what are the benefits of joining a fraternity?

I'll be starting my freshman year at college very soon. I don't know much about fraternities but had people tell me I should join one. Why should I? It seems like a good way to make new friends so far away from home, but that's never been a problem for me before anyway. Are there any other benefits in getting involved in a fraternity? I've heard that the rush/pledging process is pretty time consuming...