With recruitment registration now open and bid day right around the corner, the butterflies are probably starting to fill the stomachs of every PNM (which stands for potential new member... you're welcome. ;)) But the truth is, the more you keep an open mind, the more you'll get out of this crazy week. There is always so much talk about "this sorority, that sorority," but you will seriously benefit from throwing everything you've heard out of the window. Like, right now. With that being said, here are a few tips that will help your week go a little smoother.

1. Comfortable shoes are a must.

Y'all. This is not a joke. You will be in and out of parties for hours. Sometimes you will not be in a good mood. Sometimes you will be uninterested in the party that you are in. And these things are okay. But they are not okay when your feet are hurting. Trust me on this one.

2. Stash some mints for between chapters.

You would think this one would be a no-brainer... but do not forget this when you are rushing out of your room. You'll probably want to pop in a mint between every party. There is no such thing as personal space once you enter the chapter rooms.

3. Your umbrella could save the day.

Summers in the South are not only hot, but it also usually rains at some point during the day. In the case of recruitment, it will rain on you right before going to your favorite party. And you will most likely get soaking wet before you go into one. Don't freak out if this is the case!! I promise that the girls will not mind if they are talking to you when your hair is dripping and your mascara is running down your face-- been there, done that. BUT, to avoid the inevitable, make sure to pack an umbrella.

4. Bring a portable fan.

It. Is. Burning. Up. You're nervous, your feet hurt, you're losing your voice... and you're pretty sure there are gonna be sweat stains on your brand new dress. No worries, break out the portable fan. Seriously, it's a life saver.

5. Don't forget hand sanitizer.

You are going to be shaking A LOT of hands. And by the end of the week, between shaking all those hands, drinking the water from every party, and living in a dusty old dorm room, you're probably going to feel like you have Ebola. No joke. So after you put a mint in, make sure you drown your hands in Germ-X.

6. Keep a positive attitude.

Although the first five are pretty important, this one brings home the prize in being the most important thing to bring to sorority recruitment. There are going to be times when you are going to attend a party that you might not be so excited to go to. It just happens! And that is okay. But always, always, ALWAYS remember that no matter where you go, you are speaking to a person. A PERSON. Sometimes things get overwhelming and girls start acting... well, bratty. Just remember that it is just one party. Have a conversation with someone! Smile! If you absolutely cannot cheer up and enjoy yourself-- just pretend. You shouldn't have too, but it's better than acting completely uninterested and bored when someone is trying to get to know you.

7. Make genuine conversation.

At first, talking to someone might be a little awkward, but don't let awkwardness get in the way of having a real conversation with you. The members of the sorority really are excited to get to know you, and they don't want every question answered with just a yes or no. Answer the questions they have for you. Ask them questions, too. Keep in mind that you don't have much time to talk in the first place, so you want to make the best impression that you can. Try not to fill your time up with complaining about how hot and tired you are, but instead, talk about how excited you are to be there and how fun the week has been so far. If you keep an open mind and a positive attitude, the conversations will begin to be easier and more real instead of forced and fake.

8. Have fun.

Recruitment is what you make it. It is all about you and your attitude towards it. Yes it is overwhelming, exhausting, and at times, mentally draining. But let's face it-- it's recruitment. Yes, I said it. It's just recruitment. During the week, it is probably going to feel like the only thing in the world that matters. Like it is the single most important thing to get into THE sorority. But guess what! It's not. Don't get me wrong. It is one of the most fun, rewarding, and exciting experiences ever. But if you keep telling yourself that you HAVE to be in a certain one, or that everything is going wrong-- then you're doing recruitment wrong. Everything happens for a reason. In the end, you will end up where you are supposed to be. I know I did.