A long recruitment period is now over and you’re about to jump into the arms of your new sisters. The feelings that are rushing over you include nervousness, excitement, and happiness. THESE ARE ALL NORMAL! You, just like the other new members, are going to be overwhelmed at first. Here are few things to expect during bid night, and your first few weeks as a sorority woman.
1. New Sisters
This one seems kind of obvious, but sometimes it doesn’t hit you that you now have over 50 plus sisters… You’ll feel obligated to learn all their names and they’ll feel obligated to know yours but honestly it’ll probably take the entire semester to get them all down.
2. TONS of Social Media Requests...
...as the first few weeks of being in Greek Life involves a lot of social media requests. All your pledge class sisters will follow you, all active members will follow you, alumni will follow you, girls from other sororities will follow you… you get the point! So be ready to accept the Facebook friend requests, Twitter follows, Instagram follows, etc.
3. Welcome Home Posts on Facebook
Following the acceptance of requests on Facebook, expect a few “Welcome Home,” or “So happy to have you" posts. These are the active members trying to welcome you to the sorority! Try to like the post and maybe say a quick “Thank you!” back… Who knows? One of those girls could be your future "big."
4. New T-shirts/Tanks/Pins/Stickers/Pens
Being a new member comes with a lot of perks, because it usually means free stuff! Most sororities will give out the same tank or t-shirt that their current members are wearing during bid night! Throughout the week, expect random stuff to be offered, sometimes there are pins and stickers available for you to get! Seriously, who doesn’t like new stuff!
5. Girl Dates… Lots and LOTS of Girl Dates.
Everyone wants to get to know you and what’s a better way than girl-flirting over Starbucks or getting food together? This is the chance for you to get to talk to girls in the sorority you did not get to talk to during recruitment! So feel free to ask that cool active member to get coffee, but remember everyone’s schedule is busy ESPECIALLY after recruitment, so do not feel discouraged if she asks to do it a different day or time!
6. Your Parents/Family Want to Know What Is Going On!
Maybe you’re the type of person who called your mom after every round, but if you aren’t, make sure you take the time to call home and tell them of your experience the past few weeks! They will want to know about the girls that are going to be a part of your home away from home for the next few years!
7. A Busy Schedule
As a new member, be prepared for a busy first few weeks! Chapter meetings will be one day, new member meetings will be a different day… there might be a few philanthropy events you might want to check out, or even a group dinner you want to attend. The most important thing to remember is that school is the reason you are at college, and classes always come first. If you have any conflicts, make sure you talk with the president or a sister who will be able to help you out! The current members are there to help you adjust so never feel discouraged to ask them a question!
