<p>I’m possibly transferring to UA this summer, and the one concern I have is that I probably will not join a fraternity. I know that percentage wise, the amount of kids in greek life is fairly low, however I also know that percentage doesn’t justify how strong an influence the greek community is at that school. I will only be going there for 2 years, but I want to make the most out of my time there and meet people. Just wanted to see if anyone has any suggestions for me that know kids who haven’t joined a fraternity and what their social experiences have been like.</p>
<p>Neither of my sons have pledged and both have a full “campus experience.” They both have joined clubs - some related to their majors and some that are just for fun. </p>
<p>Will you be living on campus? If so, I would recommend choosing something on the north side of campus. It seems (to me) that a greater concentration of greeks are in the southside of campus.</p>
<p>What will your major be?</p>
<p>If you’ll be wanting to get student football tickets, be sure to pay attention to when students can buy them - they go FAST, so do all the steps to ensure that you’ll get some. You’ll get emails about them in May. They can be bought sometime around end of May or beginning of June. For students, they sell for $5 each, but come in sets.</p>
<p>I’m going to be a Marketing major, and haven’t decided on housing yet. I’ve been the dorm route enough now that I kind of want to be off campus, but the Bluffs at waterworks is listed as on campus on the UA housing site, and looks like something I’d be interested in if they will put me up with other students cause I don’t know anyone there I can ask to room with me, otherwise I’ll probably look into the retreat, campus way, or University village.</p>
<p>Ok…Marketing…so you’ll be in Culverhouse. :)</p>
<p>Have you applied yet? </p>
<p>The Bluff is super nice, but I don’t know if there are openings (there might be). If you aren’t going to be bringing a car on campus, you probably should stay on campus or close enough to use the Crimson Ride. </p>
<p>Super Suites housing on campus is very apartment-like. Each student has a private room within a 4 bedroom suite that has a living room, a kitchenette, and 2 bathrooms.</p>
<p>Do you qualify for the honors college? If so, you should apply.</p>
<p>the suites look really nice, but are they for freshman?</p>
<p>No…</p>
<p>My older son is a junior and he’s in one. Next year he’ll be in The Bluff.</p>
<p>My younger son will be in Ridgecrest next year, he’ll be a soph.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that the off-campus properties that charge by the bedroom do have roommate matching services and might end up being cheaper than staying on campus. That said, living on-campus would be a good idea if you are wanting to meet people. Juniors and seniors do live on campus, just not in the numbers that freshmen and sophomores do (I’m going by age here, not class standing by credits, which is a whole different animal).</p>
<p>Being a marketing major, you’ll probably have a lot of Greeks in your classes, but by no means do they have a monopoly on the social scene. I do encourage everyone to consider Greek life as it can be an awesome experience, but it is not for everyone. There are many organizations and campus events that may interest you. I’m a GDI, but I still find plenty (sometimes too many) things to do. Be friendly to people and try to find people with similar interests, which goes back to joining clubs and attending campus events. I’ve met many friends this way whom I wouldn’t otherwise have met.</p>
<p>Overall, I think you’ll enjoy UA if you make a point to enjoy it. I hope to see you on campus in the fall. Roll Tide!</p>
<p>My son is also not Greek, and he is always busy with meetings for this group or that group. Most of his friends are non-Greek. So, like Sea_tide said, you can find plenty to do without being in a frat.</p>