So you’re thinking about joining a fraternity or sorority!

At many universities, Greek organizations have a long history with and are deeply rooted in the school’s culture. These social groups are designed to get men and women to meet more people, develop character, and to make a contribution to their campus and community! There are likely many different fraternities and sororities to choose from on your campus, and each has its own set of unique characteristics for you to explore. Here are three reasons why you might want to consider one of them as part of life at college this semester!

To Meet New People

At a fraternity or sorority, you will become close with the other members through meetings, group bonding activities, volunteer work, and social events. It’s a great way to make new friends outside your residence hall and major. In addition, fraternities and sororities often have “mixers” with other fraternities and sororities, which will give you the opportunity to meet members of the opposite sex! Why is this important? Well, for many students, gaining dating experience, or meeting the person they will someday want to settle down with are goals they have set for themselves in college. When you’re in an all-girl residence hall, and your major is something like early childhood education made up predominantly of other women, or when you’re a freshman guy in an engineering major, opportunities to meet new people outside of these parameters is welcome!

To Contribute to the Campus and Community

Fraternities and sororities tend to spend a lot of their time running events or doing volunteer work on the campus and in the community, and there is much to be done! They might take part in sporting events, plan dances, start a fundraiser, donate to a charity, set up a speed dating activity, support a cause, run a marathon, sell t-shirts, and a million other things all on a weekly basis! If you’re looking to busy yourself with these kinds of events that are designed to benefit those around you, then this might be a good fit for you!

To Be Part of Something

You know what it feels like to be part of a team? To wear a jersey or a sports jacket with your team’s name on the back and your name on the front? How about knowing that there’s people who will always have your back? Being a member of a fraternity or sorority is a lot like that! There is a strong bond between fraternity and sorority members, much like in a sports team. You will often find yourself working with that group of students together on a project, as well as confiding in them about personal issues. You will be wearing apparel with your fraternity or sorority’s name on it. You will be recognized as a member of that group, sharing the honor with those who have come before you and the generation that will follow.