Fraternities at Cornell

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>Well, first off, I know almost nothing about Fraternities in general except for the stereotypes and rumors so bare with me.</p>

<ol>
<li>Are fraternities just like they are made out in TV with parties all the time?</li>
<li>Will academics suffer if I live in a frat house?</li>
<li>During all the rushing and pledging is there hazing and do you actually have to do bad things?</li>
<li>Can someone tell me how life in a Fraternity is different from life in the dorms? <em>main question</em> (I know people might say something about bonding with a group of friend and closer to the social scene, but can you be more specific?)</li>
</ol>

<p>Thanks, I can't think of anymore questions right now, but if i do think of any I'll post them.</p>

2

<p>haha based on your question i dont think those frats are for you… you seem way to nervous…</p>

3

<p>1. Are fraternities just like they are made out in TV with parties all the time?</p>

<p>Most fraternities do hold parties at some point, but not highly frequently. The IFC (regulatory council) limits the number of “open” (to students with ID’s) parties that each frat can have each semester.</p>

<p>2. Will academics suffer if I live in a frat house?</p>

<p>Not necessarily.</p>

<p>3. During all the rushing and pledging is there hazing and do you actually have to do bad things?</p>

<p>I don’t think you can be forced to anything. Then again, I never got a fraternity bid so I couldn’t tell you about the pledging business.</p>

<p>4. Can someone tell me how life in a Fraternity is different from life in the dorms? <em>main question</em> (I know people might say something about bonding with a group of friend and closer to the social scene, but can you be more specific?</p>

<p>Fraternities brothers usually have this connection and aura between then. Firstly, they aren’t subject to any house rules imposed by the university, like the folks living in campus dorms. Moreover, fraternities hold their own social events. These can range from simple brotherhood events to stuff with the few sororities on campus. Fraternities do have some rules imposed on them, but overall, they’re relatively independent.</p>

4

<p>adding to what Islander said </p>

<ol>
<li>Are fraternities just like they are made out in TV with parties all the time?</li>
</ol>

<p>TV is usually exaggerated. It depends though. The open parties are pretty large/rowdy/crazy/sweaty/gross/fun but as Islander said, ea weekend. More common are mixers, which are usually more laid back parties with ach frat only has 3 of those a semester. Between all the frats there’s usually about 1-4 much less people (just your frat and one sorority). Most frats though might have some sort of laid back party on weekend nights that they don’t have a mixer, just hanging out with their brothers and maybe some close friends that they’ve invited over. Specific frats also have smaller weekly events (TEP Tuesdays, etc.)</p>

<ol>
<li>Will academics suffer if I live in a frat house?</li>
</ol>

<p>Depends. I can only imagine it could be easily distracting. Most of the guys I know find it necessary to go to the library if they really need to get work done/study, unless they have a single. But if you can manage your time, balance work and play, you should do fine.</p>

<ol>
<li>During all the rushing and pledging is there hazing and do you actually have to do bad things?</li>
</ol>

<p>Depends. on the frat. and what you define as “bad things.” I don’t know too many details, but many of the frats have some sort of hazing/pledging type events. Some are much more known for it than others.</p>

<ol>
<li>Can someone tell me how life in a Fraternity is different from life in the dorms? <em>main question</em> (I know people might say something about bonding with a group of friend and closer to the social scene, but can you be more specific?</li>
</ol>

<p>Well, dorms are AMAZING (usually) freshman year. You get to meet tons of new people from a diverse array of states/countries and in different schools/majors. You get exposed to a lot of new people, can bond with your hall, etc. </p>

<p>But you don’t live in a fraternity freshman year, only sophomore year+. Your choices sophomore year are greek housing, west campus, or collegetown. Most people not in greek housing live on west, where the dynamic is very different from the freshman dorms on north. You can block a suite with your friends, which can be a lot of fun, if all your friends decide they want to live together/are not greek. But getting a random roommate/not knowing anyone on your hall is not the same as freshman year. People already have their group of friends, so they aren’t very friendly/social and aren’t trying to make new friends. Its a very different atmosphere.<br>
On the other hand, living in a fraternity sophomore year is basically living with a bunch of people that you have gotten to know second semester freshman year and are probably pretty close to, which is nice. It is a fun, social atmosphere, and a nice kind of medium between dorms and collegetown. You’re somewhat on your own because there is no RA/campus watch over you that you have to deal with, but you also don’t have to deal with things like rent or utilities that come with an apartment. Its also very different than the dorms, obviously, because there will be social events going on in your home.</p>