Growing up with two brothers, I have never had to live in close proximity to girls my age. Of course, I went to sleepovers, but one night doesn't compare to an entire school year. When I moved in August, I had to quickly adjust to a house full of girls. it was difficult at first, but now I can't imagine living anywhere else. It has definitely been one of the most interesting experiences of my life, but I wouldn't change a thing. I have found my best friends and some of the best people I know in this house. Some people have negative opinions about sororities and sorority houses, but they have never experienced the incredible things that come them.
Cherish your privacy.
Carson Greenwell
I have three roommates who I love dearly. We get along great and we enjoy being together, but we all enjoy our alone time. Our schedules line up to where we each get our own time during the day to be alone in our room and having that alone time is truly a gift. When there are girls constantly coming in and out of the house and knocking on our door, it's nice to have some peace and quiet.
There really are tons of closets to choose from.
Carson Greenwell
When you're living in a dorm, your closet space is usually limited. The same goes for a sorority house. At the beginning of the school year I meticulously picked out the clothes I thought was most important to bring to school and those are the ones I brought and the ones I'm stuck with. Luckily, I have three roommates who are more than willing to share their wardrobe with me and sixty other girls in the house who are my go-to's if I'm in a pinch.
If you don't label your food, consider it gone.
Madison Grzesiak
60+ girls. One industrial refrigerator. Tons of leftovers and favorite foods individually labeled with the owner's name and the date it was put in the fridge. We're given meals in the house, but on the weekend, it's every woman for herself. If there's something in the fridge without a name on it, it's basically fair game. I learned this the hard way, and one of the most important things I've learned is to grab a Sharpie as soon as I bring home food.
There's always someone to talk to.
Carson Greenwell
If it's the middle of the day or the middle of the night, there is always someone ready to help you through anything and everything. There's a culmination of sophomores, juniors, and seniors living in my sorority house and the upperclassmen are wiser than most people give them credit for. Whether it's school-related or just life in general, there's usually someone who has been through a similar situation and can offer their advice. Even if they haven't experienced whatever you're going through, they're always ready to listen.
And, there's always someone willing to give you rides.
Claire Dyar
If you're fortunate enough to score a spot in the sorority parking lot, you don't have to worry about walking to your car in the pouring rain or freezing temps. My car isn't very close to the house, so when I'm in a hurry I know that any of my sisters with nearby cars will be willing to help me out. Whether it's driving me to my car or even driving me wherever I need to go, I can always count on my sisters.
Everyone deserves to be treated with respect.
Carson Greenwell
With 60 girls living under one roof, you hear a lot of things. You hear about who got what score on this exam, who got this job, who didn't get this job, who broke up with who and who got broken up with, and so many others. Living so close to people can give you an insight into what's going on in their lives, but it's really only a small glimpse. Even though you may feel like you have an idea of their struggles, it's hard to truly understand what they're going through. Whatever you hear in a sorority house should be treated like something you hear from your best friend.
It's perfectly fine to ask people for help.
Carson Greenwell
I'm not sure I've convinced you that living in my sorority house has been one of the best experiences of my college career. I've always been a very independent person, and I still am, but I've learned that along with giving rides and their advice, sorority women are always ready to lend a helping hand. We're all used to putting in long hours to prepare for recruitment, bid day, and philanthropy events but we're never tired of helping out our sisters. From homework to job applications, someone is always willing to help if you just ask. Learning how to ask people for help wasn't easy, but it's nothing to be ashamed about and you might just learn something from them.
Be okay with saying no.
Carson Greenwell
Someone is always going to ask you to hang out or go do this or go do that. If you don't want to go, you don't have to go. There's always, always another time to go out and have fun and just because you think all your friends are going doesn't mean you have to go. Your grades, your happiness, and your mental health are not worth a night of fun you were afraid to say no to.
