University of Michigan Greek life

How many students are involved in Greek life here? Is it a big deal, and are there a lot of date parties/swaps/formals/events etc.? I’m deciding between Michigan and another very spirited school, but Greek life is a big deal to me so I want more information. Also, when do sorority girls typically live in the house? Thank you for answering my questions in advance!

Greek life is not dominant, but very available to most anyone who wants to participate. About 21% of students (25% of women) participate. Those who decide to live in their sorority houses usually do so sophomore-senior years. Almost everyone lives in dorms for freshman year. There are also some non residential and professional Greek organizations. Michigan is an extremely large school and there is something for just about everyone. Are you a legacy?

I would caution that the more difficult majors (e.g. engineering, business, nursing, some sciences) may make take an very large amount of your time and you may not be able to maintain a high GPA with lots of Greek activities unless you are extremely disciplined.

https://greeklife.umich.edu/article/community-statistics

hi! so my brother is in one of the biggest frats on campus, so i can tell you a bit. there’s a ton of DP’s, formals, events, etc. Girls typically live in the house their sophomore year. It’s a big deal there. My brother is very close w his brothers, and loves living in the house. Yet, what I find most appealing about UofM greek life is the focus on academics. They party very hard, but study hard as well. Kids are in the library until 11 pm, then go out to parties until 3. It’s intense but a ton of fun and the kids coming out of UofM greek life are very successful and well connected.

@TooOld4School

I would be careful to say that Greek Life is not dominant. It definitely dominates the social scene for freshmen, and is also dominant in Student Government. I may make up only a 1/5 of campus, but it is a very vocal 1/5, that is generally wealthy and well-connected.

@yikesyikesyikes , sure if you are interested in it. There are so many other things to do on campus that the other 80% of students find lots to do. My point is that there is something for everyone at Michigan.

@TooOld4School

Oh yeah, definitely. My point is just that if you a freshman who is into the party scene (which is certainly the majority at Michigan), your options outside of Greek Life are VERY limited. Things get better when you are an upperclassman and have friends who have their own apartments/houses and when you reach age 21 and all the good clubs/bars become fully accessible.

Greek life is a big part of Michigan and can dominate the social scene; however, there are many other options. Additionally, the average Greek Life GPA is higher than the overall university’s average – they care a lot about their academics and their social life.

Greek life has a substantial presence at Michigan and is at the heart of the social scene, especially for freshmen and sophomores. The 25% figure only tells part of the story. If you are a white, OOS, LSA student, the greeklife participation rate is closer to 50%.

Is the Greek life at Michigan diverse? Particularly among sororities?

@driven280

If you are including non-IFC/Panhel fraternities/sororities (such as multicultural and professional Greek letter fraternities/sororities, there is a fair amount of diversity). Stick to IFC/Panhel (typically the organizations which host the most extravagant parties and events such as all the crazy Welcome Week stuff, big football tailgates, Mudbowl, St. Fratty’s Day, Winterfest, etc.), and you will see that diversity is rather lacking (typically White and Upper Middle Class or Upper Class).

https://www.society19.com/things-you-want-to-tell-your-little-before-you-graduate/

@driven280 Almost entirely white, with a few Asians.