[ISUKappa]

I moved into our chapter house second semester Freshman year and lived in until I graduated.

I very much loved living in the chapter house (obviously) but it does take some effort and getting used to sharing a small living space with that many girls.

The great: there was always someone around - to talk to, to study with, to go get coffee, to watch TV, to go out with, etc.... It definitely helped me get close with more women in my chapter, especially older members. I have the best memories from when I lived in the chapter house, even though that time wasn't necessarily always perfect.

the good: location, cost and conveniences. Personally, these were secondary to my overall living experience, but they definitely helped. We had a daily housekeeper for the common areas (including bathrooms!), a great cook, we were the closest house to campus (and campustown) and it was definitely cheaper than living in the dorms or in an apartment.

the bad: with any communal living arrangement, not everyone got along. Sometimes things would go missing (most commonly food), or people would borrow without asking. Members would get into arguments that would affect the entire chapter. You may not always get along with your roommate (even if they were your BFF before). You may find out, um, interesting habits of sisters (like I was the one who colored her hair over the 3rd floor laundry sink) but those are all learning experiences.

I'm guessing there are other girls who are just as nervous about it as you. I wasn't very close to women in my pledge class either, and that didn't necessarily change much after we all moved in. Sometimes, that's just how things are.