At the University of Tennessee, Greek life is one of the main ways to meet people and get involved. As a girl, since there are 13 Panhellenic sororities, if you aren't in one, it can feel as if you're being left out with all of the social events like date parties and mixers going on.

However, if you don't want to be a part of a Panhellenic sorority whether it's because it's not your personality type, because of the money or time commitment, I highly encourage you to try out a non-panhellenic sorority on campus. There are actually more than what you might have expected!

The sorority I am a part of is Sigma Phi Lambda Sisters for the Lord. We do all the social events and chapter meetings that a Panhellenic sorority does but with fewer restrictions and more fun. The two biggest differences would be that we don't have a house and we don't have bids. We want the girls in our sorority to CHOOSE US.

Also, once you're in the sorority the rules aren't very strict. We don't have fines if you miss something or an impossible number of points to meet. I've been able to have an amazing time at formal, mixers, date parties, and chapter retreats within my sorority all at a MUCH smaller price than a Panhellenic sorority. It is also a bigger group of girls than you might have expected, currently, we have around 70 members. Making it easy to find your group of friends but also get to know several amazing people.

However, if a different type of non-Panhellenic sorority would fit you better there are many more such as the ones listed as follows: Delta Phi Omega — South-Asian Social and Philanthropic Interest Sorority, Sigma Alpha - Sisters in Agriculture, Gamma Sigma Sigma — Service Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta - Black Sorority, and many more.

If traditional greek life just isn't you or doesn't fit your budget, don't be afraid the try out a non-Panhellenic sorority! You get out of them what you put in and it's truly an amazing experience and incredible sisterhood that I am forever grateful to be a part of.