10 Benefits of Joining a Sorority or Fraternity in College
Thousands of undergraduate college students join fraternities and sororities each year for different reasons. Whether you're joining to network, to find friends or to be a part of a larger community, getting involved in Greek life is almost always a great choice. Some students are certain that they want to join a Greek organization from day one and may even seek out a particular college because of the Greek offerings. For others, the decision is not as clear. Many college freshmen are unsure of what Greek life entails, which is why most sororities and fraternities spend time advertising to new members and letting the incoming freshmen know what they're all about.
Learning more about what it means to be a part of a sorority or fraternity can help students make an informed decision. While Greek life is different at every school, there are certain experiences that are consistent across organizations. Use this list of the top 10 benefits of being in a sorority or fraternity to make your decision.
When you join a Greek organization, you can:
- Become part of a community.
When you're first starting out in college, it can be difficult to make friends or meet like-minded people, but when you join a Greek organization, you'll have instant access to a whole community of people that have something in common with you. One of the biggest benefits of joining a fraternity or a sorority is meeting other members of the organization. During the Greek rush process, you'll meet members of different sororities or fraternities to determine which house has the people you would most like to get to know better. Once you join a Greek organization, your brothers or sisters typically become your closest friends, and those friendships can last well beyond college. This becomes a ready-made group of friends to study with, wear matching Greek clothes with and hang out with.
- Build your social skills.
If you're naturally shy, you may think that joining a frat or becoming a member of a sorority isn't for you, but you'd be wrong. One of the benefits of a sorority or fraternity is that there is a lot of social interaction that happens within the groups. However, social interaction is actually the reason why you should join such an organization. Greek organizations are a great place to meet people from different backgrounds who have had different life experiences. Even if you're not naturally extroverted, joining a fraternity or sorority is a great way to get out there and meet new people.
This is especially true at larger colleges, where people come from all over the country or the world. Normally, being in such a diverse crowd could be overwhelming. However, once you join a sorority or fraternity, you have access to a wealth of people you already have something in common with. Your Greek organization is a great link to build a relationship on, and you can improve your social skills by talking to people you might not have met otherwise.
- Participate in community service.
For the typical college student, philanthropy is not always at the top of their to-do list. When you join a frat or a sorority, however, it becomes a core value that you actively work toward on a regular basis. Part of being in a Greek organization is giving back to the community, and for many members, these acts of service are one of the most rewarding benefits of sorority or fraternity life. It's a chance to get involved in your college town beyond campus and to positively influence the lives of people in the community. It may even lead to charity work after college. What's more, it looks great on a resume!
- Build a network.
Participating in a sorority or fraternity is not only beneficial to you while you're in college. It can also help you once you graduate. Many organizations have alumni networks that they maintain in different cities across the country. If you take the time to tap into these networks, there's no limit to the resources that you can find there. Joining a fraternity or sorority is a great way to meet people if you're moving to a new city, but it can also be a place to turn for career advice or guidance. After college, your alumni network can be invaluable in landing your dream job. For example, women who are seeking jobs in fields where they are traditionally underrepresented - like STEM fields - may find it especially helpful to connect to their sorority networks to hear from others who have come before them.
- Fill up your social calendar.
Fraternities and sororities offer a lot more than parties and date nights, but that doesn't mean that those elements of the experience aren't important. One of the main reasons college students join Greek life is for the social opportunities. Trying to maintain a social life in college can be overwhelming, especially for underclassmen like freshman and sophomores. Greek events like themed parties or date functions can make navigating the social scene feel more manageable, since they are organized for you and you know who will be there. When you're in a Greek organization, there's always a social event on the horizon and an opportunity to have fun.
- Receive academic assistance.
Fraternities and sororities consist of students across all years of undergraduate study, from freshman to seniors. Many members will have the same majors and may even be taking the same classes. There are a lot of opportunities to form study groups within your fraternity or sorority or to seek tutoring help from members of your own organization. Greek organizations also typically have mandatory study hours and a minimum grade point average, which can help keep you motivated to stay on track and get good grades throughout your time at college.
- Get access to more housing options.
Though fraternity and sorority housing isn't available to all members or at all schools, it is a good option to consider if possible. Living in your organization's house can help you form a closer bond with the fellow members who become your housemates, and these housing options are often significantly more comfortable than the dorms. Living in a chapter house also puts you in the center of the action. Meetings, study hours and other events are typically held in Greek houses, so you'll be aware of everything that's going on. Living in your organization's house is a great alternative to finding an apartment once you're an upperclassman.
- Form a tight one-on-one bond.
When you join a sorority or a fraternity, you become a member of a group, but you also have an opportunity to form a close connection with one other person. The Little-Sister/Big-Sister or Little-Brother/Big-Brother relationship is fundamental to the Greek experience. You and the person you're paired with come to trust each other and rely on each other. You exchange gifts, share advice and pass on treasured organizational memorabilia. It's a relationship that goes beyond your average college friendship, and it often lasts well beyond college.
- Find leadership opportunities.
If you want to take your level of involvement beyond being an average sorority or fraternity member, there are leadership opportunities within the organization that allow you to do so. If you are an officer of your organization, you are charged with making important decisions that impact the entire group. After graduation, you can take on a leadership role in the alumni chapter or even in the national organization. This can be great training for your future as you practice important decision-making skills. It also shows your willingness to go above and beyond in taking on responsibility, which looks great on a resume.
- Be part of a tradition.
There are lots of options for joining groups or participating in extracurricular activities in college. What makes Greek life different is the history of each individual fraternity or sorority. When you join one of these groups, you become a member of something that existed long before you and will last long after you. You become part of a tradition.
Are you ready to explore the benefits of joining a sorority or fraternity? Once you find the Greek organization that is right for you, you'll realize all the benefits of joining a sorority or fraternity. It's a great way to make your college experience even more memorable. For more information about Greek life, please view our blog.