An English girl confused in Texas!

[curiousbrit]

I went to college in England and now I'm applying to UH for the spring semester, but I don't have a clue about what sororoties are all about! They get a pretty bad rep in England about initiations and hazing, so I'm not sure if they're a good thing to get involved in.

I have no idea what 'rushing' or 'pledging' is, if the women live in the same house, if the initiations are as bad as I've heard, what recommendations are all about, whether masters students are allowed to join... I'd really like to learn a little bit more about them and whether they are a good idea to join. It all looks a little bit daunting to an English girl! Can anyone help me out?!