As the summer season begins to wind down and Cougs make their way back to Pullman, many sorority women will be moving into their chapter houses for the first time. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to be able to live with so many of your friends and sisters at the same time, but from personal experience, I can tell you that there are some things you should know before move-in day.
Do not try to pack all of your clothes into one suitcase. I always maximize my space by rolling my clothes and tightly compacting them into large suitcases. Sorority houses do not have elevators. Repeat: Sorority houses do not have elevators. At least that is the case with WSU. The hardest part about moving in was lugging my large-as-hell purple suitcase across Greek Row and up a flight of stairs into my day room. Smaller bags may mean more trips, but it also means you won’t struggle in front of all the people walking around Greek Row.
Make sure to make your porch bed first. There will be compete mayhem while people try to secure a bed that is near their day room, and not a top bunk. If you do happen to prefer a top bunk on a different floor than your day room, feel free to take your time. However, if you happen to accidentally forget to make your porch bed until right before it is time to sleep, you will be trying to make your bed in the dark, surrounded by people trying to sleep, and struggling to be quiet.
Save your new door code on your phone immediately. Being locked out of your own house on the first day/night can be a little embarrassing. Having to rely on the hope that one of your sisters will respond to a phone call when they are trying to sleep on porch so they can let you in will be a little bit of a stretch. Write it down, memorize it, and do it fast.
Keep your room door wide open. Of course we are all sisters, but this will be your first experience living with all these women. You will get the chance to build stronger relationship will all the people in your chapter if you make the effort to be open to it. It can be as simple as making conversation with someone as they walk past your room. Put yourself in the situation to be able to really know all your sisters.
In a house full of women, with different personalities and thoughts, there will be some tension. Please remember that this is the only time in your life during which you will get to live like this. You will never again be able to be surrounded by so many people who support you and call you sister. Make the most of it by choosing to be a positive addition to the house.
