<p>To join fraternity as a freshman, do i need to do the rush during summer?
I want to join one, but I'm kinda lost in the process of joining. I don't to end up signing a contract with residence hall or private owned housing, if I do get into frat.</p>
<p>My son looked into this on our visit in February. It is possible, but rare for Freshman to move directly into a Frat. You generally need to know someone or a few members, or be local to Urbana/Champaign, to be able to pledge and be in so early. Usually siblings of a member may end up being able to move join and move in. However, if you are not local or know someone, you might as well live in dorms or privates for Freshman year and then pledge a frat and move in 2nd year. We visited my frat house (I am not an UIUC alum) and they were welcoming to my son, but there are so many to choose from, he may want to go a different direction come August.</p>
<p>Rushing for fraternities at UIUC starts after school has begun in the Fall. There is also a rush process in the Spring semester, but the Fall semester is much bigger (more rush events, parties, students rushing, etc.). I strongly encourage you to rush. If not to get out and possibly join a frat, its a great way to meet people, get free beer/food, and get to know the campus. Its pretty rare for any freshman to move into the house Fall semester but I do have a number of friends that moved into their house during the spring semester. Definately make plans to live in the dorms rather than hoping to move into a house right away. Let me know if you have any other ?'s</p>