A lot of people go into college with misconceptions regarding Greek life (thanks Hollywood) but most of them aren't really true. So before you decide there's no way you'd go Greek, see if this changes your mind
Going through rush doesn't mean you have to join
Formal recruitment is an exciting, fun, and somewhat stressful time. Even if you aren't sure if you want to "go Greek" you might want to at least go through rush. It's a great opportunity to meet other girls and have fun for a few days if nothing else. Plus, if you go through formal recruitment and at the end decide Greek life isn't for you, that's okay! Going through rush isn't a binding commitment to anything, and hopefully by the end you'll have at least made a few friends.
Greek life isn't really about partying
Contrary to what Hollywood leads us to think, being in a sorority or fraternity is about a lot more than going to parties. A big part of being in a sorority is philanthropy. Each Greek organization generally has a charity or organization that they partner with. We plan events to fund raise, for instance my sorority planned and held a mac and cheese dinner, and volunteer in the community among other things.
It can get expensive
I'm not going to lie, sororities aren't exactly cheap. It depends on the school and the sorority though, and some are cheaper than others. As a college student, with a microscopic bank account, it can get a little tough sometimes to get my dues in each month. Some sororities do provide help if you're struggling, but it just depends.
You'll make lifelong friends and sisters
Another big part of sorority life is sisterhood. Once you join a sorority, you have sisters for life. They are there to laugh, cry, and have fun with you no matter what. Each sorority has various sisterhood events like cooking parties or going bowling to bond and have fun with your sisters. There are also similar events planned with other sororities and fraternities so that you can bond with and make friends with your fellow Greek students.
There's no such thing as a "sorority girl"
The girl's in my sorority are all different and that's what I love. We have science majors and we have arts majors. Athletes, actors, introverts, extroverts, loud, quiet, creative, and logical. If you're hesitation with joining a sorority is because you don't think of yourself as a "sorority girl" then don't let that hold you back. Anyone can be happy and thrive in a sorority if you find the one that's right for you.
It's time consuming
Being in a sorority can take up a big chunk of time. There's chapter meetings each week along with socials, philanthropy, and sisterhood events each month. And when you first join a sorority, there is quite a bit of training. And if you hold a position in your sorority, there's duties that go along with that. Frankly, I wish that I had waited a semester or year to join. As a freshman, you already have a lot on your plate and it can get overwhelming. But, if you manage your time, you can make it work. I'm involved in several activities other than Greek life and there are sisters in my sorority who do even more. It may get stressful at times, but you can make it work.
It's a great investment
Being in a sorority is something that will benefit you throughout your life. While you're in school, you can hold different positions in your sorority which help you to grow and learn skills such as leadership, planning, time management, and communication. Your sorority can also get you a job after you graduate if you would like to work for it. Plus, there's alumni all over the country, and you never know when you might meet one, perhaps even a future employer.
