by Warren O. Brennan

Created on: July 23, 2009   Last Updated: July 25, 2009

Living in a fraternity or sorority house is sure to be an experience that lasts a life time, but is it right for you? Here are some questions you should be asking yourself:

What kind of student are you?

Are you the type that needs absolute quiet when studying? If so, living in a frat or sorority is most likely not going to be great for your academics. The library is always an option when your living space is a little noisy, but you will find as your college years go on that those long walks to the library late at night seem less and less desirable, leaving you wanting for an area to hit the books in the comfort of your own room. This of course is rarely possible in a frat or sorority, with all the traffic constantly entering and exiting.

Can you say no to social events?

There is always (and I mean always) going to be something to do when you belong to a frat or sorority, either inside the house or off campus. If you are not the type that can easily say no when the pressure is on to ditch the English mid-term and go to a party instead, then your academics are sure to suffer in the Greek life environment.

Are you tidy?

Frat houses, and in most case sororities, are a mess. That's it, an absolute mess. I suppose it is to be expected when you place twenty or so members of the same sex in a house together, but if you are the kid who had a personal locker organizer in high school and can't even stand when two of his foods touch, then I don't think waking up to a trashed house and the smell of vomit and urine is going to be for you.

Are you outgoing?

While the academic concerns that I mentioned above are certainly relevant, you still have to be willing to have a good time if you are planning to join a frat or sorority. The pledge period, while less stringent now a days, is still designed to weed out those who are not into mindless humor and traditional nonsense (kind of sick huh?). Events put on throughout the year also boast tomfoolery and reward excellence in self deprivation. If you can learn to love these things then great! If not, I would suggest finding a different social venue.

All that being said, Greek life is a blast. I strongly encourage it, baring the concerns outlined above.

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