Everyone has their own images of what living in a sorority house looks like. From House Bunny, Greek, Neighbors, to Sorority Wars, many movies and T.V. shows depict sorority houses as this ultra-feminine mansion where the girls are pillow fighting 24/7. I’m here to tell you that is not really the case. If you are a freshman in college, or thinking about joining Greek Life on campus I have created a list of the best tips and tricks to navigate your way through living in a house full of college girls.
- Make sure to take time to yourself
This is so important if you are someone that needs to be alone in order to recharge and regain energy. I am personally an introvert and love my alone time. Obviously, if you are living in a house with 80 or so other girls, it’s not always the easiest thing to do. However, it’s crucial. I recommend working this out with your roommates or learning their schedules so you know when you will have the room to yourself. If this doesn’t work or isn’t a possibility, taking a nice long walk by yourself can work wonders. Remember to always prioritize your mental health and do whatever you need to do in order to get back on track.
- Bring slippers
I know this one is so simple, but it will save your life. I can’t remember the last time I wore my normal shoes around the house. You will quickly notice that everyone wears slippers around the house all day. I recommend investing in a nice pair of Uggs because your slippers will be used every day in the house.
- Be yourself
As corny as this sounds, it’s so true. It is just not possible to keep up a persona 24 hours of the day. You will get so tired. I promise in a house full of people, you will find people that you connect with and can relax and be yourself with. It may take some time so be patient at first, but it’s so important to just be yourself and find the people that make you happy. One of the most valuable things I have learned while living in a sorority house is that it’s not about the number of friends you have, it’s about the quality. Do not force friendships, they will come naturally. I know in college this can be hard sometimes especially if you don’t know a ton of people but stick in there because you will find your people. Living in a sorority will only speed that process up because you will be surrounded by people all the time.
- Prepare for an active social life
This one is still hard for me sometimes because I do love my alone time to decompress, but you will never regret being social and hanging out with your girlfriends. One thing that you should know about living in a house full of girls is that there is always stuff going on. It’s rarely quiet around the house. If you want to be more involved on campus or just do more in general, this is a great thing. People will come into your room and ask if you want to go to events with them all the time. It’s all about balance and learning when to say yes and when to say no. There will always be someone to grab breakfast with, go on campus to study with, or just stay in and watch movies with. This is probably the thing I will miss the most when I have to move out.
- Take advantage of your opportunities
I saved the best for last. One amazing thing about living with so many girls is that it is more likely than not that you will have a sister in one or more of your classes, clubs, teams, or other organizations. Take advantage of this. Do not be afraid to ask someone in the house to walk to class together or do the homework together, even if you don’t know them that well. Greek life provides a great opportunity for people to make long lasting connections. I have been inspired to join the clubs that some of my sisters are in and we walk together every week to our meetings. I could not say this enough: take advantage of your opportunities!
Overall, I would not trade my experience of living in a sorority house for anything. I have learned so much about myself and made so many amazing friends that I know will last a lifetime. Please do not be afraid or intimidated by the idea of living in a house with a bunch of girls. It is nothing like the movies. Look at it as an opportunity to get closer to all your best friends. You will never get the chance to live with all your best friends under one roof ever again, so make the most of it.