As you wake up in the aftermath of Halloweekend, battling unprecedented hangovers, checking the mirror to make sure you haven't lost any teeth or gained any unwanted tattoos, and as you check your phone for regrettable calls and texts, take a moment to reflect on your weekend. What made it memorable (or forgettable depending on how you look at it)? With the Binghamton Greek community growing each year, it seems only logical that the fraternity party scene would improve accordingly. Regardless, you should definitely thank the members of whichever fraternity's party you were at for opening up their house for your enjoyment this weekend. For those GDI's (non-greeks) who don't know what it's like living in a frat house, it's a great time. Here's the gist of what it's like...
1. If you want anything to be clean, do it yourself.
Frat houses have a reputation for being among the least sanitary establishments around, typically ranking somewhere in between New York City subway stations and abandoned trap houses. I'd really like to emphasize that this trend is not inevitable. Fraternity or not, large groups of guys living together will almost always be messy. If you ever find yourself living in a frat house, don't simply give up on hygiene, because it is possible. Just take the initiative.
2. Don't walk barefoot anywhere, ever.
Like I said, you should thank fraternities for opening up their homes for your enjoyment. Also, please try not to spill whatever might be in your cup. While a messy house is somewhat avoidable, the floors are almost always doomed to perpetual stickiness. If you ever find yourself living or just staying in a frat house, put something on your feet before you leave the bedroom. You'll thank me for this one.
3. You might forget what quiet sounds like.
One of the most difficult things about transitioning into college is adjusting your sleep schedule. Late nights simply don't seem so late anymore. Living in a frat house, it is not uncommon to hear music blasting in another room as late as four a.m. on a Tuesday night. While it might be a difficult adjustment at first, at least I'll never have trouble focusing or sleeping with background noise ever again.
4. Be selfish with your toilet paper
In frat houses, toilet paper is an extremely valuable resource, and can often be traded for food, money, and pretty much anything else you can think of. If you're smart, you'll keep a few rolls hidden for when they're needed. I'm not sure if it's the college diet, or if there's another use for toilet paper of which I'm unaware, because I've seen entire rolls disappear in a matter of hours.
It's a damn good time.
Many people say pledging is the most fun you never want to have again. Living in a frat house is slightly more enjoyable, but the struggles are undeniable. I do regret that this will be my only year in the house. There's literally never a dull moment, as even cleaning becomes fun when you're living with your closest friends. It's probably the only time it will ever be socially acceptable to have a black light in your bedroom.
