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5 Common Myths About Sorority Life, And Why They Aren’t True

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There are many exciting ways to get involved during college, and joining a sorority can be one of the most fun and rewarding of them all. Sorority membership can help jumpstart your personal growth and career success, plus, it provides opportunities to find a sense of belonging, build leadership skills, and create lifelong friendships. TheSororityLife.com wants you to know that you are welcome and you can be at home in the sorority community.

If you’re interested in joining a sorority, the process can definitely feel intimidating, and chances are, you have a lot of questions — even hesitations — about the experience. We’re here to distill some of the most common myths about sorority life and share why joining a sorority can make your college experience unique, memorable, and fulfilling.

Myth #1: You have to look a certain way to join a sorority

Have you ever seen a movie depicting sorority life where every single member was blonde-haired, blue-eyed, wealthy, and able-bodied? Same here. There’s a common misconception that you have to fit the stereotype in order to be part of a sorority — however, this isn’t accurate! Sorority women come from all walks of life, and the experience is about way more than the trendy, beauty-obsessed, party culture that movies and social media often depict.

Myth #2: The recruitment process is too stressful

Many college women report feeling anxious about recruitment and wonder if it’ll be stressful and judgmental. While putting yourself out there can definitely feel like a big step, know that you’re not the only one who’s nervous about recruitment, and the experience can be a blast! The sorority community is dedicated to offering you a sense of community and support. If you have questions about Panhellenic recruitment or what to expect, you can learn more about the process here.

Myth #3: Being in a sorority is only about partying and drinking

While social connections, weekend outings, and formal events can be significant (and super fun!) aspects of sorority life, you don’t have to enjoy partying and drinking to join. The daily life of a sorority woman is much more than partying! If you’re hesitant about this aspect of sorority life, know that sororities provide opportunities for academic support, personal development, and networking — none of which involve partying every weekend.

Myth #4: Sororities aren’t super diverse or inclusive

Similar to the stereotype that Panhellenic sorority members are typically white, blonde-haired, able-bodied women, it’s often believed that sorority communities aren’t diverse or inclusive. However, when you join a sorority, you’ll meet women from all backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religions, body types, and more! You should be able to be your authentic self because you deserve to feel included and celebrated for who you are no matter what.

Myth #5: It’s too time-consuming

If you’re interested in sorority life but feel uneasy about the time commitment, know that it’s totally possible to balance being in a sorority with academics and your other passions! Whether you love playing sports, singing onstage, or starting a side hustle, your sorority sisters will likely be the ones to cheer you on through it all. Plus, if you find yourself struggling with school-life balance throughout the year, you can always reach out to your community for support.

Joining a sorority during college can be a fantastic way to get involved on campus, serve a greater cause, and meet friends that you’ll keep in touch with throughout school and beyond! Despite the common myths, know that you can find a home in the sorority community, regardless of your identity or background. To learn more about how to join a sorority, check out this helpful info from TheSororityLife.com and follow @sororitylifenpc on Instagram! 

Tianna was an Associate Editor at Her Campus Media HQ where she covers all things pop culture, entertainment, wellness, and TikTok trends. She graduated from North Carolina State University and received her masters from Columbia University. Tianna currently lives in New York City where you can find her sipping coffee, practicing yoga, and singing show tunes.