Should You Join A Sorority?
Hi Everyone! I wanted to offer some advice to anyone looking to join a sorority while in college. I recently just graduated Indiana University where I was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi (aoii) for two and a half years. I grew up always knowing I wanted to join a sorority. I was a massive fan of Sydney White, House Bunny, and Sorority Wars so I painted an image of sororities in my head and knew I had to do it. At Indiana University, Greek life is huge. We have 22 sororities and about the same number of frats so there are thousands of people in it. I rushed my sophomore year so the process was a little bit different.
Recruitment Process:
Recruitment was a very long process. At IU, you must rush every single house. So that means you go to open invite (mine was on zoom) for 22 houses and talk to a few people for around 20 minutes with short breaks in between. The next round is philanthropy round, this is when you go to the chapters and they talk to you about their philanthropy (each chapter must have one). This round you typically talk to three people for around 40 minutes and is split up between two days. At IU, you receive a maximum of 16 chapters back this round. Next round is sisterhood round. This round is more dressier and last 55 minutes. This round also lasts for two days and you receive either 8 or 10 chapters back max. Finally you go to Preference round. You get a maximum of two chapters back for this round and it last around an hour. For my sorority we only talk to one person this round and the conversations can get very intense. After this round there is a few days while everyone waits for decisions to be made. You go to a building with everyone else who went through recruitment and all open your bid cards. This is when you “run home” but many houses have the seniors or upperclassmen drive you to the house.
Dues/Costs of being in a sorority:
Each chapter has different dues and additional costs for being a member. I had to pay for these costs myself so it became really hard to keep up. New member fees are pretty pricey, and although I paid monthly, they caught up with me really fast. On top of these basic fees from headquarters, you have additional ones like merch, sisterhood events, and just various costs. If you decide to live in the house that is an additional cost as well. I opted out of living in (some chapters may not let you). Since I was a sophomore I had already signed my lease for the next year so I was able to get out of the live-in requirement and save about half of what I would have paid living in. These prices are definitely something to keep in mind if you decide to join a sorority. Most chapters have the cost listed on their campus website or on a form given out during the beginning of recruitment.
Parties:
Although not the most important part of joining a sorority, parties will be a big part. Each chapter has other chapters they pair with for different social and philanthropic events. These will be the ones you will typically party with (if you want to go to them, totally not required). A lot of the parties will have themes, which were always my favorite part of going out. If you plan to join a sorority, I suggest you look into what some of the popular themes are at your school just to prepare yourself for clothes you will need/want. The parties are very fun but make sure to keep an eye on you and your friends in order to stay safe. Be sure to remember you do not have to go to these parties to be in a sorority, they are just there if you want to go.
People:
This is by far the best part of joining any sorority. I was lucky enough to meet my big before I even got my bid night card. She was who I talked to during preference round and made me feel right at home. On bid night, I also rode in the car to the house with one of my now best friends and twin. You will get very close to the people in your MC (member class) as you are with them the majority of the time in the sorority. When it comes to. Finding a big or a little, it can be quite scary at first. In my sorority, we went on “buddy dates” where we basically just hung out with potential bigs/littles to see if you would get along. After a few weeks you finally have big little reveal, the week leading up the little receives gifts or clothes from their big (without knowing who it is). I was lucky enough to have two littles who are quite honestly my personality split in half (in picture above). The people 100% make the place so remember this if you are going through recruitment. Only pick where you can actually see yourself (do not focus on rankings).
Good luck! Feel free to ask questions:)
Okay, so you've heard a bit about my journey into sorority life at Indiana University, covering the basics of recruitment, costs, parties, and the amazing people you meet. But what else should you really know if you're thinking, "How do I join a sorority in college?" Let's dive deeper into making that decision and what comes next. First, let's talk more about the Recruitment process. While I gave you the rundown of the rounds, it’s worth emphasizing preparation. I remember feeling so overwhelmed, but a little foresight can go a long way. Before open invite, research the different chapters! Look at their philanthropies, their values, and their social media. This isn't about picking your favorite house for a superficial reason, but rather understanding where you might genuinely fit in. Also, prepare some thoughtful questions. Instead of just answering their questions, show genuine interest by asking about their sisterhood events, what they love most about their chapter, or how they balance academics with sorority life. It makes you memorable and helps you assess if it's truly a good match. Don't be afraid to be yourself – authenticity is key! Regarding the Costs of being in a sorority, which I briefly mentioned, it's a huge factor for many. Beyond the initial new member fees and monthly dues, there are often smaller, unexpected expenses. Think about themed party outfits (which can add up quickly if you don't already own items!), gifts for your big or little, optional social events, and even chapter-specific merchandise. My advice is to create a budget and factor these in. Some chapters offer payment plans or even scholarships, so it’s always worth asking during recruitment or even reaching out to the Greek life office at your university for financial aid options. Don't let finances be a complete deterrent without exploring all avenues, but do go in with open eyes about what you’re committing to. Now, about the People and building those connections. While bid day is exciting, the real work of forming bonds happens throughout your time in the sorority. My twin and big became my rocks, but I also made friends through committees, study groups, and just hanging out in the common areas. It’s not just about finding your best friends; it’s about having a network of support. These are the women who will celebrate your successes, comfort you during tough times, and offer advice. Embrace the diversity within your chapter – you’ll meet people from all walks of life, with different majors and interests, which truly enriches your college experience. It’s a ready-made community when you might otherwise feel lost on a large campus. Finally, beyond the typical Parties, sorority life offers so much more. From philanthropic events that raise money and awareness for important causes (my chapter, Alpha Omicron Pi, supported arthritis research, which was incredibly fulfilling) to academic support, leadership opportunities, and professional networking, the benefits extend far beyond social gatherings. I gained public speaking skills, learned to manage projects, and even practiced my networking abilities at alumnae events. These are the skills that will serve you long after college. So, if you're weighing the pros and cons, remember that a sorority can be a launchpad for personal growth, leadership development, and lifelong friendships, not just social events. It’s an investment in yourself and your future, provided you choose the right fit for you.