<p>Hey everyone!
I am a junior in high school in NY state, and I have been looking at many colleges in the Virginia area (I love it there). I have planned to visit the University of Richmond in a few weeks, but looking online at some of these forums, it seems that Greek Life dominates this college. I also read that many people have transferred because they didn't make it into a sorority. That's scary! This college looks spectacular to me, but this Greek life is new to me, and I'm not sure what to think of it, or if it is even the right thing for me. Especially if people have to transfer schools because of it... Any help, or suggestions? Thank you!</p>
<p>Greek life at UR has changed a lot over the last few years.</p>
<p>In '06-'07, 44% of girls were in sororities and 31% of guys were in frats. This year, that number is down to 26% of girls and 20% of guys. These numbers will probably continue to shrink, as a sorority just had its charter revoked this year.</p>
<p>Hey Mickey, I work at UR -and- only 37% of the students are in a fraternity or sorority. Here is the thing, the “lodges” or frat houses seem to be the center of the social scene on weekends because they host large parties with themes, bands and “refreshments”. So, a lot of students go to them. But, as you can see, over 60% of those attending UR do not join the Greek system…</p>
<p>There are no Frat Houses, per se. (ala Animal House)…UR has lodges: These are basically party cottages that have a huge party room and outdoor decks. No one lives in them. Sororities do not have ANY facilities to call their own. They have to book rooms around campus for meetings. Both frats and sororities have off-campus “socials” where all of the attendees get on charter buses. And, many of them have of them have members who opt to live off-campus, so there is a place for them to socialize somewhere besides campus.</p>
<p>My niece graduated from UR in 2008 and was not a Greek…She had friends in just about all of the sororities and did not have to get involved with some of the in-fighting amongst rivals. And, trust me, she managed to have a very active social life and great friends that she’ll keep in touch with her entire life. My nephew is also currently enrolled at Richmond…He adored going through Rush, but ultimately opted to not go Greek, although one house has continued to actively recruit him. He is a member of one of the club sports teams, which takes tons of time. Those guys hang together in their own brotherhood -and- they are comfortable going to frat parties or doing their own thing.</p>
<p>Bottom line, as you can see by the numbers, well over 1/2 of the students do NOT pledge…These students have their own thing going on, whether it be athletics, participating in theatre arts, taking advantage of school sponsored weekend activities (ex: on campus movies, concerts at the Modlin Center) or just hanging with friends. The Greek System is big part of most southern universities and colleges. Your gut is going to tell you if it is your cup of tea. It is a big decision: the cost, the time constraints, risking that you are going to be pegged as a stereotype. But, in return, many kids find they have found the right fit -and- love being in a greek organization. Because rush is not until 2nd semester, you have time to get to know people and kind of have it figured out if this is something you want to do. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, there are going to be kids that do not get into a frat/sorority that they wanted to. But, when they really soul search, 99 times out of 100, they realize that it was not the right fit… But this is something one encounters at EVERY school that has a greek system. Someone transferring out because they did not get into a sorority or frat have other issues going on. They were just not happy at whatever school they are attending. Maybe they are homesick, maybe UR was too isolated from downtown, maybe they are overwhelmed by the college experience.</p>
<p>My advice is to come down here and have an overnight visit. Watch the students. Listen to the students. Can you see your self walking up the hill by the dining hall with them? The Admissions Office can arrange for an overnight visit, where you go to classes, stay in a dorm, etc. So, even if you end up in a room full of weirdos, you can watch the interaction amongst everyone living in dorms, eating at the dining hall, etc. I can tell you that there are places that look good on paper and even during one two-hour tour -but- after getting there your freshman year, you realize you made the wrong decision on what school to attend. So, do your research and you’ll figure it out.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Hi Mickey - my daughter is a Freshman at UR. While I have but one semester of second hand knowledge to impart, it does not seem that Greek membership is as critical as you have been led to believe. I spoke to my daughter last night and asked her about it. She has had absolutely no pressure to rush and has no desire to either. Most, if not all, of her friends feel the same way. She has never been to a Frat or Sorority party, has no desire to go to one, and has not been ostracized. She has joined several campus organizations and clubs that keep her very busy and provide a social life. She is in a Swing Dance club, a Rock Climbing Club, Campus Ministries and works in the Law Library. Oh - and she LOVES the University of Richmond!</p>
<p>I second aandjaunt - visit campus. Sit in on some classes and spend the night. Talk with current students and faculty.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Our daughter is in a sorority at UR and loves it. It is so different from when and where I went to school… low key, no houses, and the girls really enjoy the friendships. The sorority that lost its charter was a sorority that was not faring well, and last year’s rush was the tipping point. They didn’t have the members to support staying on campus. There are only five sororities and they have different personalities but really, it is pretty easy going, not like rushing at a big southern university. They don’t accept recs (which is really different from most schools) and they are good about the whole “what do you wear” thing, again, pretty low key (not at ALL like rushing at Alabama or SMU etc). Our daughter lives in a suite with three other sorority sisters but next year is living in a suite with one sorority sister, one from another sorority, and one independent. That’s pretty common! She is involved in many organizations on campus and her friends are diverse. Remember, too, it is second semester, and you’ll know what you want to do by the time rush starts. UR is a wonderful place. Go visit.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone so much!</p>