9 Unexpected Benefits Not Joining Greek Life
For the newly registered freshman, one question weighs even more heavily than the conundrum over whether to believe that 'dry clean only' laundry label: Should you join a fraternity or sorority?
If Greek life is a big deal on your campus, chances are you might consider it, even if you never quite saw yourself as a member of the toga party set. But just because it seems like all of your friends are rushing to rush week, doesn't mean it's necessarily the right choice for you. Here are 9 reasons you may want to avoid going Greek this year.
- It costs big bucks.
According to recent data , the average cost to join a sorority is $1,280. Dudes take a slightly smaller hit, at an average of $605. Either way, in the cash-strapped world that is college life, this amounts to a lot of coin you could be dropping on top of room and board, books and jugs of coffee.
- You'll feel super smug and relieved when you get skip Rush Week
Any fears of feeling left out will magically melt away the instant your buddy tells you he's been wearing a tie and making awkward small talk for hours.
- It’s way more fun to come up with your own silly costume party themes
Sure, frats and sororities have fun parties, but do you really need a committee of people to OK your 'Miley Pie-rus' idea? (Come one. Miley ? Pies? What's not to like?!)
- Your school is full of interesting people who don’t vibe with Greek culture
Even if you attend a campus where Greek life is a big part of the culture, there are scores of awesome people who aren't so much joiners. Doing your own thing will allow you more time to get to know the more independent members of your student body.
- You could use that time for, like, a lot of other stuff
Speaking of time, becoming a brother or sister eats up a lot of it. If you're accepted, you'll be expected to attend meetings and functions at least once a week. This amounts to hours that you could be spending doing what you actually came to college for: napping, watching YouTube videos, and studying, or whatever.
- Life in a party house gets old pretty quickly
Living in a chapter house is like hooking up in the shower: it looks a lot cooler in the movies than in real life. Hosting a constant parade of guests sounds like a dream come true, until you can't watch TV because there's a stranger passed out on your couch. Again.
- Random hookups are a lot less awkward when they’re actually random
College is all about experimenting and enjoying your independence. In other words, mistakes will be made. You probably want to make them with guys or girls who you will not be seeing at formals for the next four years.
- The allure of being a 'brother or sister' may wear off in a year or two
When you're new to campus, becoming a member of a 'new family' can feel pretty amazing. You'll bond with the other people in your pledge class and make some truly epic memories in the intimate living space you share with a cool 20 people. By the time you're a junior or senior though, you will have likely moved off campus. As real life lingers ominously in the distance, you'll start to question your previous stance that having a well-decorated paddle is 'literally the most important thing in the world.'
- There are other ways to make professional connections for after graduation
Being an alumni of a frat or sorority is one way to network post-college. It's by no means the way. Any number of clubs or service groups on campus can help you build relationships with other future influential people. So can being nice to that quiet kid who's really, really good at programming.
