The CW’s Gossip Girl is one of my all-time favorite series. And while currently marathoning it on Netflix, I can’t help but compare the characters’ glamorous, fashion-and-high-society-fueled world in New York City to the stereotypical college student lifestyle (keep in mind I say "stereotypes" in the lightest sense of the word, meaning what people assume).
Spotted: Your favorite characters out of the Upper East Side and on your college campus instead.
Serena Van Der Woodsen
Truth is, if Serena were in a sorority, her reputation probably wouldn’t be that different than it is on the show. She’s the scandalous it-girl who always has an attractive guy on her arm, effortlessly tousled hair and a swirl of rumors following her wherever she goes.
She’d most likely dabble into her party-girl lifestyle from time-to-time, but underneath that attention-grabbing sparkle is a girl who really does care a whole lot for her friends. By her junior or senior year, she’d probably be going out less and funneling that energy back into her sisterhood in full force.
Blair Waldorf 
Blair is the girl we all love to hate. Beautiful, wealthy, in-control and definitely willing to knock somebody down on her climb to the top. She’d be the super put-together socialite who really does somehow manage to do it all (thanks in part to her designer planner). So I’m sure the leading lady of the Upper East side would be one fierce and ruthless sorority president.
Her reputation on campus probably wouldn’t be formed strictly by a population of admirers, but without a doubt Blair would put her chapter and her sisters first. From the outside looking in, she fits into the control-freak stereotype, but this girl is so much more than that! She is, to the core, a loyal friend.
Chuck Bass
Ah Chuck Bass. What girl could resist that intense gaze? Sure, he has a reputation as an undeniable player who’s probably intermingled with many of your friends/acquaintances/family members, but he’s that one fraternity superstar who, although nobody quite understands why, can be so charming.
Nate Archibald
Nate is the ultimate preppy and attractive golden boy whose name is probably scribbled onto way too many notebook covers. He’s the it-boy on campus, who despite seeming to have it all, somehow has this humbleness about him that makes it all the more desirable
Like any guy new to college, Nate will surely revel in all the beautiful women and get a little distracted at all his new-found freedom. But everyone knows that he craves more than anything a solid relationship to keep him grounded. You’re more likely to catch him snuggling up for some Netflix, than going out to the events he’s expected to make an appearance at.
Jenny Humphrey
Unfortunately, I can’t imagine Jenny staying Greek for very long if she decided to give it a try. On the show, her character had a complete roller coaster ride through her search for identity and meaningful relationships. And it wasn’t without a lot of screw-ups and stumbles along the way.
That being said, Jenny craved being the center of attention more than she would ever admit out loud, and she would certainly be the same in a sorority chapter. She’ll do anything to try and win over loyalty and gain some type of high position. But ultimately, I see her disaffiliating and wanting to define herself on her own terms. But on the bright side, she’ll probably keep some of the friends she made and potentially realize that not everyone has to be a minion.
Vanessa Abrams
Vanessa, being the creative and focused individual she is, would be more likely to join a smaller Greek organization that concentrated in either the arts or academics. Despite this, Vanessa wouldn’t isolate herself to just one type of crowd.
The girl is pretty charming and friendly and is the ideal candidate to be capable of being the "floater" in college who exists in multiple social circles at once. Aside from the wide variety of people she can get along with, she definitely values her closest circle and prioritizes them.
Dan Humphrey
Lonely Boy has quite the surprising story arc of his own on the show (I won’t spoil for those who haven’t watched). Daniel would of course be the outsider looking in once all of his friends joined Greek life.
However, not being a part of the Upper East Side on the show eventually doesn't stop him from eventually finding a place among the people who are. Similarly, I’d bet Dan would make a lot of great friends (both Greek and non-Greek) that would allow him to quickly ditch the lonely nickname.
Lily Bass
She’s rich, beautiful and seems to have a never-ending list of connections. If Lily Bass/Van Der Woodsen/Humphrey had anything to do with Greek Life, she’d by far be the on-top-of-things alumni who exercises way too much control over the ongoings of current chapter life.
On Gossip Girl, Lily had a lot of ups and downs with her kids, and I sure she’d be the same with the younger, active members of the chapter. She’s not one to back away from a challenge. And if she’s putting her money down for anything to do with the sorority house renovations, she sure as heck will be dictating everything down to couch cushions.
Rufus Humphrey
If Rufus had been a frat guy in college, I have a strong feeling he would live by the motto that age is but a number. He’s the alumni who still shows up for every single tailgate. And if he has the opportunity to party with the youngsters and relive his glory days, he’ll be all for it.
Now since Rufus would’ve likely studied music in college, I’m sure he would use his bountiful connections in the arts cliques to encourage his former reputation the rock-god. Despite his refusal to be accept his middle age, he’d gladly overextend himself for any of the guys in need.
All of the Gossip Girl characters have very distinctive and strong personality traits that caused them to bump heads many times throughout the series. If they were in a Greek type setting, those differences would no doubt remain. However, this is what bring them closer and allows them to realize more things about themselves than they thought possible.
I think that if they were Greek, they’d find themselves getting some answers too. Nevertheless, the characters teach us something valuable about friendships in college and beyond. When people are different and come together, it can really create something unexpectedly special.
XOXO
