Bags are packed, belongings gathered, goodbyes given and excitement at the tip of their fingers; hundreds of thousands of college freshmen are counting down the days until move-in day. Not knowing what to expect, what to do or where to go, college is like another world to these freshmen. They are like kids in a candy shop with all of the freedom they now have, the independence and the chance to do whatever, whenever, wherever they want all year long. For many college students they debate whether to join a fraternity or sorority on their college campus. Not knowing what to expect many turn a blind eye to the Greek system and do not even give it a chance.
For you lost, confused, curious or interested male college freshmen here are seven reasons why rushing a fraternity is worth it in the long run.
1. It's a great way to meet new people.
Whether you know people who are attending the same college as you, or you may not know a single soul rushing a fraternity is the easiest way to meet quality good guys on the first day. When you rush a house you are overwhelmed with names, faces and experiences. It is easy to fit in because with the variety of different guys there are in that one house, it will be easy for you to find your friend group, get involved and have a great year.
2. It gets you involved.
Fraternities are not all about partying and drinking. They have duties, codes and morals that they have to uphold. They have to listen to their ELC, or their chapter representative to live up to their duties in and out of the classroom. Each fraternity has a yearly philanthropy, or a community service event where they get all of Greek life to attend. Being a part of a Greek system gets you involved in the community by participating in groups on campus that have nothing to do with Greek life, they require to have a certain number of community service hours each semester which is great because you get to help those in your community and at the community at larger.
3. The social scene.
Yes, college isn’t all about partying and having a good time, but let me tell you. Having a good time, and letting loose once in a while is what college is for and that is what fraternities are for. Fraternities throw themed parties, functions with sororities and let’s just face it. They know how to have a good time. Whether you like to party, or hit the books, having the opportunity to go out whenever you want, and always have someone to go out with is always a plus. You decide if you want to go out or not, just because you are in a fraternity doesn’t mean you cant stay in and study or God forbid go to bed at an early time. Being in a fraternity is an experience, you get to decide exactly what type of experience you want to have.
4. Networking.
Besides from partying and philanthropies, the reason we all go to college is to get a degree. Some may go to college just to get away from their parents, but in hind sight, you are there to get a degree and hopefully do something with that degree. One of the best resources a fraternity has is their alumni. Every year, thousands and thousands and thousands of Greek members in every single fraternity nationwide graduate college, get jobs and even run their own business. With numbers and emails so accessible to alumni that can help you build your resume, get internships, help you out in school and even get you jobs is the number one reason why you should rush a fraternity.
5. Brotherhood.
What this means is family. Like a sports team or a club you were a part in while you attended college rushing a fraternity means you are joining another family. With the ups and downs they will be there for support, guidance, and motivation. They will be there to ask the most out of you, and they will never let you sit on your morals. They pride themselves in tradition, a certain specific set or morals, values and beliefs which help mold you into a better man every single day.
6. A great support system.
A fraternity is a home away from home, a second family. When you join a fraternity you will meet guys that will be in your wedding, guys that will get to know your family and will be in your life forever. They are people that will have your back through thick or thin, they are guys that will be there for you no matter what.
7. It keeps your head on straight.
Being away from home people tend to let themselves go, not go to class and just rot in their room. Being a part of a fraternity you have to hold a certain GPA, you have to have a certain number of study hours to keep your grades. Having brothers that hold you accountable is all you need when you are in college.
