From the South to the West Coast - Help?
 

Hi everyone,

I live in Alabama and I'm pretty familiar with Greek life down here from going to parties and football games, etc. However, I'm going to be going to school in the West Coast in the Fall (UCLA).

I don't know anyone in fraternities on the West Coast so I'm wondering what it's like over there. Do people dress just as "fratty"? If not, how do they dress? Do they have summer rush activities? And lastly, what's life like in a fraternity out there?

I'm really curious about this and obviously I'll know all the answers when I go out there for orientation/school, but I'd like to know a little beforehand. If anyone here is in a fraternity anywhere on the West Coast, your input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

I'll be praying for your lost soul, wandering among the guidos, frantically trying to search for a polo button up, khaki shorts wearing fellow Southerner. Expect to find plenty of beautiful women, just not your lovely Southern belles.

However, prepare your fist for pumping my man. It will be the studliest muscle in your body when you graduate.

Oh, bless your heart! We'll pray for you....

Same fratty outfit as in the south, no socks, polo shirt with collar turned up, no croakies and you'll be fine....

Even though I do not attend a school in CA, here at ASU half of the students are from California.

As far as fratty attire is concerned, you will be fine with what's in your closet right now. I would recommend adding a few tank tops, boardshorts, and even a snapback hat to your closet as these are very popular out in California.

While I'm not familiar with UCLA Greek Life persay, I do know that some schools have a huge Greek presence, such as USC, while others are so-so.

Hope this helps and good luck with UCLA and rush!

Really? I have never seen college guys in so cal wearing polos.

Spring we could always pick out the SoCal guys because they wear the polo knit shirts but with the collars turned up. It is funny because we saw guys doing this when the visited DC too

I've never read a description of SoCal folks like this before.

Adding on here. I'm an out of stater that just started at one of the above mentioned socal's and finished rush but without an invite to the blue chip dinner. I was only able to meet guys from 2 frats (3 day event) and seemed to get along great with both so who knows what happened. The question is that they have "secondary rush" this coming weekend for guys that didn't get an invite. Anyone familiar with this? My sister is in a sorority - different school back east - and never heard of it. Just wondering if its worth going to.

I don't know anything about SoCal or UCLA, but if you didn't get a bid the first time and they have a "secondary rush", go. You might get a chance to meet guys in other FRATERNITIES (not Frats) that you didn't meet before.

Will you definately get a bid this time? I don't know. But, I do know you won't get a bid if you don't go.

Blue Chip dinner is tonight at USC. UCLA IFC Recruitment isn't for another month (last week of Sept).

Only abbreviate the word "Fraternity", if you regularly abbreviate the word "Country"
... as told to me by a Sigma Chi (though not LaneSig)

Arrrghhhh. One day, people will stop repeating that stupid, stupid analagy.

In English we shorten words all the time. Live in a dorm? Use a fridge? Ride a bike? Not that long ago, "frat" was no different; fraternities used it all the time.

On some campuses and in some groups even now, no one bats an eye at "frat." On other campuses and in other groups, they do. But unlike the stupid country example, it's not because "frat" is an obscenity all on its own; it's because of the Animal House connotation of "frat."

It's ironic, really. Use of the "country" analogy is an example of exactly the kind of thing that is objectionable to some people about the word "frat."

/soapbox

Thank you, MC.

You're one of my faves.

"You're right, I wouldn't, because there's a fucking "o" in country. I'd call it a "count". People think I don't know how to fuckin' spell."
I'm sorry, I love those videos. *hides*

I'm very familiar with greek life at UCLA. The fraternities are pretty laid back. Being from the South, I know that you know how to dress! But I will caution you not to go overboard with the super preppy look... don't pop your collar, no Vineyard Vines bermuda shorts with a motif (whales, lobsters, golf clubs, etc.). Just be chill and friendly! UCLA men's recruitment is pretty relaxed. Go to the chapter house for In and Out Burgers, that kind of thing...then a nice dinner at the end of the week, etc.
Many darling southern girls in the sororities too! UCLA is a really great, really fun school. Good for you!

By the way, they do call 'em "frats" at UCLA. It's FINE!

@LaneSig: Thanks - and for the correction. Good to start off right.

I am fairly familiar with IFC recruitment at the campus you appear to attend. In the past IFC has hosted a COB fair the weekend following formal recruitment - though I do not see this listed on the website. Your post indicates that you have more information about this than the website lists. Bids are allowed to be given out for a short period of time following men's recruitment and some chapters will do this.

If you choose to participate in spring recruitment spend time this semester getting involved on campus, meeting more fraternity men, and keeping your grades up! Please do look at more than two chapters if you participate in spring recruitment.

Thanks Gusteau - still trying to find info about this, not sure it is happening this year although I did receive an email last week regarding it - maybe they had a great rush this year and don't need it. There seem to be quite a few guys in the same boat in my dorm. Good advice for spring recruitment and a lesson learned about mixing more - there are so many fraternities here. I have outside merit scholarships tied to keeping a pretty high GPA so that wont be an issue. Thanks again.

Update: Email just sent out regarding Secondary rush. Seems it was a record year.

So IFC is not going to facilitate any kind of secondary event? Interesting.

Hopefully the smart chapters will continue to reach out to men while they can still extend bids... (thinking aloud, not really directed towards 7654321)

@Gusteau -Oh sorry, I wasn't clear enough - regarding my update at the bottom. There is a secondary event scheduled for next Sunday.

I am so. Confused. Perhaps you are confusing Southern California with... dare I say.. New Jersey? This definitely is not the Southern California way.

Surfer culture is pretty predominate in SoCal. When I say surfer culture, I don't mean this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-5F_7DwPpo I mean the fashion and mentality associated with it. Laid back. Flipflops. Tank tops. That being said, you shouldn't try to do a total make-over.. maybe just maybe take the Southerness from an 11 to a 9. Good luck~!

Speaking of In n' Out... I MISS IT!

Gotcha - good luck to you!