After joining my sorority I constantly asked if I planned on moving "in-house." The first time I heard the term I scrunched my eyebrows and said, "What?" The individual asking then explained that they were wondering if I was planning on moving into the actual sorority house. I knew what they meant but I was caught off guard at the very idea of living in a house with 80 other women. I mean, the sheer idea of it made my throat close up and my heart pound from anxiety. "Why would I live in a house with 80 other women when I have a bedroom of my own?" I thought to myself. Little did I know that three months later I would be moving into my sorority - and planning on staying there for a very long time. However, there are still some individuals that are teetering on the decision of whether or not to live in house. So to help those in need of decision making - here is a list of the pros and cons of living in house.
1. Pro: You always have someone to go to for fashion advice 
"Do these shoes match with this dress? How about this scarf?" A woman's clos
et can be frightening at times - especially when we are in a hurry or trying to make a good impression. Because of this we can sometimes forget what goes with what or which goes with which. It's nice to step back from our own closet and get advice from another girl. Which brings me to my next point...
2. Pro: Instead of one closet you have six
That is, if you live in a 6-girl bedroom (numbers may vary). But you have women who are more than willing to loan you clothing when you need it. "You don't have a necklace to wear with that? Well, you can use mine!" Of course you want to be considerate and keep it clean and gently used. Otherwise they may not be as generous next time.
3. Con: Privacy isn't a thing
Sharing a room with other women can get frustrating at times, especially when all you want to do is sleep or play the Sims. If you shared a room during high school - or really at any point in your life - it won't be a big change because you're used to this lifestyle. However, if you have lived your whole entire life without sharing it may be an adjustment.
4. Pro: Most meals are made for you
Most houses hire a kitchen staff that makes 1 to 3 meals a day. This way you have a well balanced meal and you didn't have to leave the confines of your home to go get it.
5. Con: Sharing a restroom
Sometimes you have to go... And I mean go. Usually when this urge strikes someone else has beaten you to the restroom, which can be pretty inconvenient. Other times you just want to be able to go number two without feeling like there is a line forming on the other side of the door.
6. Pro: There is always someone to play with
Living with 80 girls means there is always someone that isn't doing anything. Which is good because you always have someone to hang out with when you get bored.
7. Con: Some people don't like it when you wake them up to play
Be sure the time you want to hang out is compatible with the other girls' sleeping schedule.
8. Pro: Study buddies
There is more than likely someone with the same major as you - or someone that is currently in/has taken a class you are enrolled in. Meaning you have someone to study with without looking far or having to make friends with people in your class.
9. Con: Crammed living
Throw six girls in a small room and that equates to not a lot of room. It is about as spacious as traditional dorm rooms - but it makes you more conscious of what stuff you do and don't need.
10. Pro: Office Access
Most houses have immediate access to a study room/office. This means you don't have to walk to the library or buy a printer. You don't even have to put a bra on - just click print and you're good to go.
11. Pro: You'e home because your sisters are here
In the end, it isn't about our hand sign, how big our house is, or how "hot" we are according to GreekRank.com. What matters is that we are in a organization with an abundance of women that love us regardless of our backgrounds. For the women that complain about living in house - count your blessings. Not all sororities have a house (for an abundance of reasons). Ask any older member and they can tell you that their biggest regret was not living in house. It is a once in a lifetime experience that needs to be taken advantage of if you are in a sorority.
