Hey guys,
I’m gonna be joining UCI this fall and I was thinking about joining a frat here. I don’t know much about UCI frats. Are they fun? Is there a big hazing problem here? Also, I’ve heard if you do not join a frat, things can get pretty boring around here. Is that true?
Bump. I’ve heard similar things and am considering a frat as well. Any help is appreciated!
- Yes, they are fun. From the time you get a bid, you constantly have something to do every weekend.
- You meet a lot of people. I dont know if people still use Facebook but I remember checking my facebook at the end of the day and every day it was like 10 more friend requests.
- Do not call them "frats", just say "fraternity". They will NOT like it if you say the word "frat". You may also say Fraternal Organization or Greek Letter Organization.
- It is hard to get a bid, and it is also difficult to finish the pledging process. I strongly suggest you have your affairs in order before you decide to pledge. This also means solidifying your study routine and making sure you can maintain a decent GPA (there is almost always a GPA requirement to cross)
I have a son at UCI and he loves being in a fraternity. I can tell you from a parents standpoint it is expensive to be a member. Besides the dues sometimes there are outings to events that are not included in the dues. Letters and paddles, etc that have to be bought for your “big” brother. I have paid out well over $1500 for dues and stuff. If your parents don’t mind footing the bill, I think you will have tons of fun, meet new and interesting and sometimes stupid and annoying people. But overall it adds to the “college experience”. All my kids were either in a sorority or fraternity and it was a positive experience, so again, if you can afford it and it doesn’t affect schoolwork then its great.