It's that time of year at SEC schools -- the time when a shiny, new pledge class shows up on your sorority lawn. New guys are starting to anticipate fraternity rush, and all of the sorority girls in the world are out and about showing off their new turtle buddies, owl pals, etc. While it's the most exciting time of year (besides March Madness hear at University of Kentucky), it can be scary to be semi-responsible for new humans. You have to make sure they survive in this big world, especially these first few weeks of college.
It's no secret that everyone thinks their new pledge class is the smartest and hottest on campus. I'm guilty of bragging about this to all of my friends. My bid day buddy is quite possibly my identical twin, and you can bet money that I spend my days looking at all the new members' Instagram accounts now that I'm finally allowed to follow them. I'm excited to have all of my perfect new sisters, and I feel like it is my duty to provide them with my plethora of knowledge and advice.
1. Do as much as you can as soon as you can.
Everyone says they want to get involved, but you have to actually do it. Participate in as many events as you possibly can. You'll meet a million people this way. You'll meet people in your pledge class, girls in older pledge classes, and people in other organizations. These will turn into your best memories and some of your proudest moments.
2. Go to lunch with the girls who send an open invite in your GroupMe.
I know it might seem awkward to just show up and hang out with girls you don't necessarily know, but they're you're sisters. They want to meet you. They want to hang out with you and meet new people. They wouldn't have said anyone's welcome if they didn't mean it. Putting yourself out there is how you will end up making some of your best friends. I can't tell you how many times I showed up at Ovid's and just sat with girls that I had never talked to. You're all new, nervous, and anxious to make friends.
3. Don't settle into cliques.
One of the things I love most about my sorority is that there aren't any cliques, there are tons of friend groups. You need to become friends with as many girls as possible and not just settle into one set group. It's the best when you're comfortable with literally every girl.
4. Be proud to wear your letters.
You always hear people say that you're representing your sorority even when you aren't literally wearing your letters, and it's honestly true. Get used to people asking you what house you're in right after you get introduced. Answer with pride because I hope you genuinely have that much love for your sorority. Your sisters hand picked you because they believe that you belong in their house. You should realize how special that is.
5. Form a study group.
You will be so thankful that you did this. Once exam week rolls around, your late study nights in the library, your sorority house, your dorm floor, or your bigs house will literally save your life. There will be nights when your brain is simply fried and can't go any further. That's when your sorority sisters will be there to help you and give you a fresh perspective.
6. Get your work done, but don't be afraid to go out on a random weeknight.
Your school work is obviously the most important part of college, but it really is vital that you have fun times to look back on after you leave school and enter the real world. Nobody ever says that they wish they would have gone out less. You'll cherish the hilarious, crazy stories that come out of those random nights. You'll always remember that horrible date you had to your Halloween date party. Don't stress too much, and make sure you make the most of your time in college.
7. Turn off your Netflix and go do something.
Don't be that girl who sits in her dorm all the time. I love a good night as much as the next person, but sometimes you just have to get out and do something. It could be something simple like going out for ice cream, running down to the store, or hanging out with your friends on the floor below you. Just get up and get out.
8. Always choose your sisters over any guy.
Boys will come and go, but sisters are forever. You might think you're absolutely in love with a guy, but there's always the chance that things won't work out. Your sisters will be there for you when you're ugly crying in your room, when you want to eat an entire tub of ice cream, and when you want to go out and dance with someone new. Sisters before misters, that's all I need to really need to say about that one.
9. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Everyone wants your transition to college to be a smooth one. The older girls in your sorority spent weeks awaiting your arrival and hand picking you out of a ridiculous number of girls. They're here to help you, and they will always be honest with you.
10. Live in your sorority house, if you have one.
This is something I'm sure you'll hear all the time, but it's really such a unique experience. Living with 40+ girls can be tough at times, but there are undoubtedly more perks to this than faults. What could be better than having that many closets to choose from when you're headed out for the night?
11. Go with the flow.
I know that having 200 plus girls screaming and chanting at you at random times can seem kind of creepy at first, but you can't deny the fact that it gets you hype to be there. Ritual will probably freak you at first glance too, but you'll come to realize how intimate, personal, and special it truly is. Try to keep an open mind and realize that there's a reason behind everything.
12. Make friends in other houses.
Am I too cliche if I say that the girls in my Gamma Chi group are still my best friends? I was the only girl in the group who joined my house, but we all remained close despite our parting paths. They truly have become like family to me, and they have been there through the ups and downs of my freshman year. It's nice to be able to simply decompress and vent to girls outside of my sorority sometimes.
13. Take as many pictures as you can.
This, in my mind, is the most important piece of advice I can give you. No picture can truly capture how much you'll be having when you meet your best friends. No Snapchat will ever portray just how hard you were laughing when your friend was dancing on the DJ stand at a fraternity party. At least with picture you'll be able to look back and remember. You'll look at a picture of you and your friends simply smiling, and you'll remember how long it took you to pick an outfit. You'll remember how your purse strap got stuck in the elevator door while you were headed downstairs to meet your driver. You'll remember eating your pizza out of the box before you even get home after you walk home late at night. Pictures make for the best memories, and you'll cherish them forever.
