Having lived on Frat Row my freshman year of college, I’ve attended my fair share of fraternity parties. It’s astonishing to see how some girls behave themselves at fraternity events and the trouble that can be caused. No matter who’s hosting, every party has a little bit of drama due to some rule breaking and poor knowledge of fraternity party etiquette.
With summer quickly coming to a close and back-to-school fast approaching, you’re bound to receive an invite to a frat party sooner or later. After an extensive search muddled in with some complaints I’ve heard from friends, I’ve come up with a list of some basic rules to follow when attending the next shindig at your local fraternity.
1. Be the guest you want to host
This should go without saying, but don’t get so wild that there’s word of kicking you out. Put yourself in the host’s Sperry's and imagine how you would feel having to put up with the things that go down at a party. If you’re fine owning up to what you did at that frat party last night, by all means go ahead and do it again, but if you’re going to be embarrassed by it tomorrow morning, stop and reconsider your actions. Help keep the sober brothers' lives easier by keeping the drama to a minimum.
2. Do not booze and schmooze
Showing up to a party with the sole intention of drinking for free is slightly pathetic, yet your typical fraternity party will have a handful of these types of people walking around. If this is you, please find your nearest exit and evacuate immediately, as you’re bound to be a party pooper and are not deserving of this fraternity’s libations.
3. If you can’t stand, don’t sit
No one wants to be the one to clean up your rum and Coke mess, but someone’s gotta do it. If you're over 21, control your alcohol intake and drink responsibly. Keep in mind that this is someone's home. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be lying on the floor unable to move to have a good time. Know your limits!
4. What’s theirs is not yours
Some girls attend frat parties with one objective in mind: to leave with something that’s not theirs. All too many times I’ve seen girls walk out with old stolen formal shirts, cool vintage flags, and one time, a space heater. (Seriously?!) These do not belong to you, nor are you entitled to it. Competitions with your friends to see who can grab the coolest thing should cease immediately. You’re a guest and should behave as one. Please stop, and while you’re at it, return what isn’t yours.
5. Dress with the theme
There’s nothing better than a great theme (The Great Fratsby and America are a some of my favorites) and finding outfits to match. Themes are meant to spice the party up and are the perfect excuse to visit your local Goodwill, so there’s really no excuse to come in your standard party outfit. Grab your friends and head over to your nearest thrift store.
Keep these at the back of your mind the next time you’re stomping around at your favorite fraternity. They were gracious enough to invite you, so be appreciative and show them some love and respect. After all, they hold the power of the pen when it comes to extending you another invite, so you'll be glad you made a good impression with these tips.
