The Worst Noises of Harvard

Cambridge is home to only 100,000 people, so you’d think it would be easier to find some peace and quiet. But no, like any good educational institution, Harvard is full of annoying distractions. No matter what House you live in, you’ve probably complained about—or been woken up by—one of these.

Lowell Construction

The best part about Lowell House being renovated this year was that the bells don’t ring. But it seems Harvard wanted to make sure no resident of the Square missed Lowell being noisy af, because the construction is just as bad. And it’s bad all day long. Forget about even trying to take a midday nap.

Your Roommate’s Fifth Snooze

Considering that you and your roommate are squashed into a double so small you’re practically in the same bed, your roommate should be a little more sensitive about how annoying their alarm is. Every morning, they wake up for an 8 a.m. class—or, try to wake up, because they keep hitting snooze. One more time and you’ll drag them out of bed.

Garbage Trucks in the Quad

Picture this: you’re away from the chaos of the Square. It’s 9 a.m., you’re asleep, you feel great...and then the garbage truck beeps outside your window. And then it keeps beeping. For ten minutes. You don’t even need to set your own alarm at this point. Seriously, those things are moseying around the Quad for what seems like hours. Is the beeping necessary?!

The Tour Group Outside Your Window

For anyone living in a freshman dorm, this is literally as bad as a jackhammer. Get ready to scream when the tour guide says, “Wigglesworth! Isn’t that a weird name? Say it with me!” and then the entire tour group shouts, “WIGGLESWORTH!”

If your morning has just begun and you hear one of these...grab your headphones, or a very fluffy pillow. It’s going to be a long, long day. Godspeed, my friends.