Greek life is an important part of many students’ college experience with thousands of undergraduates joining fraternities and sororities every year following ‘rush week.’ Some students join to make friends, expand their networking or get involved with community service. Here are a few reasons to consider joining a Greek organization: 

• Friendship – As an incoming Freshman or transfer student, the idea of starting at a school where you don’t know anyone can be quite daunting and stressful. You may worry about making friends and connecting with classmates. Greek life ensures you’ll make lifelong friends who have similar values, goals and aspirations. You’ll have a community of like-minded people who care about and support you during your time in college and even after graduation. 
• Networking – Cultivating a positive reputation and building long-term relationships with your fraternity brothers or sorority sisters can take you far in life. You’ll even have the support of alumni members and access to members all around the world. These connections can help you advance your career, offer personal and professional advice, access new information and introduce you to amazing opportunities you might not have known about otherwise.
• Service Opportunities – Every Greek organization has a philanthropic cause that they support. Focus on finding an organization that shares your beliefs and passions. You’ll be provided opportunities to give back to the community and make a difference because service and volunteer work are at the forefront of fraternity and sorority activities. These community contributions look great on a resume when it comes time to look for a job. 
• Skill Building – Students who are more introverted might consider themselves too shy to join a fraternity or sorority, but that might be the perfect driving factor to join! Greek organizations involve a lot of social interaction and will provide you with the opportunity to work on those communication skills in a positive and supported environment. Leadership is another valuable skill. Greek life can provide opportunities for another level of involvement if you want to hold a position as president, recruitment chairman, philanthropy chairman, secretary and treasurer.

There are several positive aspects of fraternities and sororities that appeal to students, but keep in mind these brotherhoods and sisterhoods do come with financial obligations and time commitments you’ll need to consider. If you can commit to Greek life, you’ll open yourself up to great opportunities, have a sense of belonging and a place on campus to call home regardless of your initial reason for joining.