Small school Greek life is its own world, much different from big schools and what you see on TV. We have a small community that is like a big family. There are some advantages to joining small school Greek life that you might not think of. What we lack in big mansions, we make up for with genuinely amazing sisters.
1. Greek Unity
When it comes down to it, our Greek family can rally together. We join forces to raise money for members in need, create fun events for campus, and show school spirit at football games.
2. Cheaper Dues
Even though I would love to live in a beautiful sorority house, my bank account thinks otherwise. SmallTown, USA doesn't allow Greek housing, so we just live on-campus. This is how we can have cheaper dues -- even though it evens out in the end with room & board. We just pay the university instead of nationals.
3. I actually know my sisters.
And all the members of the other sororities. At my school, the pledge classes are only about nine - twelve members. This is great because I actually can tell you something about all my sisters. I've even become great friends with alumnae, even though we didn't go to undergrad at the same time.
4. Big Little is a BIG deal.
At larger schools, you don't usually get to know you're big sister very long before you get her. They also start crafting way beforehand because they don't have much time to buy presents. The advantage of having a small chapter is that we can get closer to our big sister's before we choose who we want. And your big has time to get you personalized gifts that are just for you. Trust me, we still go all out on our littles!
5. We really don't haze.
I cannot imagine putting someone I call a sister through the torture of hazing. At smaller schools, rumors and secrets spread like wildfire. So, luckily when people ask what the craziest thing I had to do to get into my sorority, I can honestly say, "pay $250."
6. Homecoming and Greek Week are the highlight of our semesters.
During Greek Week and Homecoming, we get to compete with the other organizations. This includes choreographing a dance. Practice is a fun way we get closer to our sisters, and to whoever we are running with. Both weeks end in a huge celebration, and arguably the biggest parties your small school will ever see.
7. Recruitment is more genuine.
At a smaller school, we are actually able to get to know the girls going through recruitment. You don't have to hike around to a bunch of houses and we cut out a lot of unnecessary things larger schools have. You get a much better sense of what the sorority you are joining is like. We truly only give bids to girls we already see as our sister.
