How big are fraternities in campus culture? Are they the main social focus? Are their parties exclusive to members and pretty female guests or open to all of both genders? If fraternity parties are not your “thing,” will you be part of a small minority on campus or are there many students who socialize outside the Greek system?
My D is a student at Lafayette. Right now there are only 3 frats on campus (I believe my D said a fourth one is petitioning to get back on campus but that won’t be immediate). You absolutely do not need to be part of a frat to have a good social life. If Greek life isn’t your thing, it won’t be a problem at all. There are many ways other than Greek Life to find social groups (freshman dorm, classes, activities etc.).
DS1 is a rising sophomore with zero interest in Greek life. He has had no trouble with socialization.
And, from what I can tell, the parties seem to be open to all.
My son graduated from Laf in 2014 so I still check this page occasionally. One of the nice things about Greek life at Laf is that you can not pledge until sophomore year so you have time to develope friendships outside the system. My son was interested in a fraternity for about 5 minutes and then was pretty vocal against them. His year roommate pledged and moved into the frat house for junior year so they could no longer room together but they remained close friends.