Imagine you have just gotten to college, but you don’t know anyone. You desperately want to make friends, and keep hearing that you should go Greek, so you go through the recruitment process for a fraternity/sorority. Still, you only know your Big and are unsure of how to mesh with an already tight-knit group of friends. So how do you make more connections and begin to submerge yourself in the family feeling often associated with fraternities/sororities? Here are a few tips on how to make friends in Greek Life:
Consider Officer Positions
Find out if your rush class has officer positions, then run for one. This is a great way for other new recruits to get to know you as well. You don’t have to run for president, although some Greek organizations may allow it. There are usually several positions with the same titles you may associate with high school class officers. Pick the one that fits you best, and even if you didn’t win, you probably got a few votes–and the chance to talk to other people, including recruits who are just as new as you.
Get to Know Your Greek Family!
Most Greek fraternities and sororities have what are called “Bigs” and “Littles.” Bigs are current, active brothers/sisters, and Littles are new. The Big is the one who will teach you everything you need to know about the fraternity–and they will also have a Big of their own. This is your fraternity/sorority family. Take the time to get to know them and spend as much time with them as possible. They are there to help you, and in many cases you chose each other–or at least your Big chose you. Turn to them as your best and closest resource.
Get Involved in All of the Events You Can
Since there is usually a waiting period before the initiation ceremony, in which you’re inducted into the fraternity/sorority, there may be some events that are for active brothers/sisters. However, events will be open to the newer recruits as well, such as philanthropic events. If you have the time to go, this is a great way to get to know new and existing members, as well as demonstrate your commitment to future events.
Say Yes to Invitations
This doesn’t mean saying yes to everything all the time, but if someone invites you to lunch or dinner, say yes. Making friends is impossible if you don’t put yourself out there a little, so saying yes to those small invitations will show your interest in building friendships. Then follow up and invite people to join you as well.
Go to Events with Other Fraternities/Sororities
Attending these events is a great way to get to know people outside of your fraternity/sorority, and often a sorority and fraternity will partner up for an event. Try to go to those events to get to know other people involved in Greek Life as well.
One of the hardest decisions to be made is what Greek fraternity/sorority to join. While fraternities and sororities often have a different selection process, it’s just as important you pick the right one as it is for them to pick the right recruits. This process can be difficult and intimidating, but GreekXperience can help make the process a little easier. We’ll help eliminate the hassle of trying to sift through various fraternities/sororities and connect you with the best fit. Visit GreekXperience today and let us help you start building friendships that will last a lifetime.
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