Fast food where everything is made from fresh ingredients, tastes good, and is actually good for you? We were dubious, too, but B. Good's healthy array of high-quality burgers (both veggie and the real deal), crispy baked fries, and low-fat shakes accomplishes all that and more. Freshmen can munch on low-fat and reduced-calorie versions of fast-food favorites without worrying about that ominous 15. The Southwestern veggie, with fresh avocado and cilantro, is tasty enough to make you forget beef, but those still missing Mickey D's will be satisfied with the home-ground West-side burger on a whole wheat bun. In all its non-artery-clogging glory, B.Good brings a much-needed alternative to Harvard's traditional late-night eats. Burgers around $5, with fries and drink $7-7.50. Subscribe to the monthly newsletter for free burgers, smoothies, or fries. Also at 131 Dartmouth St. (617-424-5252), near the Back Bay T-stop. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Born out of a brainstorming session between 2 Harvard Business School students, Finale offers a refreshing alternative to your normal dining experience. Owners Kim Moore and Paul Conforti envisioned a restaurant devoted to desserts and created Finale, focusing on classy sweets with few appetizer-sized “preludes” (white pizza $10) available to round out your indulgent evening. While the bite-sized antipasto and spring rolls are done well, the cocktails (everything from wine to cognac to champagne) are enough to whet your appetite for the real meal. Popular items include the mouthgasmic “Molten Choclate Cake” ($11) made from a dark, rich cocoa and the “Peanut Butter Joy” ($10), a beautiful chocolate and peanut-butter cake with fudge sauce and gourmet ice cream. Enjoy with a cognac or hot toddy. Also swing by their downtown location, off the Arlington MBTA. Finale is truly one of the best places to head for dessert in the city: also a wonderful and cozy place for a date with someone special! The number one date spot for Valentine's day! This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

If you scream for ice cream, get hysterical for Herrell's. Harvard Square's premier ice cream joint features 40 of its 122 homemade flavors daily, as well as low- and non-fat frozen yogurt, sugar-free, and “no moo” vegan options. Rich and delicious standbys like Cookies n' Cream and Cafe au Lait are always satisfying, but connoisseurs will appreciate the more inventive Kentucky Bourbon Vanilla and Mud Pie flavors. Classic sundaes, banana splits, ice cream cakes ($22), and “smoosh-ins” are sure to bring a smile to your face. Consumer-conscious Herrell's also gladly rotates flavors on demand; call in to request your favorite a few days before you visit or to set up catering for study breaks and parties. When not enjoying your ice cream in Cambridge's sunny outdoors, savor your delicious dish in the fish tank, a former bank vault adorned with aquatic murals. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

The cavernous John Harvard's has long attained classic status in Harvard Square, with an almost always packed interior. The smell of the best microbrews in Cambridge lures the masses inside to a quirky combination of dark wood paneling and whimsical stained glass, inspiring a comfy and collegiate atmosphere. Appetizers are the real favorites here, but ale and porter also go down well with solid pub grub (burgers $7, fish and chips $10) and often overlooked decent dinner fare (salmon $15, filet mignon $18). After 10pm on Mondays, some appetizers are half-price for students with college ID (though alas, the "favorites," including crisp calamari and buffalo chicken strips, are no longer on the half-price list). Reservations accepted for parties of 8 or more. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

You'll feel like you're back in the 1970's, where a ten dollar bill can buy a meal for you and a friend at the local luncheonette. Breakfast is served all day, for the most part, and it will be difficult to find something over $6; un-harried service can be similarly elusive. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Formerly Pho Pasteur. The Harvard location is just one branch of a strong family tree; “Pho” is a venerated Vietnamese culinary institution which has been popping up in more and more upscale locales. Among their great deals are the famous pho (large servings of tasty noodle soup with beef or chicken strips; $5.45) and the interactive banh hoi—soak rice paper in hot water and wrap your own bundles of steamed vermicelli, cucumber, mint, and sugar cane shrimp ($9-10). Indulge in of their fine bubble teas, including mango, plum, almond, and green tea, a hearty complement to any menu selection. Don't overlook the downstairs seating; the cozy 4-table nook is well-lit by the only window in the restaurant (facing Dunster St.). To avoid embarrassment and your waiter's ridicule, just order by the number provided; objects on menu may be harder-to-pronounce than they appear. For lower prices and home-cooked versions, we recommend trekking to Allston (137 Brighton Ave., 617-783-2340). Also at 119 Newbury St. (617-262-8200). This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Template:Optometrist One of the largest selections of contact lenses in the area. Basic eye-exam $55, complete exams with contact-fitting $64-125. Professional care for contact lenses (including hard-to-fit astigmatic lenses) and glasses. Orders filled within 1-3 days. Huge variety of elegant frames $75-500, personalized by the attentive staff to fit every customer's face. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

French for “nothing special,” the 105-year-old La Flamme is often so swamped with students that you have to slog through a half-dozen back issues of Car and Driver before getting a cut. Most opinions on La Flamme are favorable, but you may want to let your roommate try it first. If nothing else, it's cheaper, safer, and generally greater than Great Cuts. Shampoo, cut, and dry for both men and women (though we've never seen a woman take this offer) $19, without shampoo $14. The staff is mostly friendly, though some only ask one question: “What number?” If you guess wrong (they want to know your preferred clipper attachment size), you'll learn, at least, for the next time. Cash/checks only. No appointments. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

They claim that people come from all over New England to revel in Le Foot's world-class collection of trendy, colorful sneakers. Le Foot Sportif satisfies the current craze over old-school sneakers, with walls covered in a plethora of Adidas, Puma, Saucony, and New Balance shoes. Every pair of shoes purchased comes with a pair of free laces (imagine that), and the Harvard insignia shirts and sweatshirts come with year-round offers for bulk purchases. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.