Panhellenic Recruitment can be nerve-wracking. Plain and simple. Required dress for the different Rounds, taboo topics you cannot speak about, and on top of all that you have to be yourself, simple right? Here at Her Campus Duke, we’re going to give you a little advice on how to get through Panhellenic Recruitment with the least amount of stress possible.
1. Plan Ahead
The first thing to do is plan out your outfits beforehand—this will ensure that an hour before the first party begins, you will not be digging through your closet trying to find that one, vital pair of jeans that you just have to wear for Round 1. A little organization goes a long way, and this little pre-Rounds thinking will ensure that your outfit options are clean (the last thing you want to worry about is laundry before getting ready).
2. Pack Flats
If you plan on wearing heels, I would highly recommend carrying your Uggs or a flat pair of pumps in your bag. Commuting between East and West campus (though made simple by Panhel through your Recruitment-specific buses) is not a comfortable feat. In between parties, let your feet take a break and slip on some comfy, flat shoes for the walk.
3. Bring Gum
The last thing you want to be worrying about is how your breath smells—especially when you’re going to be talking to so many girls. In between parties, pop a quick Extra (mint flavors are my preference) in to ensure that you smell minty fresh when you walk in. Just remember to take it out before you begin a party—chewing incessantly is not an attractive action during conversations.
4. Maximize Your Options
I know, I know, you’ve heard this term a thousand times, but one more time can’t hurt! Once you are done for the day, remember to rank every sorority you attended. This will ensure that you receive a bid if you get to Round 4 (which, trust me, makes sure that your stress levels remain relatively low the morning of the reveal).
5. Bring Snacks
If you’re anything like me, you’ll need to carry around a few snacks to guarantee that you’re not starving in between parties (and to keep your energy up!). I would recommend carrying an apple, a chocolate bar or some bin candy around to munch on while you’re walking to your next party. Not only does this ensure that your stomach won’t be growling mid-conversation, but you’ll have enough energy to keep that conversation going, and smile your way throughout (which is always a good thing!). Be wary, however, if any of these snacks contain garlic or the like, refer to number 3.
6. Utilize your Recruitment Counselors
If you’re stressed, worried, torn between two sororities, etc. use your RC’s for advice! That is what they’re there for! They have been specifically chosen to ameliorate any situation you find yourself in, and they would love to help you out. RC’s are one of the most important resources available to you, so you might as well use them (and hey, they’re all great—you may end up with a new friend!).
7. Keep an Open Mind
The best advice I was given before my freshmen Recruitment experience is to forget about what you heard about certain sororities last semester, and go into every Round with an open mind. Despite the sisterhood that connects all members in a certain sorority—every girl is different, and it’s all about finding the girls that you connect with. I would therefore recommend that you walk into every party with the plan to get to know every girl you speak to as individuals, and once you’ve spoken to enough and gauged the type of sorority this one is, then make opinions on what you think of the sorority as a whole. And most importantly, do not let anyone else influence this opinion—you never know who your friends have spoken to, or know in the sorority, therefore it is often more prudent to base your opinions on your experience, not someone else’s.
8. Be Yourself
This is possibly the corniest/most clichéd piece of advice, however, it is also the most important. A sorority is a lifetime commitment (that sounds intense), and will affect your college experience significantly. Therefore, go into every party and be yourself—talk about your interests, your experiences and your opinions, not what you think the sorority wants to hear. If they love what they hear from you, then great, if they don’t, then they’re probably not the right fit for you. This is an important decision, and you may as well make it in the most genuine way possible.
9. Have Fun!
Yes, Panhellenic Recruitment can be stressful, but it’s all about how you face it that makes the difference. It is not meant to be a difficult experience—joining a sorority is an exciting thing, and you should embrace it as such. So go into Recruitment with the mindset that if anything, you’ll be meeting new people, making new friends and coming up with fashionable outfit ensembles. The skits are hilarious, the girls are great and despite the long hours, it is a great experience! So enjoy it, please!
To finish off, here is some advice from the Recruitment veterans on our Her Campus Duke staff.
“Smile, tell embarrassing stories, talk about your weird brother, and make these girls love the you that you are, not the you that you think they want you to be.”
Ashley Alman, Junior
“Meeting so many new people during Recruitment is both exciting and exhausting. To boost your energy and attitude, pretend like each person you meet is the first person you have talked to all day long!”
Carolyn Heiman, Sophomore
“Don’t stress so much about what you’re going to wear, wear something you’re comfortable in because if you’re feeling comfortable you’ll feel more confident and that’s what counts.”
Dayna Uyeda, Junior
“Be yourself and have fun! Wear flats in between rounds and bring snacks!”
Rachel Koslow, Sophomore
“Don’t judge any sorority based upon its reputation, or based upon what your friends think of it. judge it based on the impression you have received from the girls.”
Lauren Busch, Sophomore