What Are The Benefits of Joining a Fraternity or Sorority? Is it Worth it?

Some students attend college with a definite plan to join a fraternity or sorority. Maybe they’ve heard about the benefits from their parents or older friends; or maybe they already know that the social activities and philanthropy events of the Greek system will allow them to have a vibrant social life as an undergraduate.

However, other students harbor negative perceptions about Greek life, perhaps from rumors they have heard or movies they have seen depicting fraternities and sororities in an unflattering light.

Whether you personally have a positive or negative view of fraternities and sororities, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons before reaching a decision. Rather than asking if sororities and fraternities are good or bad, you should ask if joining one is right for you.

If you are considering joining a fraternity or sorority, here are some benefits you might gain as a result:

 

Make Connections

Though most people immediately think about the connections they could make on campus with peers while in a fraternity or sorority, it is also beneficial to think about the connections you can make with alumni and the future members of your chapter.

Sororities and fraternities often provide opportunities for alumni to stay connected with the on-campus community, which will give you the chance to network with people in your chosen field. The Greek life connection is usually a strong one, and alums might be more willing to give you tips or help you get an internship with their company.

You never know what opportunities these relationships could bring, and you will have the chance to help future students once you become established in your career as well.

 

Build Your Resume

Being part of a fraternity or sorority can also boost your resume. First, your specific fraternity or sorority could especially  appeal to employers who have an affiliation with that chapter, giving you a greater chance of being hired.

In addition, though, employers will see a fraternity or sorority on your resume and know you made a commitment that you kept throughout your years in school. The skills you learn as a member could be marketable to future employers, tool.

 

Learn New Skills

As a member of a fraternity or sorority, you will have the opportunity to join leadership or help to organize events, allowing you to build new skills you might not have otherwise learned while focusing on studying alone.

You will also be spending time with people outside of your major, so you can take the opportunity to learn from those students  and to step outside of your comfort zone.

 

Volunteer in the Community

As you may already know, a significant  part of Greek life is about volunteering. Sororities and fraternities choose philanthropy that they devote time and energy to throughout the year.

By being a member of a fraternity or sorority, you will automatically be included in philanthropy events and have the chance to take part in volunteerism while also spending time with friends. You could also give back to a cause that you are passionate about.

 

Balance Academic and Social Activities

Sororities and fraternities also provide the chance to merge the social with the academic. Many sororities and fraternities reward students for high grades, sometimes in the form of house points that add up to give students the chance to live in a sorority or fraternity house.

Other sororities and fraternities are actually based on academics and focus their membership on a certain academic focus like engineering or business. Spending time with like-minded peers could help you find other students to study with or to help you understand difficult course concepts.

As you focus on your studies, you will also be taking time to be social while engaged in Greek life. No college student should devote every waking moment to academics, so building social hours into your life at school is a great idea to keep your life balanced.

 

Create Lifelong Friendships

Of course, perhaps the most well-known benefit to joining a sorority or fraternity is the ability to create friendships that last a lifetime. Though you make friends in college through other avenues, the closeness you can experience in Greek life sometimes fosters closer connections than you might make otherwise.

With a bit of research, you might find a sorority or fraternity is right for you and your college experience. Spending time with fellow students and working toward shared goals is very rewarding if you commit to the journey.

When deciding whether or not to join a fraternity or sorority, do your research based on your specific campus. Sometimes certain campuses have opportunities to join other close-knit groups that have nothing to do with Greek life. Other campuses, however, offer Greek life as one of the only chances to enjoy a more social atmosphere. It depends on the situation and the student, so make a decision that is right for you.

Just remember that Greek life often is nothing like the movies and TV shows present. The hazing and inappropriate parties might be part of some fraternities and sororities, but not all, and you can make a final decision once you see for yourself.

Meanwhile, consider the views of other students regarding fraternities and sororities to find out how the experience was for them.