Cost isn’t something I had thought much about beforehand, but joining Greek life comes with some built-in expenses. Some costs we’ve incurred include a recruitment fee, house fees and dues, a sorority pin, a more extensive wardrobe, and social functions. Many of these are optional, of course, but some are definitely not.
Secondly, excessive and underage drinking is a common problem on college campuses in general, but peer pressure to drink can be even higher within the Greek system. This is something that many students deal with when they go to college, and certainly is something worth discussing with your child before they decide to join a fraternity or sorority.
It’s easy to let the Greek system become your entire world. Living in a fraternity or sorority gives you a place to belong at college, but it can become limiting as well. But on the other hand, when deciding whether to go through recruitment, I was told by a family friend that Greek life is not the only way to meet new people, but it is one of the easiest ways. This is something that I have found to be unequivocally true. Being a part of a fraternity or sorority gives you an instant connection with a large group of people, and that network will continue to grow.
At my school, being in a sorority or fraternity provides opportunities to engage in all kinds of events and activities, such as Homecoming Week, themed parties, serenades, philanthropy events, and theatrical productions. If these sound up your alley, I would definitely encourage you to consider going Greek. Keep in mind, however, that some of these things can become major time commitments.
It sounds cheesy, but a sorority or fraternity can become a home away from home, just as a dorm, group of friends or campus organization can. Especially since moving into the house, my sorority sisters are the ones with whom I share everything—failed tests, lazy Sundays, new jobs, broken hearts, and game days, to name a few.
