Interested in Greek Life but not quite sure yet
 

Hi!

I'm an incoming Freshman at the University of Washington (GO DAWGS) who has recently found an interest in the possibility of going Greek but is not quite sure yet. Reason for this would be is that currently I live in a studio (on Greek row haha) and I really like the feeling of privacy of being able to go home at night and sleep in my own room. I know that there's a fraternity (possibly more than one) on campus that doesn't require its members to live in the house. Now that sounds great for me, however, I'm not quite sure how realistic that is because even though they don't require it, if they know that I'm someone who doesn't plan on living in the house won't that hurt me in my rushing process which would basically mean they just don't give me a bid because one of the factors is I don't plan on living in the house? The house I'm talking about is actually, literally, one block away from my apartment, so the distance shouldn't be a problem but who knows..
Another thing, it is really important to me that when exam time comes I am able to fully focus on my studies so that I can do well on the exams, grades will be really important for me in college. What worries me is not the time commitment to a fraternity but the time commitment when I need to study, will I be able to combine studying and being a brother? The same fraternity that doesn't require you to live in a house also is a non-pledging frat, which would be great for me since it means I'd get to skip the pledging process that would otherwise hurt my grades.
And lastly, I know fraternities throw parties and "socials," everyone does. And I think that's cool! What worries me though is that I have a pretty stable relationship going, and even if I wouldn't, trying to hit on sorority girls in a party isn't my thing. Everything else though, sign me up! I'll be the guy with lampshade on my head dancing on the table (just kidding) ^^

Before anyone says that if those are my worries then why am I joining a fraternity. That's the think, currently I am not. However, the Greek organizations do interest me and they look like a great way to make the most of your college experience! So don't look at me as someone who is going Greek yet has all these "problems," I'm just someone who's a non-Greek currently but is open-minded to the idea of seeing what being Greek is like :)

Anyway, it's great being here, I plan to use this forum as a way of exploring more about what it means to go Greek!

Don't rush a fraternity just because of its housing requirements (or lack of same). If you really want to be Greek and have a good time of it, find the fraternity that suits you best. You can always sublet your apartment.

Just because a fraternity is "non-pledging" does NOT mean it requires less of a time commitment. As a matter of fact, sometimes it requires more, because right away you're doing ALL the same things the brothers do. You have to learn to budget your time as far as studying.

No one cares if you hit on girls at mixers. You should talk to them and not stand there like a bump on a log though.

Yeah, any fraternity truly worth your time is all about the brotherhood instead of the house or parties. If I were you, I'd rush but never think twice about housing requirements, etc. True fraternity brothers don't subject you to non-favorable conditions. Eg. if you take academics seriously and need your study time, they should respect that.

So, the idea is to go to rush, be a cool person, but definitely make it clear that you value academics and healthy relationship practices. Sure, there will most likely be one or two (likely failing) chapters that don't cater to sustainable lifestyles and values, but as for the others, there's a good chance you'll find a group of people right for you. And, don't forget -- even those stereotypical party chapters are perfect for some people: people who like to party all night and blatantly hit on girls.

Thanks for all the advice! I'm still not a hundred percent sure but excelblue's advice definitely is making me consider checking out rush events.

By non-pledging do you mean a group that has no pledge education process and you become a brother instantly? Or is it a group that calls you an 'Associate Member' or something to that effect (which at many schools, ends up being very close to pledging).

Like 33girl says above, don't pick a house based on housing location/requirements. You want to focus on grades, but is that group's GPA low? UW does a great job on their site with grade reports and what-not, so you should look at that. There are a ton of groups on campus, so there should be one that fits you. Go with the one that fits you, not the one closest to your or because they don't "pledge."

Possible he is talking about Sig Ep. However while there is no real pledging process, BMP can take the same amount og time as one. And honestly most fraternities aren't going to keep you so busy as a pledge you suffer academically. Doesn't do them any good.

What's BMP? Is that code for pledge period? ;) If a fraternity didn't have a pledging process they could initiate the PNM the same day the new member accepted his bid.....Right?

Balanced Man Program