There are many things to consider when deciding to go Greek or not. Hollywood has created an image about greek life that makes you think going Greek is all about parties and having a good time. While joining a sorority or fraternity will have it’s fun, there are many other benefits in going Greek.
Pros of Going Greek
- Build lasting relationship: You are going to meet some of the best friends of your life. It’s hard to navigate different college groups and classes by yourself. Going Greek will allow you to meet like minded people that you’ll share many experiences with.
- Academic resources: Many groups you can join will have tons of academic support groups and resources available for you to use. Talk to your seniors and ask them how they got through their hard classes.
- Networking with alumni: You will be joining a tradition that goes back decades. This means you will have Alumni that still have strong ties to their Greek and often offer opportunities for their fellow pledge members. People will show their loyalty to their houses until the very end!
- Leadership opportunities: Sororities and fraternities make sure you are highly involved in groups and events. At the beginning of every year, there are usually leadership opportunities that are exclusive to group members. This is a good way to build that college resume!
- Scholarships: You learn that Scholarships may be your new favorite word in college. I have a friend who doesn’t pay a dime for graduate school because of the fraternity their father used to be in. THEIR FATHER! You want to set up scholarship opportunities for yourself and your family generations from now? Go Greek!
- Events and dressing up: If you are the type of person that likes to be busy, greek life is for you! Mixers, dances, parties, and many other types of events are packed into the greek student’s schedule. Many of those events will have opportunities to dress up as well!
- Housing: A lot of Greeks will have housing available. These aren’t your regular dorm rooms either. A lot of alumni will contribute in keeping the housing and even personal chefs well looked after. An amazing house AND living close to campus? Go Greek!
Cons of Going Greek
- Money: Going Greek can get really expensive. You are paying for things all the time like your dues and outfits that you will want to make sure you have some extra cash coming in. However, make sure you be on the lookout for scholarship opportunities while in a Greek.
- You have to be an extrovert..kind of: The same point as my pro point, going Greek will keep you busy and social. There will not be a lot of alone time because you will be surrounded by your pledge family at all times. Some people cannot function like this and should really consider going Greek.
- Time: Since going Greek takes up a lot of time, you might have to consider your already busy schedule as a student. You will not have as much time to study as you would like. Sororities and fraternities are going to expect you to keep group events a top priority.
- Stigma: Although you can help change the stigma of students going greek, its still there. The Hollywood image of Greeks are pretty disturbing. However, going Greek is a lot more common than you think.