There’s a high chance I’m going to UT in the fall (yayyyy). One thing I’m kind of afraid of is that it’s a southern school and there’s a lot of greek life. I used to be really opposed to greek life bc my mom is, but i did a lot of research into it and i kind of want to rush but the dues are so expensive at ut + OOS tuition it’s just not reasonable. That aside, does greek life dominate the social scene? if you’re not in it, are you an outcast? my friend at unc said if you’re not in a sorority you’re no one and ik unc is much smaller, but still, i dont know how these southern schools really operate.
There’s a large Greek presence at UT but it does not overwhelm the social scene. A lot will hinge on your major. My son used to do RTF films when he was younger, we have met probably close to 100 RTF students over the years and not a single one was part of the Greek system.
I agree with this. My S19 goes to UT and while he is a member of a Greek org, it is a huge school and Greek life is only a small part of that. You can easily take it or leave it depending on your preference. However, I have heard over and over that students at UT should get involved in something as there are many great groups and that is the primary way to meet people. Although my son is very social, and has been happy at UT, his dorm is rather quiet and has not been a primary way of making friends.
@DTXMom which dorm does he live in? i want to live in jester next year
I stayed in a private dorm off campus and the vast majority of the girls were in sororities. I just found it amusing - made for great people watching. I still made tons of friends but avoided the drama. 
UT sorority alum here who was just down in Austin…The Greek population at UT Austin is actually quite low (like 10% or less). You will not really find your social life inhibited in any way if you don’t go Greek. Yes, it is more expensive to be Greek at UT than some other schools, but that is because all the chapters have huge mansions either in West Campus or just behind the Business School, i.e. prime real estate. I understand your pain and, as long as you are not living in Hardin House, you probably won’t feel too much sting from not joining in. My Greek experience at UT Austin was life-changing in the best of ways and I love my sorority sister dearly. But, as seen in my screen name, it is not the only way to get involved with a close group of young women at UT Austin.
Is hazing an issue for UT sororities? I am interested in rushing this fall but I would be the first person in my family to participate in Greek life so I really don’t know what to expect.
No, hazing is not really a “thing” in sororities. Rush is not much fun though.