With rush approaching at the dawn of the upcoming semester, anticipation is rising across campus. Rumors swarm around the freshmen class about what sorority life will be like and movies create expectations that often veer from the reality of Greek life here in Oxford. Being in a sorority is such a great experience, and with 16 chapters here at Miami, there is a place for any girl who wants to join. That being said, srat life is not always what it seems, so here are some myths busted for you before you begin your Greek experience.
1. “Bid Day will be the best day of your life.”
Throughout the whole rush process, I was repeatedly told that the whole thing would be worth it as soon as bid day came. This is one rumor that really got to me, because on actual bid day, I was so overwhelmed that I did not find it enjoyable at all. I think that girls from almost every chapter on campus can agree that, in all honesty, Bid Day is awkward af. Don’t get me wrong- people are happy and super relieved that the torture of rush is over. But you’re put in a room with 60+ girls who are supposed to be your new best friends and it can be a little awkward and uncomfortable at first. My advice is don’t drop or be discouraged if your Bid Day is not what you anticipated it to be. It will take a few weeks before you truly get to bond with your sisters, but it will be worth it if you stick it out.
2. “You won’t be friends with people in other sororities.”
Being in a sorority is a great way to meet people and develop new friendships, but especially at Miami, it does not limit you to the people in your chapter. Living in sorority quad makes it so it is easy to interact with girls from other chapters, since they are just on the floors above or below you. A lot of times there will even be events like “4 ways” where two sororities and two fraternities will come together for one big social. Not much will change with your old friends from first semester, and the amount of time you spend with your new sorority sisters versus your original friends is honestly up to you.
3. “Being in a sorority is a huge time commitment.”
Don’t get me wrong- being in a sorority is a big commitment. However, it will not take over your life at school. I was hesitant to join other activities in the beginning of the year because I was planning on rushing and I did not want to overwhelm myself. However, most of the sorority activities are optional, and you can be a full active member by only attending chapter meetings once a week. For the new member period (about two months until initiation) there will be an additional weekly meeting. Most sisterhood and social activities are completely optional and no one is expected to attend them all. There may also be occasional mandatory events, like philanthropies, but for the most part, you can choose which activities will fit into your schedule and which won’t.
4. “If you’re in a sorority, you have to drink and party a lot.”
Sororities are about so much more than partying and the social scene. It’s a way to meet new people, do philanthropic events, engage in fun sisterhood activities, and strengthen your personal self. Like any organization, there is a social aspect to it, but it is totally optional. There are plenty of girls in all sororities who limit or completely forgo the party scene. Also, it is totally acceptable to go to social events and not drink. In fact, for most events chapters are required to have sober liaison to ensure that everyone in safe, and you can earn points if you volunteer to be one.
5. “You will have 150 new best friends.”
Because the sororities at Miami are so big, it is impossible to get to know everyone. You will get to know the girls in your pledge class the best, and then those in the pledge classes directly above and below yours. However, there is not a lot on interactions with the upperclassmen, especially seniors as you will only be in the sorority for one semester together. Even within your pledge class, you will form friend groups. It’s totally natural and it is impossible to be best friends with all 60+ girls. However, they are still your sisters and are there to support you.