I’m transferring to The Florida State University and I just had some questions regarding Greek Life.
I understand everybody has their opinions about Greek life, pros and cons - but, I’m just wondering about the hazing. I want to join a brotherhood, where I feel that I belong, but at the same time I don’t want to eat nasty shit and drink when I don’t have to. I love to party and have a good time, but not over due it.
I see Pike seems to be considered Top Tier at FSU with the biggest fraternity house in the nation. From stories I’ve heard and things I’ve read online however, the hazing seems wild. So I am just wondering if anyone is currently involved in Greek Life at FSU, Top Tier, Middle Tier, Bottom Tier, the preference doesn’t matter but overall how was your experience?
If you’re worried about the negatives of Greek life then don’t join Pike. Or just don’t join Pike in general. People who aren’t in Greek life tend to avoid Pike like the plague anyway.
Yes, pike has the nicest house. However, it has the worst reputation. Pike has a reputation for rape, and I’m sure that’s not an image you want to be associated with.
My son is in a middle tier frat. Look it’s really a question of how large a fraternity they want, and how comfortable they are there. Pike, for example was a good opportunity for him since we know several members. But my son’s point wasn’t the past reputation issues (which have been resolved) but the thought that he’d be part of a 200 man pledge group. So he sought a smaller frat, which still has well over 100 members. His hazing has consisted largely of cleaning, repairing, buildings, and generally being a waiter for the senior members. At no point did he feel anything was inappropriate, or even approaching that.
Generally, the better the house, the more extensive the pledge process is going to be. Whether it be alot of cleaning and waiting on members or real legitimate hazing, there is going to be more of it at the top houses.
Keep in mind you generally need a connection to get into the top tier and larger houses. And as a transfer student it’s going to be harder because freshmen are given preference.
Current FSU Greek here. Every house hazes, hell Delta Chi hazes and they’re full of dweebs. There seems to be this big misconception that students at FSU hate Pike. While it’s true most guys outside of pike don’t care for them, the environment here is not at all hostile towards pike. Every party pike throws they have the hottest girls (both Greek and Independent) lined up outside their door. Every freshman during rush’s first stop is the pike house. Here’s a tip. Don’t go into rush with a certain fraternity in mind. You want to find a group of guys that you fit in with and share the same values.
Hazing isn’t what TV Makes it out to be. Sure you have to eat a stick of butter and clean the house after parties or tailgates and drink until you puke but its fun. You grow closer to your brothers during the pledge process. Pledging is the most fun you’ll never want to have again.
Good Luck man!