I remember when I went through recruitment. Oh, that was probably both the worst and the best weekend of my entire life. I had no idea what to expect going into it, but I knew it was going to be a long weekend. How on Earth was I going to choose which place to call home? They say that it’s not just for four years, but for a lifetime. The only analogy that I can come up with is that it’s like speed dating and in the end you’re accepting an engagement ring (a bid) for a lifetime. So, how do you keep your sanity and choose the right place to all home? Have no fear ladies, take it from a girl who has been in your shoes.

1. Be Yourself

As cliché as it sounds, being yourself is the top priority when going through recruitment. You need to be honest because if you aren’t and you give answers that you think that house wants to hear, you could either 1, come off as rehearsed, or 2, end up with a group of girls that you don’t feel yourself in.

2. Do NOT Rank Your Lists To Match Up With Your Best Friend's

I know college is scary as a freshman, you’re in a new element without mom and dad. So you get what I call a “bungee buddy.” This is typically your high school best friend or your roommate. One person that you do quite literally, everything with. It’s your safety net. I had one. It’s part of growing up to cut that bungee. That’s great to have a close friend, but do not, I repeat, do not create your list of go backs or rank the houses to match up to your friends. This is a huge no, no.

Honestly, what if those houses ask your friend back and not you? You are two different people and you need to find the home that is fit for you. If you end up like me and my college best friend, that’s amazing and you’re probably soulmates. She and I didn’t make our lists like each other, she actually was going in wanting a certain house but we stuck to the process and it was well worth it to open up our bid cards and run home together.

3. Get LOTS Of Sleep

This will be the longest few days of your life. Get lots of rest and hydration at the end of each day. I would suggest chamomile tea. It just helps you relax and stay calm.

4. Do NOT bring up the 3 B's (Booze, Boys, Bud)

Otherwise known as the three B’s. You’re in college and you now do what you want. You are going through recruitment to find a group of girls to help mold you into a woman and create lifelong friends to call your sisters. That being said, the three B’s have no place in the conversations you will be having. Steer clear of those conversations.

Booze is part of college and it makes it look like you want to go Greek to party. Boys-- obviously it’s a known fact that sororities have mixers or socials with the fraternities. Don’t bring it up. You are not joining a sorority to meet guys. And Bud, come on, that’s illegal no matter what your age is.

5. DON'T Stress

This is easier said than done. But just keep in mind why you’re doing this. It will all be worth it in the end. Just keep telling yourself that you will end up where you belong. The girls always do. Just have faith in the process.

6. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Seriously. You will thank me later. You will be doing a lot of walking and standing. You want to be confident and have your mind in the conversations you are having and not on your aching feet. I wore cute flat sandals each day. At some schools, girls wear wedges. Just go with what make you feel comfortable.

7. Do NOT Wear A Watch

At my school, we weren’t allowed to anyway. But, knowing me, whenever I wear one of my basic MK watches, I always want to look down at it. It comes across as rude so if you can help it, I would stick to cute bracelets and leave the watch at home.

8. Be Confident

You know yourself better than anyone else. Answer questions honestly. It’s going to feel like speed dating and it’s going to feel like a job interview, however, the sisters of each house are just trying to get to know you just as much as you are trying to get to know them and their chapter. Know yourself and show yourself. Don’t be shy! This is for my introverted girls. It’s going to be harder for you to open up and talk but try to! It’ll be worth it! I promise.

9. Trust Your Pi Chis!

They’re called all different kinds of names (recruitment counselors). It varies by the university but, basically they’re the girls who have selflessly disaffiliated from their homes to help you find yours. They have been through training to help guide you and help you through the process. They have also been in your shoes so trust them and talk to them whenever you need to! That’s what they are there for.

10. Do NOT Contact The Sisters Of ANY Chapter For ANY Reason

This is probably the biggest “No-No” of them all. If you felt like you really connected to a sister of a certain organization, that’s amazing! But, you cannot in any way, shape, or form contact them. Not on Instagram, not via Facebook, or Twitter. This can not only jeopardize your chances of receiving a bid from that chapter, it doesn’t look good on your part, and that sister is required by Panhellenic to report that to keep her or her chapter from getting fined. There are strict rules in place for a reason. Dirty rushing is no joke and there are rules in place really to protect you so just play by the rules.

11. Be Respectful

Especially during preference ceremonies. Each chapter has secrets that bond them and Preference Day is their time to share a part of that with you. So be respectful and attentive.

12. Do NOT Take Anything Out Of The House

I'm talking about the smallest things! Even a tissue! Anything that you take with you from a house or chapter is considered a "gift" and that chapter can be fined or get in a lot of trouble. So for your sake and for theirs, just be aware.

13. Live In The Moment

This is one of the most exciting times not only in college but of your life! Enjoy every minute and just take it all in. Take pictures and make friends, who knows… Some might end up being your pledge sisters. Live in each moment. This is the time of your life.

14. RUN...QUICKLY!

Now, we aren’t all track starts but, when you tear open that bid and tears come streaming down your face, run! Run fast because, you, my dear, have just found your home. (I literally just got chills writing that.) Run into the arms of your sisters and hear their chants. Enjoy your bid night party. You deserve it.

Rush was the best experience of my life. Enjoy it, ladies.