Many women, especially at large universities, partake in sorority recruitment every year in hopes that they get to run home to their forever home at the end of the week. This time can be nervewracking, overwhelming, exciting, and so much more, but in the end, it is so worth it.
Picture it: bid day, cute theme, cute outfits, your new ~sisters~ that are so excited to officially meet you, and endless amounts of opportunity for you to succeed thanks to your new home. Many people would picture that and say it's not for them, and that's okay, but I encourage you to make the leap and try it out because it is extremely beneficial. I can assure you, it's better to try than think "what if?"
With that being said, here are a couple of reasons why I think being in a sorority is more than worth the money.
1. Inexpensive living.
Personal Photo
Sorority houses can be majorly overwhelming, even as a member. However, the rent is unbeatable, the location is so convenient, and the place itself is usually a bigger version of a Barbie dream house.
Many of the houses have so many occupants, that the rent of a big house is offset and is typically one of the cheapest living options for a college woman.
Also, there is no need to worry about a 12-month lease or subleasing when you live in a house that is only open during the school year, which is pretty nice. The best part, in many people's opinion, is the experience you get from living in the house as well.
Sharing a room with one to three of your closest sisters, sharing closets with the entire house, being at the hub of all the social aspects, and all your meals prepared for you just a short walk downstairs... when else will someone be able to have this experience?
2. Meals, meals, meals.
This is a big one for so many people. The dues can get pricey, but most of the money for dues go towards a meal plan in many chapters all over the country.
In my personal chapter, we have lunch and dinner five days a week. These meals saved my life as a broke college student. Even though you are inevitably paying for these meals upfront, having them available deters many women from eating out as much, spending excess amounts on groceries, and spending even more money.
Plus, the meals are often super delicious and literally cooked for you, so it's definitely worth heading to the house and taking advantage of those meals.
3. Lifelong friends.
Personal Photo
After only a semester in my chapter, I have become so close with women that I never would've known otherwise. As a woman that joined a sorority as a sophomore, I truly have seen what an impact this community has made on my social life.
Not only have I met my long lost best friends from within my chapter, but I have earned the true meaning of a community and have really embraced the #panlove.
Thanks to the recruitment experience itself that I had to go through to get into a chapter and other events, I have so many friends in other Panhellenic and fraternity chapters.
4. Networking and connections.
How many times have you been in a situation where you became closer to someone you just met because they have something in common with you or you guys are both members of the same community?
Well, this stands true for the future as a Panhellenic woman. In many cases, you can meet so many people that can further you in your career through sorority life and you may even get a job because you were Greek affiliated.
Take advantage of the fact that you are part of a large chapter and an even larger Greek community by going out and meeting other chapter women!
5. An opportunity to better yourself.
The best part about being in a sorority, in my opinion, is having a group of people always encouraging you to be your best. Whether it be your sisters, your fam, or even women from other chapters in the Greek community (#panlove is so real),
Greek women are all about empowerment and being the best version of you. Many women, from within your chapter especially, will always be there to make sure your mental health is on point, you're focusing on school, making sure you have a social life, and so much more.
I can truly say being in a sorority has made me a healthier and improved version of myself.
There are so many stereotypes surrounding sororities and Greek life as a whole, but I challenge everyone to look beyond those stigmas. If you have even the slightest interest in joining a sorority, the benefits heavily outweigh the negatives. As a panhellenic/sorority woman I can now confidently say I am a better me because I joined my chapter.
I am a better me because my sisters push me to do my best. I am a better me because of Greek life and all the wonderful aspects it has to offer. Don't hold back and discover what lies within, because if you're not already a member of a sorority, you have no idea how much you are missing.
