Greek Life is a huge part of campus culture at many colleges, like the University of Arizona (UA). While this is an amazing way for students to network and build connections for help in classes or even later in life in career opportunities, it is not the only way to ensure your college career is full of fun, new friends and unique experiences.

Had I attended an out-of-state college, I may have been more inclined to rush a sorority because I would not know essentially anyone. However, attending the UA was only a two-hour drive from my hometown in Cave Creek, Ariz., so many of my friends ended up going to college with me. Sure, I was still hanging out with many of my high school friends, but I became friends with people from classes and clubs, so I still made a lot of new friends. Additionally, living in the dorms as a freshman forces you to meet new people, regardless if you hang out with them or not. This is one reason I chose to live with a random roommate, because I got to meet her and her friends as well.

Colleges have so many clubs and programs outside of Greek Life that are also extremely easy to join and become a part of, in addition to socializing and mingling. Furthermore, many of these clubs are useful in networking for career opportunities as well. For example, many clubs on campus are designed to be résumé builders or function as organizations that help develop connections and personal growth. Therefore, Greek Life is not the only way to build connections with others with this kind of purpose behind the relationship.

I am now a senior at the UA and never did get around to even going through rush week to see what it was like. I have made a ton of friends in my four years at the university, many of whom are a part of sororities and fraternities. Greek Life is not for everyone, and I am one of those people who just never seemed to have enough interest to fully commit myself (which, according to many friends, it is a HUGE commitment). Despite this, I have met so many cool people through classes, working and my roommates that I have not been socially hindered in any way whatsoever.

Many students feel that if they do not participate in Greek Life, they are not taking advantage of everything college has to offer. While those involved in the program may feel this is true, I play the devil’s advocate here in the sense that Greek Life is a crazy big commitment – in regards to time, money, effort and energy. Sometimes students cannot maintain a job, a full academic schedule and a Greek Life commitment. College is such a busy time in life, and in order to live it to the fullest, you are always determining the opportunity cost of joining one program over another, going to a party or staying in and many other every day choices.

Personally, I felt that by joining Greek Life, I would not have the ability to enjoy other parts of college that I was more interested in due to the financial and time commitment that comes along with the program, and I have not regretted my decision. In a world full of standards and stereotypes, I made the choice to go against what seems to be a norm of joining Greek Life and have still had “some of the greatest years of my life” without being part of a sorority. I think as long as you stay true to who you are and your interests, you will make the most of the opportunities offered on your college campus and have an awesome time!