I need some perspective from Umich folks. I went through rush but am considering not joining at this point for a whole variety of reasons - long story. How much of an impact is the greek life part of social enviornment for girls. What do people do housing wise if they don’t go greek - everyone I’ve met and are friends with are going into a sorority. Am going to be scrambling to find a roommate now that I won’t be living in a house next year? Will the social life be harder? I certainly plan to stay friends with everyone I’ve met but I know they will be busy with their sororities. Anyone have any experiences to share?
Around 1/5th of undergraduate women participate in sororities - I think you asking what the other 4/5ths do. You have multiple housing options: stay in the dorms, live in a co-op , rent an apartment, or live with a group in a house. You are best off starting early as choices tend to narrow as the year goes on.
When all your friends are in sororities and fraternities, it SEEMS like all the social life revolves around Greek life. But I think something like 18% of UMich women are in sororities. You have so many options if you aren’t. Like @TooOld4School said, you can get an apartment or house with one or more people for next year. If you want the dorms again, the sign-up is after the semester break. My daughter is in a sorority, and quite frankly I don’t see the appeal. It is VERY time consuming and an added expense. I’m still not quite sure what you get out of it.
My daughter enjoys Greek Life but it is time consuming. You will have to work hard to find a group if all of your friends are in Greek Life while you certainly can stay friendly with them, you likely can’t live with them and that means finding someone you can. If the pre- game party life is a draw that is unquestionably harder if you arentt in Greek Life.
All that being said, there are many other choices. Start looking for friends in classes or activities that aren’t in Greek Life. They are out there. Like others have said the majority aren’t in sororitoes ( though in certain demographic groups the numbers in Greek Life are MUCH higher… My daughter is Jewish and we were told that more than 70 percent of Jewish girls go Greek…so she really felt like EVERYONE she knew did, making it feel like less of a choice)
If 20% of women students go Greek and 20-25% of students at Michigan are Jewish and 70% of the women Jewish students go Greek, then over 2/3 of those in sororities are Jewish. I highly doubt that.
Jews do not make up 20-25% of students. It’s about 15-16%. About 4500 Jewish undergrads. 28,000-29,000 total undergrads.
http://www.jta.org/2015/12/17/news-opinion/united-states/7-facts
Thanks this is helpful it creates a few more questions which I’d love to get opinions on. First - can you still pregame with sorority friends at fraternity houses or do they not mix like that? Do Frat houses only let sorority girls party with them?
Second, in the housing space is it going to be a problem if it takes her another month or so to figure out roommate stuff. Since all friends went Greek there’s some work to do find roommates etc. before she planning for housing. The whole thing is very stressful!
Also what are some good suggestions for housing off campus for Sophomores? Would like it to be a social environment so can still meet people etc. since not going Greek. Is there properties that are popular for sophomores students?
Greek life isn’t dominating at all
if you’re the type who wears patterned Nordstrom leggings, loves venti Starbucks half-caf pumpkin spice latte with 2% steamed milk and 2 splenda packets while snuggling up in your Canada Goose jacket, then you will feel very, very left out.
@jrr801summer Are you the parent or the student?
Landmark is a very popular and social apartment building, albeit expensive.
parent but wrote with my daughter…
Check out Learning Communities for your major. Sometimes students with the same major house together so they can study and share resources. Lot of empathy and good friends to be made that way, lot of common interests. Really, MOST people just make friends the old fashioned way (by being friendly, joining groups, staying open to people) My daughter has some terrific friendships, is involved with a couple groups, and enjoys a lot of fun outings and gatherings with people she genuinely likes. No sorority involved. No obligations. No cliques. Just good friends and good times…on her terms. Also, if there are a couple of good friends who are going into the sororities…don’t write them off. Sometimes…often, in fact…sororities are not a good fit, and you’ll hear from an old friend looking for support when she finally decides to escape…lol. Yes, there is life beyond Sororities. Many people would argue…a far better life.
No, there are lots of other things to do. Biggest thing is that almost every club and student group has a social scene that goes along with it. Just join a few 
Stay in the dorm one more year and meet non-sorority friends. Then rent a house with your new friends junior year.