<p>Hi, I got accepted to Cornell University and I've been told Greek Life is quite big at Cornell. Unfortunately, I am not a big fan of fraternities. I mean, I have never tried, as this will be my first year in college, but I really don't believe it's something for me.
Is it a problem to attend Cornell if you aren't interested in Greek Life? I am an international student, can I have a social life without joining a fraternity? I mean, I like to go to parties occasionally and I love meeting new people. Is that possible outside those fraternities? Are Cornell students friendly and welcoming (yes, I know there is no stereotype Cornell student, I meant on average)? </p>
<p>thank you very much for your help ;) I'm really concerned about this, I always hear Greek Life at first when I read about Cornell</p>
<p>Greek Life is mentioned here so much because it’s a big part of the social scene; and Cornell has the biggest system out of all the Ivy schools (I think). There is definitely a social life without delving in the Greek scene, but you’ll need to have the friends for it. Also, with the US drinking age being 21 and all, bars may not be an option. That’s probably another reason why people gravitate toward the frats.</p>
<p>There is definitely a big social scene apart from Greek life. In fact the vast majority of Cornellians [about 70%] are not in a fraternity/sorority. There are over 700 clubs on campus. All freshmen live together on North Campus, which helps establish friendships.</p>
<p>thank you. yea, I bet there are other things to do, since cornell has about 14,000 undergrads, right?</p>
<p>Fraternities used to throw all the parties (until freshmen were banned from going to frat partied first semester), and even now most big collegetown parties are at the houses of guys in frats. It’s going to be hard to have the social life you want until maybe sophomore year, if you’re not in a frat.</p>
<p>There’s literally a frat for everyone at Cornell, and a bunch that do not fit your traditional perception of Greek life. Don’t automatically rule it out.</p>
<p>Most underclassman go to the frats more often because it’s their own social scene choice really if they want to go out. But more juniors and seniors go to parties in Collegetown & at the bars [if their 21 or have a fake]. </p>
<p>Summary: Greek Life is big, but not consumptive.</p>