Greek life has a long list of perks. Joining a sorority can bring great things like new friends, fun social events, and an unbreakable bond of sisterhood between you and your fellow members. Despite all of the incredible benefits of joining a sorority, however, there’s one major downside to greek life that has taken a toll on all of our bank accounts: it’s f-ing expensive! Between black tie affairs and themed parties, you might find yourself having to choose if you should spend your last dime on textbooks or yet another cocktail dress. Here are six surefire ways to make sure you’ll never have to break the bank for your greek life needs again.
1. Black and white are your new best friends
Sororities are constantly planning formal events like dances, mixers, and even orientation. Most of the time, the dress code will consist of either a black or white dress. Pick up a simple black dress and white dress from an affordable store like H&M or Forever 21 and make sure they’re very basic and plain. This way you can dress them up or down with jewelry or a belt depending on the event you have to go to instead of buying a new dress for every occasion.
2. Buy a go-to pair of black pumps
Like with the black and white dresses, having a simple pair of closed-toed black pumps will ensure that you won’t be running to DSW every time you have to go to an event.
3. Say it with me, ladies…CRAFTING
Possibly the most important word in the sorority girls’ language. Crafting is a god send for sisters on a budget. When it comes time to make gifts for your big, little, or twin, save a few dozen dollars and make them something cute and homemade! You’ll have so much fun going to a craft store and picking up wooden letters or a canvas and covering them with glitter and paint. Everyone loves homemade gifts because they know you put time into them, so don’t worry about spending the big bucks when it comes to gifting.
4. Make your own jewelry
Don’t be scared, it’s not as hard as you think. Most sororities will require you to wear a pearl necklace at some point or another. Head to your nearest craft store and make yourself a super easy pearl necklace using pearl-like beads for a fraction of the price that a real pearl necklace would cost you.
5. Utilize your resources
When you’re in a sorority, decorating your room to display your sisterhood is a huge deal. It can feel like all your sisters are constantly buying new letters and merch to rep their style. Thankfully, your every day household items can make the perfect decorations to display all over your pad. Try buying some mason jars (super affordable) or plain cups and decorating them with paint, glitter, and sharpies. It’s an amazing way to get more sorority merch without spending more than a few dollars.
6. Make your own letters
Clothing and merch is nothing short of expensive. Trace your letters onto some cute fabric and make your own letters to put onto whatever item you want. You’ll end up saving hundreds of dollars on merchandise in the long run.
There you have it, collegiettes! Sororities can be incredible and life-changing, especially if you never have to worry about your budget again!