Blocking is like swimming. For some, it happens easily and naturally–a few strokes and you’re afloat. For others, not so much. Arms flail, water is gulped…and then you drown and are MISERABLE AND DIE.

To avoid the latter situation, we’ve constructed for  you a brief guide to blocking.

1. Do not block with your significant other or would-be significant other. This is probably the one rule you should always abide by. DO NOT BREAK IT, seriously. Blocking with someone you may have feelings for could make things awkward later. You might be omg-so-in-love right now, but what happens after a bitter breakup? Transferring to another house is a pain in the rear, so avoid blockcest at all costs!

2. Do not block with The Drama Queen. Because drama will, undoubtedly, ensue. Um, especially if you’re a girl.

3. Brace yourself for eleventh-hour blocking drama. People will pull out or leave you blocking-groupless at the last minute, so be mentally prepared. It might be a good idea even to have backup plans–get ready to beg and plead to be let in on your second choice blocking group.

4. You’ll find that linking doesn’t really matter. Yeah, you’ll be in adjacent houses but the reality of seeing your linkmates all the time like you’re still biffles is unlikely. Sorry.

5. Enjoy River Run the night before Housing Day. It’ll help soothe the pain once you’re Quadded the next morning. (Or you’ll be too hangover or still drunk to soak in the reality of what just happened.) To ensure this doesn’t happen, construct the most badass sacrificial boat for the River Gods…sans firecrackers, unless you want the Cambridge Police and Fire Departments on your asses (CLASS OF 2012 FTW!).