Your guide to everything about Greek life while you're at college.
Navigating college is a challenge in and of itself, especially as a new student. Regardless of if you're a freshman leaving home for the first time or a transfer student looking for a fresh start, there's a never ending list of things to juggle. Things like academics, extracurriculars, and social events to name a few. Not to mention if you decide to join the Greek life system on campus, especially fraternities.
We're here to give you the rundown on what exactly a fraternity is, how to join one, the recruitment process, and everything in between. If you're planning on rushing during your time in college, this is the place to start. Got questions? We've got answers.
While you might have a vague idea of what a fraternity is and what they do, you probably don't know the full scope of how Greek life works on campus. Not to worry—we're here to help you out.
We're going to break down the essentials of fraternities and Greek life on campus and exactly how they work. Joining a fraternity doesn't have to be a daunting process, promise.
In this guide:
- What is a fraternity?
- How do you join a fraternity?
- What is the recruitment process?
- What is rush week?
- What is pledging?
- How much do fraternities cost?
- What are the benefits?
- Rush week: Students will visit the fraternities on campus to learn about their values and goals to help determine if they are a good fit for each other.
- Bid day: Prospective recruits receive bids from fraternities on campus inviting them to become pledges.
- Pledging: Recruits "pledge" to join one specific fraternity and are unofficial members until they are formally initiated.
- Initiation: Pledges are officially initiated into the fraternity through various traditions and processes, swearing into the brotherhood for life.
- Personal growth & leadership opportunities: Members have many opportunities to develop communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
- Social events: Frats are most known for their parties, mixers, and philanthropic events held on and off campus. Aside from being fun, they also help to establish and sense of belonging and unity. Fraternities will often host events with the sororities on campus, as well. All of this fosters a lifelong connection among members.
- Service projects: Many fraternities volunteer within the community or with a specific charity or nonprofit. Creating a positive impact on society on both large and small scale is a cornerstone of Greek life on campus.
- Recruitment: As you continue your journey as a fraternity brother, you will eventually help recruit new members. Since growing the brotherhood is a huge part of creating community, assisting with these events and ushering in the next class of pledges will become part of your responsibility.
- Intramural sports: Plenty of fraternities on campus also participate in intramural as a way to bond. Aside from just being a fun way to create community, it also keeps you active while keeping you plugged into on-campus events.
- Networking: Since the fraternity network and brotherhood extends all over the country, it can potentially help you finding jobs, internships, and other opportunities post-graduation.
- Lifelong community: As mentioned, joining a fraternity is a lifelong brotherhood. You're creating bonds that will last a lifetime. Many chapters also invite previous alumni back to campus for various events, fostering an even bigger sense of community among current and previous members.
Unlock even more with Student Beans
All your favorite brands at your fingertips, from fashion and beauty to food and drink, available to college and uni students aged 16 and over. Dive into our blog to find tips and advice to help you navigate student life, from applying to uni to life after graduation.
- Sign up to a Student Beans account now or login to start saving on the biggest and best brands.
- Download the Student Beans app to unlock exclusive app-only discounts to make student life a little bit more affordable.
