If you are in need of something fun to do over the weekend, don’t have any plans for spring break, or are just curious about what it’s like to be at another chapter you should take the first opportunity you get to drop in at another university. I highly recommend chapter visits to those who have never been. For the first-timers, especially, you never truly know what to expect, but you will probably leave with some cool stories. 

We all know how great Purdue’s Greek life is, but that’s just it; we already know Purdue’s Greek life. Meanwhile, there lies, nestled among a nation with almost 4,800 schools, roughly 5,500 Greek chapters. Although not every university offers Greek life, many schools do. It is more than likely that you won’t have to travel far to find a sister or brother chapter. 

We are fortunate in that we attend a school whose neighboring campuses also are home to Greek populations. In a ranking of Greek life, nationwide, which includes 217 schools, Purdue sits comfortably at 27th place while DePauw, Butler, and Indiana University rank second, eighth and and 20th, respectively. Surprisingly, many of the remaining Big Ten schools lag far behind, with Ohio State in 67th, University of Wisconsin at 100th, and Michigan State at 84th. However, this is not to say all chapters fall short of Purdue’s high standards. In fact, what you are likely to find is that much like at Purdue, there is a wide spectrum among Greek organizations.  You might discover that you like the chapter at University of Wisconsin more than you do the one at Ohio State. 

The dos and don’ts:

Do go with people you trust. Just like with any trip, go with people you know you will have fun with and can rely on to get you back home safely. There is no worse feeling than being stuck on a campus in the next state over, with class the next day, and no way to get back. 

Do plan ahead. Contact the chapter you plan to visit well in advance to let them know you are interested in visiting. Nothing could be worse than driving three hours and arriving only to find out that everyone has left and gone to formal.  

Don't be rude. Though the thought of raging hard in another chapter’s house, with no obligation to clean up the day after may be tempting, try to be on your best behavior. You do not want to give the impression that everyone from your house is like you. Rather than give your chapter a bad name, make them want to invite you back by having fun, but also by being responsible. 

Do network. Even if you never plan on visiting again, you should strive to make connections with some of the chapter’s members. You never know when it could come in handy.