Greek Life: What’s it all about?

Greek Life

What’s the deal with fraternities and sororities in the US?  Why don’t we have them in Australia? And what is their purpose?

 

During your search for the most suitable US College, you may come across information about ‘Greek Life’ at universities.  While this is a well-known and practiced tradition among American universities, it is not commonplace in other parts of the world, and may need some verification.  While I have not, myself been a member of a sorority, I can clarify some things about what Greek life is and how this affects campus life.

 

Aside from academics, colleges in the US also focus on sports, clubs, international experience and Greek life. While sports, clubs and travel are common among all universities, Greek Life is specific to universities in the US.

 

Fraternity and Sorority come from the Greek words for brother and sister.  They are gender-based initiatory organizations for undergraduate students and exist at many schools in the US.  Membership is optional, and each one varies in their values, as well as what they do together, and with the university.  Specific fraternity and sorority chapters exist throughout many schools in the US, and connect students on both university-wide and national levels.

 

Many American movies portray Greek life as frivolous, revolving around parties and hazing incoming freshman pledges with initiation rituals. Yes, this can be customary, but there are more to these institutions that go beyond college drinking culture.  Here are some facts about US Greek Life, and some comparisons with Australian university culture.

 

1)   You live with your ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters’.  In schools with a large amount of Greek life, there is often a ‘Greek Row’ where all the Greek houses are located, just next to campus.  In Australia, this can be assimilated to living in a certain college building.  The difference with Greek Life is that you must be chosen to live in the house, and are voted in by current members.

 

2)   Initiation can be quite stressful. Fraternities and Sororities have a rush week, where they have a party, those who want to pledge will go to the party and socialize with the members.  Then the members hold a meeting where they vote in pledges.  While this seems judgmental and exclusive, and sometimes offensive; these networks are meant to last for life and become a big part of your world.

 

3)   National links to other chapters – Networking.  Becoming a member of a fraternity at one college, linked with several colleges around the states will help in future business opportunities, since these bonds are special and unique.  Being a part of Greek life at your college in Indiana could mean an easy way into a job in New York, for instance.

 

4)   Fund raisers, philanthropy and leadership opportunities.  Many sororities and fraternities offer community service, fundraising for campus activities and offer a type of political system, which can help in terms of leadership for future employment.  Greek Life, as well as many other clubs, offer opportunities for participating in Greek government, as well as a plethora of other student activities.  While these are mostly social, this type of involvement would be most revered for a student interested in business, communications, humanities, marketing, as well as several other career trajectories.

 

Australian Universities offer other types of clubs and organizations that are not as all encompassing as Greek Life is.  While neither is better or worse, the American tradition of fraternities and sororities can be a fun and exciting way of participating in activities in college.  The choice is yours!

A graduate from Columbia University and a native New Yorker, Nico is now in Melbourne helping students here to realize their American college dream. Her understanding of U.S. higher education and experience in the Ivy League will guide you through both the SAT exam and the entire admission process.

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