Whether you’re a freshman, transfer student, or upperclassman looking for something new, debating Greek life is common among many college students. You may know people who love it and people who hate it. You will hear mixed things about Greek life and maybe you are skeptical. So if you are one of those people on the fence, here are some reasons you may want to give Greek life a try in the upcoming semester.

1. Building Friendships

A main reason many join Greek life is to meet new, or even more people at your university! All the time you spend together and the activities you participate in will create very meaningful, lifelong friendships with those in your chapter, especially those in your pledge class (those who rush the organization during the same time as you).

2. Participate in Philanthropy events

For those who are not familiar with Greek life, every sorority and fraternity represents a certain philanthropy. A philanthropy is a fancy word for a particular community service project, or a greater cause that the students spread awareness toward. The goal of the sorority or fraternity is to promote awareness and raise funds to donate to their specific organization. If there is a specific organization that is close to your heart, see if a chapter on campus represents them.

3. Learn Valuable Life Skills

You are certain to learn general life skills without realizing it when you are part of a campus organization where you are highly involved in many things. You must learn to communicate with those in your sorority or fraternity and work closely with others in an effort to accomplish a mutual goal. Other general skills include public speaking, planning, time management, leadership, and prioritizing your responsibilities.

4. Embrace Leadership

There are so many opportunities to take on a leadership role in your sorority or fraternity. This will place more responsibility on you and your membership, and will leave you with great leading experience. Not only will you take a “Little” but there are so many other leadership positions and titles available to anyone who is interested! Each sorority or fraternity has an “Executive Board” which consists of as many leadership positions as that particular Greek chapter sees fit to help their sorority/fraternity run smoothly. Higher education programs and future employers will recognize these leadership positions.

5. Network

Many fraternities and sororities are recognized nationally. This means that all across the country, other men and women are joining your chapter at their own colleges. So much opportunity for nationwide connections! Think of all the fellow brothers and sisters who you could ask for a reference from when applying to jobs, or who you could ask to help you “get your foot in the door."

6. Become Involved

There is no better way to get involved on campus than by getting involved with Greek Life. You will not only hold your own campus events, but you will attend other Greek organizations to support and learn about their fundraisers and philanthropies. There is always something going on, so you will never be bored. Except when everyone goes home for the summer.

7. The Social Aspect

Although it is not the main focus, of course the social aspect of Greek life is a huge plus. You get to mingle with other members of Greek life both on and off campus. It is another great way to meet tons of new people and get out of your usual comfort zone.

8. Endless Support

Your sorority or fraternity will become like your second family. It is amazing how supportive Greek Life is when a member needs a little extra loving. Greek Life is a community that will do anything to help its members and their families.

9. Scholarship Opportunities

Specific chapters and Greek Life in general offer several scholarships. This can help with tuition costs, loans, or graduate programs. With the current costs of tuition is sky-rocketing, this is definitely something worth looking into.

10. Community Service

Remember when I mentioned the philanthropies? When you are a member of Greek life, you will participate in a ton of community service. It is a great feeling to give back to your community. Plus, you get to have fun while doing it with your sisters.

11. Never Feel Alone

Trust me, when you are connected to over 100 sisters or brothers, there is always someone to hang out with and turn too.

12. You Will Never Be Bored

Between all the events, fundraisers, community service, new friendships, socials, meetings, and general “down time” with your chapter, how could you ever be bored?

13. Enhance Your Overall College Experience

**See numbers 1-12