Is Greek Life right for me?

Rohan Gupta

All incoming college freshman transition into a new environment where they will begin another chapter of their education and their lives. In addition to the stress of high academic demands, freshman also have to cope with the stress of a new home. Many freshman come from different cities, states, and even countries. The university in which these freshman live may feel very foreign and may make them feel homesick, anxious, and depressed. Sometimes enough that they want to stop going to school altogether. Although Greek Life propagates itself to be a very beneficent organization, students must remain skeptical to whether living in a fraternity or sorority is right for them.

Fortunately, all of the major universities in America have Greek Life. These sororities and fraternities provide freshman with a community that can almost be their second family. Each sorority or fraternity collects students with similar backgrounds or similar interests and provides them with friendship and a support structure that they can rely on for the rest of their college experience. These sororities and fraternities can provide leadership opportunities and community service activities. Greek Life can also relieve the tension and anxiety that incoming freshman may experience, provide these freshman with a network of individuals with similar interests and goals, and provide them with a home in which they feel comfortable and safe.

Unfortunately, all of these benefits come at a price. Sororities and fraternities charge fees that can be cheaper than housing fees but also fees that can be very expensive. They also require initiation that can take the form of hazing, pledges, and other rites that may seem degrading. The most demanding aspect of these sororities and fraternities is required conformity. All brothers and sisters are forced to act in a certain way, wear particular clothing, and engage in specific activities. Many of these activities involve attending many parties and heavy drinking. These requirements can be dangerous and hinder the ability to focus on schoolwork.

All of these actions that incoming freshman must do in order to participate in Greek Life can take take away their independence and individuality and force them to conform to a certain lifestyle that may be more harmful than helpful. Nonetheless, if some freshmen are looking for a leisurely atmosphere and the shelter of a group with similar interests, then they should by all means participate in Greek Life. But if some freshman want to join a group with similar interests but not be bound by unorthodox rituals and conformity, then they should look to join a club or organization that does not require such binding practices.