Sororities are great options for several people. Sororities support great causes and can create lifelong friendships. They introduce you to so many people, from alumni, to other members of Greek life. Although Greek life is a big part of the college experience for some people, it is not necessary for everyone. Many people do not have an interest in joining Greek life, and that’s okay.
You will still make friends if you don’t join a sorority. You still will have new classes every semester, so you will be able to meet new people with every new class. You have so many opportunities to join other organizations that will introduce you to people. Throughout college, you will meet people through your other friends. College is all about meeting new people, so it is not even close to limited to meeting people through Greek life.
In place of Greek life, you can participate in several other organizations. These organizations might be better if you have very specific interests. While sororities all participate in philanthropy, you might not find a sorority that focuses on your area of interest. For example, if you are specifically passionate about helping refugees in Syria, you might not find a sorority that focuses on that, but you are more likely to find an organization that does specializes in overseas humanitarian relief. You could also start a group that focuses on your interests. Through joining or creating groups that you are truly interested, you will meet several people who share the same interests and values.
College is incredibly time consuming, and you can never do it all. If you feel that you don’t have the time to commit to a sorority, that is a completely valid argument. Sororities can be very time consuming, so it would be incredibly difficult to participate in Greek life, participate in all of the activities you heard about at the student organization festival, have an on-campus job, and maintain your sanity. You will have to manage your time in some way, and it’s a completely legitimate reason to not participate in Greek life.
There are also other organizations that functions like sororities. If you want some of the recruitment experience or if you want a Big or a Little, you can join a business or service fraternity. These fraternities are very similar to the traditional social sororities, but are normally cheaper and take less time commitment.
These ideas are all good options for people who can’t afford to participate in Greek life because of the cost. I’ve never looked closely into the cost of sororities, but I have heard from several people that it is very expensive. You shouldn’t feel obligated to spend money on a sorority because you’re worried about missing out. Most organizations cost very little compared to Greek life, which is better financially for many people.
There is nothing wrong with Greek life. I think it’s an amazing opportunity and has exponential benefits, but people shouldn’t feel obligated to participate. It’s important to remember that no one will make fun of you for not participating in Greek life. You have so many opportunities to make the best out of college, whether you decide to participate or not.
