Life in a sorority house at James Madison University is far from what is depicted in movies and television shows. The houses aren't mansions, we don't have a personal chef, and we don't get a massive room and closet to ourselves. We are basically living in a glorified dorm!
My GBig and my Big lived in the house, so obviously I had to continue the fam legacy; however, no one told me the truth about living in the house before I signed the contract. "Live in the house," they said. "It'll be the best experience of your life in college," they said... and they were right. I made the greatest friends this past year, got more involved in my sorority, and learned to live with others even when I just wanted to be alone or at home in New Jersey; however, it wasn't always smooth sailing and the house isn't always the right environment for some people.
Living with 27 of your sorority sisters can be overwhelming, but here is everything you need to know about living in a sorority house at JMU.
1. Greek Row is a prime location on campus.
The row may be secluded to its own corner of campus, but it's a convenient distance from basically everything (besides East Campus, but hey, that's what buses are for). One of the best perks of living in one of the sorority houses is being able to wake up 10 minutes before your 8 a.m. Statistics class in Roop Hall and still make it with time to spare since the Quad is only a short distance from the row... maybe a longer distance if you're in Gamma Phi or ADPi. Bridgeforth Stadium is across Newman Lake and you can actually hear the games from the comfort of your home. And if you're ever in need of a quick meal or snack before heading to your three-hour EXED 440 lecture, Chick-Fil-A, the food trucks, and now the new D-Hall are at the top of the row. What more could you ask for?
2. You have a roommate... again.
While most of your friends will be living off campus with their own bedroom and bathroom, you will be living with a roommate in what seems like a cell with very limited closet space. Unfortunately, you also have to share a bathroom with 14 girls, which means three stalls and two showers. Ever try all going out together? Good luck claiming a shower and mirror space!
3. The house is like one massive closet.
Don't have an outfit for the night? Check your roommate's closet. Can't find your favorite denim skirt? Look through your neighbor's drawers. Need business casual clothes for a presentation or chapter? Knock on some doors and throw a text in the house group chat. You're sure to find something!
4. Don't expect to have any privacy.
5. You're never truly alone.
If you're ever having a bad day, someone is always there to cheer you up or to cry with you. It's pretty hard to slide by being upset since these girls are living with you and know when something is not right. More importantly, if you're having a great day, someone is always there to celebrate with you and cheer you on. Maybe 27 girls in one house isn't such a bad thing.
6. Quiet spaces don't exist.
Get used to late nights in Carrier because studying in the house is near impossible. Also, if you're a grandma, like me, and like to go to sleep before 11 p.m., maybe try earplugs and melatonin.
7. You'll never have to worry about parking.
Living on campus for a second year has its perks once again since parking will never be an issue. We all know how the parking situation is at JMU and being able to watch from the sidelines while people fight over spots is pretty entertaining. If you do choose to bring your car to school, you get to park in the R2 lot across from Jimmy John's and Tutti Gusti. Just watch out for Parking Services if you do choose to move your car at any point!
8. Movie nights and "The Bachelor" watch parties are totally a thing.
What better way to spend your Monday nights than to watch "The Bachelor" with a group of the house girls? Or maybe watch that RomCom you've been dying to see together. Order in food and have a movie night full of laughing, crying, and of course, eating.
9. You'll never have to get food alone.
Living on the row means living on campus which means having a meal plan. While some people may love the thought of not having to cook for themselves, others may be horrified by this thought. Have no fear because you will almost never have to walk to get food alone since someone will always be down to go with you.
10. Living in the house is super convenient.
Meetings, workshops, Greek Sing practices, and recruitment all take place in the house. There is definitely an advantage to this, especially during recruitment, besides the fact that hundreds of strangers will be in and out of your room. If a meeting is taking place, you can just roll out of bed and head to the basement, while other sisters will have to drive back to campus and hopefully find parking.
