Is the greek life for you?

You’re standing on the quad of your new college, surrounded by tables filled with sorority and fraternity members handing out pamphlets. You’ve heard stories about Greek life. You know the stereotypes. Should you join?

The good
Joining the Greek system has some distinct advantages. If your school allows on-campus housing for Greeks, you are guaranteed a place to live that’s near your classes. Pledging a sorority or fraternity also gives you an automatic set of friends. Belonging to a fraternity or sorority can give you a sense of community.

Many fraternities and sororities also focus on volunteering. Greeks organize activities that raise millions of dollars each year for charitable causes. You may find Greeks at soup kitchens, shelters for battered women or holding Dance-A-Thons to raise awareness and funds for children with cancer.

The bad
Depending on the fraternity or sorority you choose to join, you may have to go through challenging initiations. You may be forced to obey the whims of the older members of the fraternity or sorority. Is it worth sitting on the floor at 3 a.m. sorting through a family-size bag of M&M’s to pick out all the blue ones?

Stereotypes abound for Greeks, and you’ve heard them all. If you choose to join the Greek system, it is important to defy the stereotypes. Conjure up an image of a fraternity party, and you’re probably imagining togas and beer-drinking contests. Though alcohol does often play a role in Greek life, it is not always the case.

Many universities have instituted a “dry campus” rule, which prohibits any alcohol on campus. This has encouraged fraternities and sororities to explore different activities altogether.

Advice on choosing
If you are considering joining a fraternity or sorority, choose one that fits your personality. Some organizations are very focused on the volunteer aspect while others just want to party.

It is important to find a place where your brothers and sisters have beliefs and goals similar to your own. Don’t join a fraternity because of how much fun it looks in Animal House or Legally Blonde. Find an organization with great people who you connect with and with whom you could see yourself developing close relationships.

College is about finding yourself and where you belong. Find out as much as you can about each fraternity and sorority to make sure you know what you’re in for!

Rachel Pelz is a senior at Pittsford Mendon High School in Rochester, New York.

Q: Are you planning on joining a fraternity or sorority?

A: “Yes. I like the idea of knowing you always have people who support you and that you can count on. It gives you a sense of security when you’re away from home.”—Jennifer Foti, senior, 17, Pittsford Mendon High School

A: “No. I am very independent and typically don’t get along with big groups of girls. It also costs a lot of extra money. I plan on doing a lot of other things with my time.” —Leigh Partain, 18, freshman, Auburn University

A: “I couldn’t see myself joining one right now, but people can change. They’re fun, but to belong to one involves so many obligations.”—Sahand Rabhani, 17, freshman, Stanford University 

A: “Yes. My brother, my father, and my cousin are all Kappas.”—Neadom Walton, 18, freshman, SUNY Brockport

A: “It depends on the college environment. If I end up going to a college that encourages sororities, I would be more likely to join.”—Libby Brush, 17, senior Pittsford Mendon High School 

A: “I don’t know. It would be fun, but I’m scared of what I might have to do to join one.”—Carrie Fazio,18, freshman, SUNY Oswego

A: “No. Most fraternities are just drinking and hanging out, and that’s not what I want to do.”—Aaron Fetterman, 17, senior, Pittsford Mendon High School 

A: “Maybe, to meet people and get involved.”—Katie Riecke,18, freshman, Penn State University

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