In my senior year of high school I remember hearing boys and girls talk about how they couldn’t wait to rush.
When I moved to Gainesville for my first semester at UF, I recall seeing hundreds of similarly dressed girls when my friend murmured, “Oh, they’re definitely rushing.”
Greek life has never interested me. I’ve always felt as though I didn’t fit in with the Greek scene.
After three semesters into my college career, it feels like everyone is involved in Greek life in some way or another.
At times it makes me feel kind of weird that I’m not in Greek life, and even more I feel weird that I don’t desire to be.
However, I know that I’m not alone. Although it may seem that everyone around me is going to parties, getting crazy and having loads of fun, I know there are others like me who aren’t suited for Greek life.
Now, this has always left me with the question: “Well what do I do then?”
If you ever feel alienated or that you’re missing out by not being in Greek life, don’t freak.
Here are some ways to make the most out of your time in college even if you’re not in Greek life, and how to avoid FOMO at all costs.
Get involved in the community
No matter where you are, there is always something you can do to help your community.
This could be volunteering with local organizations, cleaning up around the town or even starting your own organization!
Not only will this improve your community, but it will also be something that will teach you valuable lessons and could even be something you put on your resume.
Pick up a new hobby
Being in Gainesville, there are so many new opportunities presenting themselves at every turn.
If you find yourself bored or as if you aren’t doing much, try new things that interest you, even if you have your doubts.
Try yoga, a workout class, a new recipe, a new photo-shoot location, a new coffee shop and the list goes on!
Surround yourself with like-minded people
It can be hard to see others in Greek life living what seems to be their best life, and it can make you feel as if you’re missing out.
If you make friends with people who share your same viewpoints, interests and hobbies it can be easier to not get caught up in a FOMO rut.
Join a club
Especially here at UF, there are so many clubs and organizations to join to stay involved and occupied.
You have the chance to dive into a personal passion or to try something completely new to see if it is the right fit for you.
It can be scary to join something new with a bunch of unfamiliar faces, but chances are you aren’t the only one who’s nervous.
Even if you don’t stick with it, trying out a new club or organization is a great way to enhance your college experience without being in Greek life.
A lot of college life is centered around Greek life. However, it’s not for everyone, and that’s OK.
It can make you feel like an outsider when the people around you are constantly busy with their activities.
For me, I knew that that scene wasn’t a right fit for me, but that took me a while to realize.
If you’re feeling as if you’re missing out by not being involved in Greek life, don’t worry.
There are numerous other ways to make the most out of your time at college. There is something for everyone out there.