When it comes to choosing a Greek fraternity, there is a multitude of variables that may sway you one way or the other.
For some, the image of the members is important:
“Suh dudes, You seem pretty frat.”
To others, it’s about family ties:
“All my brothers were Betas, So I've pretty much been initiated since eighth grade.”
However, for a large percentage, it is the literal size of the house that matters:
“Bigger house means more room for babes, right?”
The fraternity house is the base level in which most fraternities are judged. New or small houses get snubbed in the recruiting process because they lack the amenities that come from years of working up and saving money, an ability that only fraternities and sororities that have been on campus a long time have accomplished. Taking the materialistic amenities out of the solution, there is a great deal of worth to being in a “small house,” a term given to fraternities that have fewer than 20 guys.
Before I go into my list, I would like to preface that this is not a slam on large houses. This is just a way to level the playing field for the smaller houses that want the same thing. With that being said, here is a list of the pros and cons of being in a small fraternity.
Con: Small house.
Being in a small house means just that: you will probably have a small house if you even have one. If you only have 14 members, there is not really a reason to have a $4 million house. Sadly, there is no substitution for living in a house with your fellow members. There is a sense of togetherness that you can only get from living in a small place with people you are getting to know.
Pro: Your voice can mean more.
The experience of living in a small house compared to living in a big one is defined by the ability of your voice. In a small house, you are not just a number. You are a person with an opinion; an opinion that will be heard. From the beginning, you are able to make an impact. Your vote in a house of 20 is worth more than it would be if you were in a house of 100.
Con: Pressure to succeed.
Every bit of work you put into the success of your house is going to be seen. If you are not pulling your weight, it will show and everyone will know. There will be people watching you and depending on you to succeed, those being your fellow members, alumni, and your national headquarters.
Pro: Pressure makes diamonds.
With a pressure to succeed, you are truly tested. Times will be tough. Other houses will have parties and events that you wish you could go to. Nevertheless, you made a bond to this fraternity. It is your job to create the foundation for all future members. Your true colors will show. Are you someone who quits when the going gets tough? Or are you someone who can put in the work to create a legacy that you can be proud of?
Con: Everyone wears multiple hats.
With fewer people, more responsibility is put on the few people you have. One person may be in charge of multiple events or chair positions. Plus, you are probably going to be on the majority of the committees. Delegation is not really a perk of being in a small house. This is to say that with more people, you can get away with doing less. For a small house, that is not an option.
Pros: The small success is the best ones.
There is no better feeling than having your house be the first to do something. If you put on the event and all the other houses have a good time, you feel directly responsible. If your intramural team wins the championship you are the first of that house to do so. Ever. You begin to leave a legacy. Something that future classes will look back on. It is something to be proud of.
Con: There will be disagreements.
With any group size of guys, there will be testosterone in the air. Things may get heated at times. However, this is something that will help you in the long run. You will develop a thick skin and maybe even learn to compromise. Also, you and your brothers will laugh about these little things in the future.
Pro: Your time is now.
If you are a person who aspires to be a leader and wants to have leadership experience right away, a small house is what you want, especially if you find a house that is newer on campus. You have the ability to take on leadership experience right away. This is something that you could talk about one day in an interview. If they ask about your Greek life experience, what are you going to say? Will you explain to them that you really don't remember because all you did was show up to events that your philanthropy chair made you go to, or will you explain to them that you took an idea and worked with your brothers to build something out of nothing?
If you are thinking about Greek life and know what you want, this list may not change your mind. However, I hope this can be a window into the world that is small houses and the constant struggle they are going through to leave a legacy.
