What Are The Benefits of Joining a Fraternity or Sorority? Is it Worth it?
Most high school students grew up with an idea of what sororities and fraternities are like. We have all seen the movies and know the cliches, most of which are either outdated or simply just outsized. Some students come to college with a definite plan to join one of these fraternities or sororities. But oftentimes, the students are not made of aware of the benefits provided to them before they join, it is only after they have made it through the rush process that they learn all the crucial benefits Greek Life can afford them. Conversely, there are many students who avoid these social clubs because of the negative stereotypes and/or rumors associated with them, and so they are kept away from these very same benefits due to a certain idea they have of Greek Life.
Whether you personally have a positive or negative view of fraternities and sororities, it is important to consider both the pros and cons before reaching a decision. Rather than asking if sororities and fraternities are good or bad, you should instead be investigating the idea of whether Greek Life is good for you.
If you are considering joining a fraternity or sorority, here are some benefits you might gain as a result:
Make Connections
Most students view Greek life from a slightly skewed, student-based perspective. They might think about connections, but only those made with other students and peers. While your classmates are important connections to have, it is also beneficial to think about the connections you can make with alumni and the future members of your chapter.
Sororities and fraternities often provide opportunities for alumni to stay connected with the on-campus community, which will give you the chance to network with people in your chosen field. The Greek life connection is usually a strong one, and alums might be more willing to give you tips or help you get an internship with their company.
You never know what opportunities these relationships could bring, and you will have the chance to help future students once you become established in your career as well.
Build Your Resume
Being part of a fraternity or sorority can really give your resume a great boost. First, your specific fraternity or sorority could especially appeal to employers who have an affiliation with that chapter, giving you a more inside track on being hired.
Second, other employers may not have a specific connection, they will see a fraternity or sorority on your resume and know you made a commitment that you kept throughout your years in school.
And third, the skills you learn as a member could be marketable to future employers.
Learn New Skills
As a member of a fraternity or sorority, you will have the opportunity to join leadership or help to organize events, allowing you to build new skills you might not have otherwise learned while focusing on studying alone.
You will also be spending time with people outside of your major, so you can take the opportunity to learn from those students and to step outside of your comfort zone.
Volunteer in the Community
Some students may know that a significant part of Greek life is about volunteering. But you may not know just how important and integral this portion of the commitment is.
Sororities and fraternities choose philanthropy that they devote time and energy to throughout the year. By being a member of a fraternity or sorority, you will automatically be included in philanthropy events and have the chance to take part in volunteerism while also spending time with friends.
By joining the chapter of your choice, one day you could give back to a cause that you are passionate about.
Balance Academic and Social Activities
Even the Greek life community knows just how important a students’ study is and they care about their school just as much as you. Because of this, sororities and fraternities can provide the chance to merge the social with the academic. Many sororities and fraternities reward students for high grades, sometimes in the form of house points that add up to give students the chance to live in a sorority or fraternity house.
Other sororities and fraternities are actually based on academics and focus their membership on a certain academic focus like engineering or business. Spending time with like-minded peers could help you find other students to study with or to help you understand difficult course concepts.
As you focus on your studies, you will also be taking time to be social while engaged in Greek life. No college student should devote every waking moment to academics, so building social hours into your life at school is a great idea to keep your life balanced.
Create Lifelong Friendships
When it is all said and done, the best part of joining a sorority or fraternity is the opportunity to create friendships that last a lifetime. Though you make friends in college through other avenues, the closeness you can experience in Greek life sometimes fosters closer connections than you might make otherwise.
With a bit of research, you might find a sorority or fraternity is right for you and your college experience. Spending time with fellow students and working toward shared goals is very rewarding if you commit to the journey.
When deciding whether or not to join a fraternity or sorority, be sure to do your research based on your specific campus. Some campuses have opportunities to join other close-knit groups outside Greek life. While other campuses, however, offer Greek life as one of the only chances to enjoy a more social atmosphere. It depends on the university and the student, so make a decision that is right for you.
Make the Best Decision for Yourself
Just remember that Greek life is rarely like the movies and TV shows present. The hazing and inappropriate parties might be part of some fraternities and sororities, but not all, and you can make a final decision once you see for yourself.
Meanwhile, consider the views of other students regarding fraternities and sororities to find out what the experience was like for them.