How to afford sorority life?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

Hi I’m an incoming sophomore from a low-income family. I’m basically on my own for my expenses and will have to work during the academic year. I really want to rush but am held back by all the costs of joining a sorority.
If there are any low-income students who are in sororities, could you explain how you were able to keep up with the costs of sororities while having saving some pocket money?
I’m quite worried that I literally won’t have any emergency money or money to spend on books and supplies after somehow paying for sorority dues. I don’t know where I will come up with all that money without touching emergency money.

I really want to rush, but do not want to loan a lot of money to rush. My parents cannot contribute either, so I don’t know how I will eventually afford the $4-6k +$2k for housing and dining, when I eventually move into the chapter house.

Please help me out with any advice!!

2

The financial aid money which you receive for USC housing as a low-income student…You should get that as a refund every semester, as you would if you lived off-campus elsewhere, and be able to pay your sorority dues from there. This is assuming that those numbers include housing, which they sound like they do. It’s not gonna cover everything, but you should be able to pay for the bulk of it. The extra expenses might be tougher to pay for, depending on the house (outfits, events not included in dues, etc.). You need to consider the cost of each house carefully, as well as what’s on your aid package, but it can be done.