<p>I was accepted for the 2014-15 year. I already applied for dorms but can still get a refund. First choice dorm was Alder (2) McMahon and then (3) Elm. I want to double major and travel abroad. Will that conflict with greek life? What are the best houses? I'm somewhat of an outgoing person and I am very independent. What kind of personality fits the greek college life? UW is a big school and I am concerned that I will have a hard time making friends. Could anyone share their experiences? Thanks! </p>
<p>Hey there!</p>
<p>I’m an incoming freshman as well. 
</p>
<p>A big part of the reason I wanted to attend UW was the Greek scene. Did you go to the Greek Preview? </p>
<p>I went and learned Greek Life wouldn’t be a good fit for me for these reasons:</p>
<p>1.) Like you, I plan on double majoring, traveling abroad, Etc. From the girls I’ve talked to who are in sororities, it’s extremely hard to manage a rigorous academic load and be active in their chapter. So, you have to pick one. (I think it depends on your major.)</p>
<p>2.) Many of the girls I talked to at Greek Preview weren’t necessarily catty, but most of the gals who were prospective pledges felt judged. When I attended my A&O, I talked to about 15-20 girls who dealt with the same issue. I’m sure not every chapter is like this, but God I don’t wanna be associated with fake people.</p>
<p>3.) Dorm living, from what I gather, is better for making a group of well rounded friends. You’ll need to put yourself out there of course to make friends on your floor, but it’s no different than how you’d put yourself out there rushing.</p>
<p>If I were you, I’d wait until you get your housing assignment. (I’m pretty sure you can sign up for rush like a week before it starts, so you definitely have the flexibility)</p>
<p>I got assigned to my EFS and year dorm today and couldn’t be happier with the building and the people who’re on my floor. </p>
<p>Good luck :)</p>
<p>Hi @Wawapower, current sophomore here.</p>
<p>I have to say, often it is intensely difficult to make friends in UW dorms. It can be great, but more often than not people feel isolated and anonymous. </p>
<p>Growing up within walking distance of campus, I’ve known a lot of people at the U, and not a single one who entered the greek system regretted it. There is something for everyone! Sure, there are the chapters that are more “judgey”, more stereotypical, more focused on looks.
BUT, there are 18 chapters, and something for everyone. Being in a sorority has provided me with an incredible community, a home-base, a group of people who I know care for me and I can constantly fall back on. I’ve gotten to meet so many more people, and the alumni support cannot be overstated.</p>
<p>In short, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Rush is, frankly, a ■■■■■■ process, but the end result is totally worth it.</p>
<p>I’m involved in the greek system as an alumni, and I recommend trying it. If the greek system is not for you, you can quit and go live in the dorm. Quite frankly, most of the students I know who live in the dorms hang out with their high school friends until their junior year. It is extremely hard to meet people in the apartment dorms, and because of the size of UW, almost impossible to meet people in class. You just never sit next to the same person twice in a 100 to 200 person class. There are exceptions – if you are in the honors program, on a sports team, in the band, or a early scholar (under 16 years old), you already have your group. </p>
<p>The greek system gives you a home, and a base for making live long friends. With over a 100 members in most of the sororities, you will find people with common goals. Show up to rush well groomed, like you would for class, and you will find a sorority to join. </p>
<p>I graduated with an engineering degree while remaining active in my sorority and in other campus activities. Every sorority has the group that excels in academics. Just hang out with them. </p>
<p>If you don’t go greek, you should join a club that will take about the same amount of time. To enjoy the UW, you really need to be an active member of a club or group.</p>
<p>Good luck, and may your next four years be enriching and enjoyable.</p>
Something you can do is join a sorority halfway through the year. It’s a lot less pressure than doing formal rush, and you can make the decision based off how many people you’ve gotten to know through the dorms, and if independent life is working out for you. I was in a dorm and now I’m in the greek system and I love it! As classes get harder, it’s nice to have that immediate network of friends to hang out with whenever you have time.