Making friends in college can be nerve-racking to think about, but the experience itself doesn’t have to be! Joining Greek life offers a solution for students on campus ready to meet new people and make lifelong friends. 

Greek life refers to students who are part of a sorority or fraternity on campus, often denoted by Greek letters. For example, I belong to Kappa Alpha Theta, which is a part of Panhellenic Council.

For me, I knew I valued sisterhood, and joining a sorority would be the environment for me to thrive in. I am the eldest of three sisters, so I was so excited to have guidance from older active members — and eventually be a role model for the younger member classes. Everyone may have different reasons for wanting to join, but most fall along the line of wanting a supportive community. 

While the recruitment process differs by council, there are many options for each one at Illinois. There are a total of 90 registered organizations at the University — 40 sororities and 50 fraternities. 

A wide range of houses allows students to choose one that aligns with their values and leadership style. Larger Greek councils offer more freedom, helping students find the right fit rather than settle due to limited choices.

Even though the process might be intimidating because it involves meeting lots of new people, this experience shouldn’t make anyone feel discouraged to participate in this opportunity. 

There are many resources, like recruitment counselors who are trained to aid new members who may feel nervous. New members aren’t required to have any connections or knowledge about any house, so it is truly a learning experience. 

When I was a freshman, I hardly knew anything about the process and had no relation to active members to ask them for general advice. 

However, this all changed when I went through recruitment. My recruitment counselor was responsive to my group, and I made many connections that I wouldn’t have made anywhere else. The people that I met were some that aren’t a part of my house now — but remain familiar faces and genuine friends on campus.

Although the goal of recruitment is to find a connection within a certain house, it doesn’t stop people from forming friendships beyond those members. Some of my best friends are not a part of Theta, but the inclusive community that Panhellenic promotes allows our friendship to be just as strong. 

Olivia Dolewski, junior in Delta Gamma, talked about her experience within Panhellenic. 

“It’s (a) very close knit (community) where you can always find someone for whatever you want to do, or whatever class you’re taking, or whatever club you’re wanting to join,” Dolewski said. 

Not only are you making friends, but it becomes easier to get more involved on campus. For example, I obtained my current job because an older member mentioned that a company was hiring. I joined The Daily Illini because of my former roommate and sister in my sorority. 

These are all activities I might have been more hesitant to do had I not joined Greek life. These friendships have strengthened my confidence by showing me that others can relate to my experiences. It makes me feel not alone in my college journey. 

If you miss your opportunity to go through with recruitment in the fall, some houses offer opportunities to go through recruitment in the spring. This process can cater to those who transferred or were unsure about joining in the prior semester. 

Greek life is known for being supportive rather than exclusive. It provides an easy way to meet new people and encourages values like leadership, responsibility and community — characteristics that all carry over into jobs, other organizations and everyday life. 

One of the best decisions I have ever made was to go through with recruitment. I am so grateful that I found an amazing sisterhood within Theta. By joining Greek life, you will gain so many friendships within and outside of your chapter, and this network will provide you with a home away from home. 

Isabel is a junior in LAS.

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