Pforzheimer House

Before renovations to Pforzheimer--then known as North--House, former Masters J. Woodland and Hanna M. Hastings joked that their House was at the bottom of every student's list of housing choices. But a multi-million dollar renovation completed in the late 1980s created an airy, two-story dining room and dramatically improved student accommodations. The House also plays host to the Quad Sound Studios and Harvard-Radcliffe Television headquarters.

Student rooms are spacious, and some even feature kitchenettes. The renovation maintained the House's character as a former Radcliffe dormitory; mirrors in the hallways allow for the inspection of one's hemline before going out, and door hooks hearken back to the days when doors had to be ajar when male visitors were present. The House's master is the director of the Museum of Comparative Zoology; don't be surprised if you find yourself in a conversation about Antarctica with the McCarthys.

Qunicy House

The former home to Dean of the College Harry R. Lewis '68, Quincy is the biggest House on campus with more than 450 students. Cement block "New" Qunicy was actually completed in 1959, and red brick "Old" Quincy dates back only 20 years earlier. You can have a single all three years, but in Old Quincy it'll be a walk-through.

Quincy's close proximity to the Yard may help compensate for a sense of anonymity among the House's masses. Residents are foosball fanatics and frequent an active House grille.

House Master and Dean of the Extension School Michael Shinagel told The Crimson last year that he views his role as "the skipper of a major cruise ship" and has been known to offer exotic foods such as sushi at masters' open houses. Co-master Marjorie North teaches students public speaking and drama in informal seminars. The masters' penthouse residence has been cited as one of the most glorious apartments in Boston.