with (especially a group of people that wants to live with us).

Now that the dust has more or less settled — no last-minute blocking group drama, please — take a look around, and you’ll notice that no two blocking groups are exactly the same. A few classic combinations pop up time and time again, though.

Jock Block

What’s harder — winning a football game or keeping an en suite bathroom clean? These teammates love each other so much that they had to bring the locker room to the bedroom! Just try not to also bring home the stench of your sweat-soaked jerseys and socks. From pep talks before taking out the trash to basketball games with the laundry hamper (Kobe!), this block has the best chemistry.

4+4 = 8

Block? More like blocks. Instead of choosing between their two distinct friend groups, one friend made the executive decision to combine them (genius!). After a few awkward dinners at Berg, the occasional clash of personalities, and the awkward silence caused by completely different interests, this group could actually work…at least that’s what they’re telling themselves. Or, it could just lead to years of awkward head nods and smiles in the halls. We’re pretty sure we know the outcome of this one, but we’ll check back next fall.

7+1 = 8?

“Wait…our blocking group has eight people?” Seven inseparable besties plus an eighth. Whether they scooped up an acquaintance or let somebody off of the waitlist, this block will do anything to reach the magical number eight. While the eighth person is supposed to be the cherry on top, this one is just “good enough” (like how the dhall has Cinnamon Toasters instead of Cinnamon Toast Crunch). Nevertheless, the more, the merrier…right?

Flyin’ Solo

Lonely or independent (maybe both)? This floater is fine with a bit of risk. They believe that taking on a random chance is better than any other option they currently have. Why not relive the randomness of freshman housing? After all, this was 100 percent their choice. It’s totally not like they have nobody else to block with… If it doesn’t work out, there’s always a seven-person block still looking for an eighth!

House-Cest

This couple is so in love, and so much so that they are willing to break the oldest unwritten rule: never block with a significant other. These two lovebirds better stay together — even if the love starts to fade — because a messy breakup can turn a group of eight into two groups of four. (Wow, the magic of division!) While many couples manage to love each other across time zones and continents, this couple believes that having one person living in the Quad and one along the River would constitute a long-distance relationship. Trust me, a little bit of distance isn’t going to be what breaks you up. It’s all fun and games until you’re stuck roaming the same halls as your freshman-year ex. Also, you could’ve had two options for late nights if you blocked separately.

Nine-Person (Oops)

Awkward. Unfortunately, you can’t do that. This group overachieves in terms of numbers and underachieves in terms of communication. Let’s be so for real — how does this happen? You literally go to Harvard; I know you can add. NINE PEOPLE? Do you even know their birthdays? Do you even know their last names? Actually, let’s make this easier. Do you even know the first names of everyone in your blocking group?

Whether you’re blocking alone or in a group of nine (which might amount to the same thing, if you’re voted off the island), it will all work out. Plus, finding your blocking group was just the first step. If you found it that difficult to figure out who you’d live in the same house with, imagine how hard it will be to decide on a roommate. Good luck!