How to make the most out of your first semester in a sorority
Wait, so what now?
Congratulations! You’ve made it through recruitment, received a bid, and taken hundreds of instagrammable ‘throw up what you know’ pictures, so what now? Now, your college career won’t ever be the same, and the true fun begins! The first few months of being in a sorority can be overwhelming, so here are some tips to make the most of it.
Get involved
Sororities are truly what you make of them. If you’re busy with other things and are only able to do the bare minimum, that’s okay, but most sorority girls would agree getting involved in different committees and volunteering with chapter events is a great idea! Humorology, a collection of twenty minute musicals at the University of Wisconsin, is an excellent example of one way to get involved and have a blast doing it!
Appreciate philanthropy
Greek life is a lot about making a difference in your community and nation. It can be rough to wake up at 6am to set up a charity 5K race or softball tournament, but the end result is worth it. You get closer with your sisters, and make a positive impact on the world around you. There are so many cool sorority and fraternity philanthropy events that are fun and beneficial to the community!
Be social
We all know there is a small (or for some a large) part of us that joined greek life for the social aspects, and I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t one of the best parts. Getting ready for socials and sisterhoods, or game days and a night on the town is a blast! Looking back on crazy snapchats and pictures is hilarious! School, of course, comes first, but make sure you embrace these opportunities to make memories/friendships too!
Branch out
Some of my favorite moments have happened with my sorority sisters, but it’s important to have friends who are in different sororities/fraternities and some who aren’t in greek life at all! That’s the beauty of college— the cliques of high school are ultimately gone, and friendships can be found everywhere. Remember to look for them for them!
Cross pledge class lines
Getting to know your new member class is important, because in the end, these ladies are going to be the ones graduating with you. Having friendships with women who are older than you in your sorority is amazing too! They’re seasoned professionals at college and srat life. They are happy to lend advice or crazy stories about when they were your age.
Keep an open mind
This should go without saying, but just because you might not have gotten your ‘favorite house’, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a chance. The system works! You end up in the house you’re meant to be in, and you’ll probably end up loving where you’re at.
Trying to describe what being in a sorority is like is no small feat, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Your first semester in a sorority is important for creating lasting friendships and memories, so make the most of this special time!