6 Reasons Why Joining a Sorority at Illinois Is the Best

Joining a sorority in college has so many benefits: creating new friendships, networking with others and discovering new opportunities to get involved on campus. The women that partake in formal recruitment often make friendships that last them throughout college. But joining a sorority at the University of Illinois exceeds the average Greek-life college experience and gives students an incomparable four years that can’t be found anywhere but Urbana-Champaign. Here’s six reasons why joining a sorority at Illinois is so great:

 

 

One of the most infamous nights of the year, barn dance is an evening of dancing, country music and cowboy hats. Members of Greek life are capable of renting out a barn for their sorority or fraternity and invite their dates to spend an evening in the hay. It’s one of the biggest themed events on Illinois’ campus and something that every sorority member looks forward to. 

 

 

 

According to a 2012 U.S. News statistic, 25% of undergraduate women at the University of Illinois participate in Greek Life. Considering the amount of women on campus, this is a massive number of women that will join a sorority this year. The University of Illinois has 26 different Panhellenic sororities, so every girl coming through recruitment is able to find the perfect home to call their own.

 

“It’s so fun to have all of my best friends from high school join sororities, because we have all been able to branch out and meet each others’ new friends.” said sophomore Julianne Dardanes.

 

 

University of Illinois women aren’t kidding when they say “you will be best friends with your sisters all four years of your college career.” Most sorority women spend time living in their chapter house, but that isn’t the end of the fun.  U of I is home to a unique and magical place called seniorland, a couple blocks in Champaign that are dedicated to sorority and fraternity senior houses.  Each year, senior sorority members pass down their leases to the following pledge class, so every year a group of seniors will be able to live with their friends for their final year as an undergrad. 

 

Elizabeth Deuel, a senior, describes the camaraderie of seniorland. “Having a senior house makes it easy for everyone to get together and hang out. Besides that, we currently have four apartments of sisters in the same building. Someone’s always around and up for anything, it’s like living in the house again!”

 

 

Unlike other schools that tailgate prior to football games, U of I Greek life participates in what they call “block.”  The mornings before home football games, each sorority pairs up with a fraternity to show their school spirit at an on-campus bar. Afterwards these pairs often go to the football game at Memorial Stadium.  Its a great way to get to know different fraternity and sorority members while representing the orange and blue.

 

 

 

Most schools with large campuses, such as the University of Illinois, are confined to the on-campus activities because of the challenge it would be to move massive amounts of people off campus. However, U of I gives Greek life the unique option of leaving campus for an evening during one of the off-campus exchanges.  Exchanges are socials for Greek members to meet other fraternity and sorority members at a bar or restaurant, and typically dress up for a funny theme. They’re a great way to widen your circle of friends while also exploring off campus locations. 

 

 

Philanthropy is a huge part of the Illinois Greek culture. Sororities often have multiple events throughout the school year to raise money for their chosen charity. These events can range from sporting events like baseball games to themed dinners, and are a great way to meet more people and raise money for charity. 

 

“I love going to philanthropy events that my friends in other houses host. It’s always a fun meal or game and I get to meet a new group of people I may not have met otherwise!” said Dardanes.

 

 

Being a member of a sorority anywhere has a number of benefits, but Greek life at Illinois presents special opportunities. Who’s excited for bid day?

 

For more information on the Panhellenic community at Illinois, visit http://illinoisphc.com/