So you’ve decided to go Greek, or at the very least, give it a shot – good for you! As a member of a Panhellenic (that means sororities for you non-Greeks) organization, I cannot stress enough how everyone should give Greek life a chance, even if you “think” it’s something that’s maybe not right for you.
Now that you’ve decided, you’re probably worried about recruitment – I definitely did when I went through it. It’s a stressful time, both for you and the girls in the different sororities. Well, luckily for you, I’m here to make your life a little easier.
Let me start off with what I know is on everybody’s minds – what the heck do I wear?! Simple. Here at SDSU, recruitment is broken up into different days with different names. The first two days are what as known as “Letter Days”. These days will seems somewhat repetitive as they serve as a chance for you to meet as many different girls in the different houses as you can and for them to meet as many of you as they can. My advice for this day is something cute and casual. Go with a cute top paired with shorts (not too short!), nice jeans, or a skirt. Whatever is the most comfortable for you. Quick side advices, if you’re not really feeling it the first two days, still stick it out! Since the first two days are so repetitive, it’s hard to get a feel of the different girls and the different houses in such a short amount of time.
The third day is “Community Service Day”. Today is the day that the houses will be introducing you to their beneficiaries and what they do for their philanthropy. If you were unaware before, ALL sororities and all sorority women must participate in community service. If you were in it to just “get fratty” maybe this really isn’t something for you – something to think about. The attire is the same as “Letter Days”, casual and cute.
On “House Tours”, you will be getting tours of each house and learn a little more about what it’s like to live in a sorority house. I highly recommend living in to anyone who wants to get a full sorority experience. Living in allows you to feel closer to your sisters and you’ll create bonds with girls you maybe wouldn’t have otherwise. Recommended attire for this day would include sundresses, cute rompers and wedges if you wish or even just cute flats if that’s what you prefer.
“Preference” is a very special day – it is the day when you will be invited back to houses that really see you as a potential sister. This is a more serious day, as you will learn more about the traditions that each sorority is founded on. A nice cocktail dress and heels are best for this day, however, be sure to keep it classy. If you wouldn’t wear it to meet your boyfriend’s grandmother or if you would wear it to a frat party, it is not appropriate for this occasion. Try to steer away from black if you can as all the houses will be wearing black cocktail dresses on this day and we don’t want you getting lost in the crowd.
Last few tips: smile! Be confident! If you are nervous, know that you are not alone. Recruitment is an anxious time for those going through it and for those who are already in sororities. We are trying to impress you just as much as you’re trying to impress us. So relax, and keep the conversations comfortable and natural. Don’t try to be someone who you really aren’t – embrace yourself, otherwise, you may end up in a sorority where you will later find you don’t really belong.