Young alumnus here: answering questions about the social scene

<p>Used to read these forums years ago when I was looking at colleges and recently got linked here from another forum and checked the Lehigh section out of curiosity. I see there have been a lot of threads about greek life, the social scene, etc. Thought I'd make a thread where you can ask me anything and I'll give a candid response. </p>

<p>My background:
Graduated 2012/2013 (don't want to specify year for anonymity's sake)
Fraternity member
Business school </p>

<p>Fire away with any questions. For those who are concerned about the environment at Lehigh, I'll lead off with this statement: I think Lehigh's social scene is one of its most valuable assets and one of the driving factors in attracting such a well-rounded and high-performing student body. </p>

<p>My son wasn’t interested in participating in high school clubs or sports. I was very surprised he felt so comfortable joining a fraternity. Can you give us some idea of what you were like in high school?</p>

<p>Sure. Played two varsity sports, that’s about it. A little on the quiet side but grew a lot (socially) at Lehigh. </p>

<p>Can you tell me what kind of activities goes on in a fraternity during the year?</p>

<p>This should give you an idea:</p>

<ul>
<li>Parties: one fraternity + sorority (or girls sports team occasionally). Depends on the fraternity but could be 2 per week or 4-5.<br></li>
<li>BBQ: self explanatory but basically a party, during the day, and outside.</li>
<li>Mocos (morning cocktails): outdoor early morning day-drinking where everyone dresses in neon colors or weird outfits (don’t know the history behind this really but it’s pretty funny); these occur before tailgates</li>
<li>Tailgates: self explanatory… Only football games are really tailgated</li>
<li>Date parties: you rent out a bar / restaurant, dress nicely, and each guy invites one girl</li>
<li>Formal: like date parties but typically overnight</li>
</ul>

<p>This is just on the social side of things. There’s other stuff like volunteering, intramurals, Greek Week, rush, alumni events, guest speakers, etc. Can answer any specific question you might have. </p>

<p>Rising freshman. What were your housing situations each year? What buildings did you like/dislike, and what was your experience with the rooming survey?</p>

<p>I lived in my fraternity’s house so I’m afraid my answers won’t be helpful. </p>

<p>My son lived in M&M his first year. His assigned roommate is still his best friend. His group of friends were an interesting mix of socio-economic, geographic, racial and gender diversity. Maybe half went into Greek Life. They have all stayed friends - I know cause I take them all out to dinner when I go visit. Haha. </p>

<p>He has lived in his fraternity house. I was surprised but he studied in his room. He was able to make Dean’s List both semesters. A lot of the guys were in engineering and business. All seemed pretty serious about their schoolwork. </p>

<p>He then lived in a house close to campus. He has really liked that. They all had a meal plan and they car pooled up to the house for lunch and dinner. </p>

<p>He stayed on campus one summer and had an easy time subletting a place. All the kids with houses let their friends store their stuff in their houses or in a basements over the summer. </p>

<p>Hope this helps.</p>