While joining a sorority is one thing, living in it is an entire separate concept. Girls in Greek life often struggle with the decision of whether or not they want to live near the frat scene, but I’m here to tell you that it is worth every second. Contrary to popular belief, living in a sorority has been more beneficial than harmful for me and it has enhanced my second-year experience.
I was extremely hesitant to move into my sorority mainly because I knew my tendencies around my friends: prioritizing socialization over academics. However, I have found loopholes and ways to avoid submitting to those habits. Overall, I have become more organized in my work because I knew living in would rub off on me by making me feel like I have to attend every event or outing with the rest of my friends. I actually use the house to keep myself on track with my work. We have a room called Slounge – a study lounge – that is essentially a mini library, and it remains quiet 24/7 so girls do not have to leave home for a study space at a library or cafe on campus. I am always the most productive when I study in an isolated place in my house rather than studying in a crowded place on campus.
The degree of the downside of living in a sorority depends largely on your personal living situation. I live in a double with my best friend but our room is on the second floor, close to the stairs and at the beginning of the hallway – a natural place for others to stop and have a conversation, sometimes very late at night. I will admit I rely on melatonin a little more than what is probably a healthy amount, but we can switch rooms every semester so I will be able to live in a quieter room.
That said, the cliché statement about living with your best friends also holds true to living in a sorority when considering the perks: it is a sleepover every night. I was lucky to meet my roommate and best friend last year through my sorority who also prioritizes academics over everything but still loves to have fun. We both are very motivated and ambitious and I am so thankful we both feel the same way because some girls in my sorority live with three or four other roommates and constantly complain about the weak friend dynamics, the quick spreading of sickness, and the problem with different schedules. Even if you do find yourself stuck in this situation, communication is always the answer, especially when problems get personal.
My absolute favorite part about living in the house, though, has to be the food. We are lucky enough to have our own personal chef and team who cook diverse, homemade meals during the week. There are always healthy options – in addition to gluten-free and dairy-free options – if the main course does not appeal to your tastes. Every Friday we are served brunch, which includes the best assortment of brunch food I have ever tasted in my life.
One of the biggest pros about sorority houses is the enforcement of safety. Living in a sorority is undoubtedly one of the safer housing options because there is more security in terms of both the infrastructure and house management. If there is ever an emergency, chances are I will be relatively close to my house so I can walk past with minimal trouble, whether I am somewhere on campus or along frat row. I also know I will have a group of girls to walk somewhere with or walk home with if I feel unsafe and do not want to wait for campus services to take me home (public transportation and walking services are notorious for long and inconsistent wait times).
My experience living in a sorority has been an amazing journey so far and I cannot wait to create more memories under this roof with my friends. Although I get distracted every now and then, it is a cheap and safe housing option that provides me with substantial food and sufficient amenities. I also appreciate the house rules implemented by our directors in our housing corporation because nothing ever gets out of control in this house. I would definitely recommend living in your sorority if you are indecisive about it because nothing beats sleepovers with your best friends every night.