Ask any affiliated student on any campus in the nation, and I can [almost] guarantee they will tell you their decision to rush was one of the best decisions they made in their time at college. It comes with the territory- being affiliated gives you a step up when it comes to navigating the college world. You instantly gain a team of people ready to support you when you need it and cheer you on when you deserve it. They are ready to help you get through this crazy thing we call college. And if we’re all being honest, none of us really know how we would make it without them. But when it comes to Greek life at a small school, life as an affiliated student is a little extra special. Coming from someone who rushed as a freshman at a school of around 6,000 undergrads, I can honestly say I am forever grateful for the opportunities Greek life has given me.
You will always find a friendly face. Whether it’s in the dining hall, library, lecture hall, or even just walking down the sidewalk, you will definitely run into a familiar face or two. (Plus, it’s nice to not have to worry about any awkward lonely moments.)
Wearing your letters gives you an immediate sense of unity. Do they match? No. Does it matter? No. You’re both knee deep in the grips of Greek life, and really that’s all you need to have in common to feel like you belong.
At big schools, the sheer number of Greek organizations tends to cause a level of competitiveness that small schools tend to avoid. Sure there is some bad blood on occasion, but for the most part we understand we’re all in this together, and we choose to support each other rather than tear each other down.
Mixers aren’t awkward, because at any given moment, you know roughly 90% of the fraternity (or sorority) members there. You don’t have to worry about any awkward conversations, because they tend to flow naturally when you actually have things to talk about.
Suddenly, 1/3 of your class is affiliated, and just like that you have a study group. And not just any study group, this study group has a bank of answers/study guides from every organization, making for much easier and more productive study sessions.
Greek life on a small campus is an experience unlike any other. There’s never a shortage of friendly faces around you (which is both a blessing and a curse at times). The benefits for being affiliated are endless. And while it isn’t for everyone, it certainly is one of the most amazing experiences for those of us that chose Greek life.
*This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
Lakewood Ohio is a great city right on the western border of Cleveland, if you're reading this chances are you…
After living in Pittsburgh, it isn't that much of a change to attending college at Pitt. You have already been…
I’ve grown up in a small-town all my life. The quiet midnight streets, the steady flow of traffic and the…
We've all been there. Crying to our best friend with a bucket of ice cream in hand and asking them, "What did…
From what to pack, to tips on surviving the borderline inhabitable dorms, we've got you covered for American University orientation!…
As a young, city-loving girl who had been born and raised in one of the largest cities in the world,…
