Coming to a Big 10 school I knew I wanted to get the full college experience by being a part of Greek Life. While deciding to go through recruitment, I was hesitant as I always feared the worst would happen. But, it became a truly amazing process that helped me find out about myself and what I valued. I hope this article can provide some fun and helpful information of stuff that I feared before going through the formal recruitment process.

1. It is NOTHING like the movies.

As much as I want to say it's running around in short-shorts and having pillow fights consistently, unfortunately it is not. All the time I spend at our chapter house is either for chapter meetings, enjoying a nice meal, or studying. Greek life has taught me to be more studious and work towards my goals, as it benefits the chapter and all the women motivate each other to do their best.

2. Being real and down to Earth will make it enjoyable.

During the recruitment process, and going to specific houses multiple times for extended periods of time, I found that if I was the real me and not putting on a fake front, it was more enjoyable. I didn't have to worry about keeping up an act and think the older girls would notice a change. So I let myself be my polite and proper self but also my goofy and funny self. This is also personal preference but, I found that not experimenting with elaborate makeup helped me. I did natural but put together makeup and that really help me feel like myself without having to keep up with some extravagant look day-after-day.

3. You aren't limiting friendships to solely 150 (plus or minus) women.

One of the most amazing things that I have gained after the recruitment process is the amount of friendship. Yes, I have almost 160 women to call my sisters and friends but, I have also gained friends from almost every chapter. Whether it is during recruitment, philanthropy events, or socials it has allowed me to branch out and meet so many new men and women. My social circle is broad and it's so nice to walk into a huge lecture hall and you are almost guaranteed to see a familiar face.

4. Don't look at stigmas with every house.

It's easy to get caught up in rumors and stereotypes. But, it's as simple as this: every house has fun and goes out, every house hangs out with fraternity men, and every sorority has pretty women. It's so easy to have preconceived notions of a house before going into it, but try and be as open-minded as possible because it benefits YOU in the long run.

Hopefully these tips will help you find your new home away from home with ease. And when in doubt, just be you.