College comes with all sorts of perks. You enter a new world filled with freedom, different types of classes, and multiple nights of available partying a week. You can eat pizza for breakfast and easy mac for dinner, go to class only when you decide you want to, sleep in seven days a week, and spend all the time in the world with your friends. There are ultimately many reasons why I find this to be the best experience of my life thus far, but none of these elements are my favorite part about being here.

My favorite part of college is the community.

Having joined Greek Life my freshman year, I found myself surrounded by a network of connections, friendships, and a unity that came with it all. I didn’t realize it freshman year when I first considered joining a sorority, but I was setting myself up with relationships to last a lifetime.

Being part of the Greek Life community is an incredible opportunity that has shaped my college experience entirely. Nothing would have been nearly the same without it. There’s a special connection formed among the members of various fraternities and sororities that does not exist outside of the college world.

It makes college feel smaller, like high school, but better than that because there are a lot fewer cliques and exclusivity. You know you have your pledge class to rely on no matter what, that they are your people for life, but it goes even deeper than that. Simply being in an organization gives you a gateway to knowing almost all members of the other ones on campus as well.

College is a big place, and we often forget how big it is because of this community. When walking around campus during the day or going out at night, you’re surrounded by familiar faces that gladly smile and wave upon seeing you. You would not have known this many people at school or felt so comfortable in this random city if it were not for the benefits of having joined an organization. The community brings us closer when we have a class together, collaborate on a common charity event, or looking for someone to hang out with.

Luckily, GroupMe keeps us connected at all times, so if you need anything, the community has got your back. Whether it’s looking for a ride, summer internship, thoughts on a class or professor, clothes, or an opinion, all you need to do is write in the group chats you’re in with the other organizations, and everyone is more than willing to help you. I have never seen people respond to one another so frequently and supportively. You truly feel like you’re never alone.

Of course, there are different types of communities in various stages of life. There are clubs and sports in high school, different organizations to join in the real world, and the connections you form in the workplace. However, the community you encounter in college is something else entirely. It’s a lifestyle. These are the people you are friends with, the people you depend on and spend 24/7 with. The daily incessant GroupMe notifications may appear annoying at times, but at the end of the day all they’re doing is keeping us together.

I would not have had nearly the same college experience without this incredible network of people. I am so grateful to have made these friendships and connections that I know are going to last a lifetime. When people reflect on their college experiences, there are different things that stick out to them as their favorite part, but for me, it is unquestionably the outstanding community that has been formed by the Greek Life organizations on campus, which I am been so lucky to have been welcomed into.