Greek Life and Student Happiness

Kevin Corley

Many students attending Georgia Tech and various other high status schools can easily become overwhelmed by academics. It is important that students have a healthy balance between academics and social life to maintain happiness and reduce stress. Students who spend all of their time studying and little time in recreational activities are bound to be dissatisfied with their college experience. According to a survey at Colgate, students in Greek organizations are, as a group, more satisfied with their experience. Greek life is an excellent way for students to balance their social and academic needs. It provides a social environment for students which will inevitably make them happier.

Personally, upon entering college at Georgia Tech, I made joining a fraternity a top priority. It is no secret that many students are Georgia Tech are overwhelmed by schoolwork and miserable. I did not want to be one of these students so I set off to immediately prevent it. Greek life has helped me to make new friends, keep my grades up, and provide me with a way to relax when not doing schoolwork. Students who are in a Greek organization statistically have higher grades than non-Greek students. Of course being in a highly social environment can make it more difficult to focus on schoolwork. However, many Greek organizations have GPA requirements for members that creates a healthy pressure to keep grades up.

The expectations and opportunities of Greek life can at times be vast and overwhelming but they do not go without reward. Students looking to have an enjoyable college experience should certainly look into joining a Greek organization. They are bound to be happier as they can easily balance social activities and academics.