Hazing. It’s a touchy subject, and by “touchy” I mean one that we never want to touch on… or ever be a part of. I happen to come from a very anti-hazing chapter and university, both of which take ample precautions to eliminate hazing. Yet at colleges across the country, hazing still exists (and goes too far). And it exists in student groups and organizations that don’t have Greek letters in their names.

Why, then, are sorority and fraternity incidents the ones that are always making national news?

Most recently, two fraternities and one sorority at George Washington University were stripped of their houses on campus for hazing and underage drinking incidents. And of course, the story made it into the Washington Post. And this wasn’t the first time that’s happened.

In fact, it seems to me that the only time hazing stories get any media attention, they involve the Greek community. (It also seems that the only time the Greek community gets any media attention it’s for hazing, but that’s a whole different issue.) Should those who break the rules (and the law!) be punished for their actions? Absolutely. Should those who stand by and let it happen be punished too? Yes. But we all know that it’s not just the frat boys and sorority girls who partake in hazing rituals.

I’m not a finger-pointer, but I can’t ignore the severe hazing incidents that have nothing to do with fraternities and sororities. Why don’t we ever hear anything about high school and college sports teams that haze? And what are their punishments? Are entire teams getting suspended for entire seasons? Does the team get removed from the athletic roster like a fraternity or sorority gets kicked off campus?

And what about the other student groups? Oftentimes they too have strict rituals new students must partake in if they want to be a part of the group. But does anyone notice?

No and no.

I am not sitting here saying that many fraternities and sororities don’t haze. They do, as awful as that is, and that’s why there are strict no-hazing policies in place on most campuses. But the fact is, they’re not the only ones who do so and it’s unfair that we get all the negative (national) attention and repercussions when everyone else out there merely gets a slap on the wrist.

If hazing is such a big issue – and it is – then it’s time we treat everyone who does it the same whether they are a Greek house or a sports team that brings in millions of dollars for a university each year. Hazing is serious, it’s damaging and it needs to be stopped… no matter who is doing it.

And while we’re speaking Greek, maybe it’s time we start giving fraternities and sororities attention for the things they’re doing right; highlighting the chapters that don’t haze, the money Greek communities raise for charity, and all the other great things this large group of college students does every year.

Or is that just wishful thinking?

What do YOU think about the negative stigmas that are associated with Greeks? Do you think they’re treated unfairly? Sound off!

[Got a question for our sorority girl? Email her at submissions [at] collegecandy [dot] com. In the meantime, get the DL on Greek Life from the women who are living it right here.]

Like most things, the Internet is a haven for sorority girls. And I’m not talking about online shopping or Facebook stalking. Well, not totally. I mean, clearly my sisters and I are all huge fans (to the point of being broke and creepy) of those two lovely Internet pastimes.

What I’m referring to is a slew of sites and online resources that can help keep sororities organized and on track. Or in the loop. Or decked out in the latest, cutest chapter gear. Are you on your executive board? Want to save time, help your chapter and get even more accomplished on a weekly basis?  Well lookie here, I’ve got your back.

WebGreek:
Along with many other sites like ChapterSpot.com and ConnectedGreek.com, WebGreek assists chapters in staying organized. Once your chapter is all set up, this site can help you communicate with members more easily, schedule meetings and events, collect money and even poll girls in the chapter (on anything from “Who’s the douchiest douche in Sigma Nu?” to “What date works better for Spring Formal?”). Unlike the days of yore when you had to bang down girls’ doors or leave flyers up in the bathroom in hopes people would see them when they’re flat ironing their hair (or pooping….), WebGreek makes running the chapter so. much. easier.

They also offer really cute, really awesome, really EASY to create chapter websites that you can set up for your house! They have many a la carte options that are tailored for your chapter’s specific needs, and make it simple to get your house online. And in 2011 when everyone and their grandmother is surfing the web, a chapter website is a MUST. How else are those Potential New Members going to learn about you before Rush??

Oh, and FYI: you can live chat with a rep online and ask all the questions you want. How do I know? Because I was bored and lonely at home…. and I did it. Creep.

Facebook:
No, I am not about to tell you to post on your sister’s walls, chat with them, or poke them to stay in touch. Mostly because you should all be doing that….as we speak. There’s more to FB than all that and the best thing you can do for your chapter?

Create a group!

Our social chair did this just for our pledge class and it is SO cute and fun! It definitely brought all of us way closer because we could all be in contact all the time. Even better? Set the privacy settings to uber private, that way no one can participate in the group or even see that it exits unless invited by the admin. [Helpful hint: limit yourself to just 1 maybe 2 admins – anymore is overwhelming. You know how girls can get....] Having this group will allow your pledge class to post summaries of the out of control on-goings from the night before, keeping everyone updated AND only having to tell the story once! And since your settings are controlled, you don’t have to worry about tattletales or your National Office finding out.

But that’s not all you can do with FB groups. If you’d like to use Facebook for some PR opportunities, make your group not-so-private! Call it something like “UCF Tri- Delta Seniors,” make it open to everyone, and post all the great stuff you’re doing: philanthropy events, chapter achievements, etc., for all of campus to see!

MetroGreek.com
Spend 5 minutes in a sorority and you’ll rack up quite a collection of chapter-themed shirts/pants/keychains/flip flops/band-aids?! I swear, if I have to see one more sweatshirt with zebra print letters across the chest I’m gonna flip. my. sh*t. Before I discovered MetroGreek though, that was the only option I had. Even with the plethora of Greek apparel websites out there (and trust me, there are far too many), the stuff is always the same. And if I gotta wear this stuff all the time, I’d like it to at least be cute, right?

MetroGreek is where it’s at, yo. They have hundreds of adorable, trendy and unique designs that can be printed on tees, tanks, sweatshirts and more. So whether it’s a t-shirt for rush or a sweatshirt just because, you can show your chapter spirit in style. And really, that’s what it’s all about.

[Got a question for our sorority girl? Email her at submissions [at] collegecandy [dot] com. In the meantime, get the DL on Greek Life from the women who are living it right here.]

This week’s Greek Speak is powered by our pals at GreekGear.com. Whether you wanna stock up on new sweats for yourself or get an adorable iPhone case for your big sis, they’ve got all the latest and greatest Greek goodies. They even have fraternity poker chips for the BF. And right now you can get it all for 10% off by entering “Candy10″ at checkout!

It’s finals week and snowing here in the Midwest; what a lovely combination. I can’t think of a better way to take a study break than to snuggle up by the fireplace with a few pledge sisters and talk about our upcoming winter formal… the reason why I return to school second semester every year… the highlight of January!

Woof.
Who am I kidding? Faking it is not something I’m great at so I won’t even try.

Winter break is days away and that means literally only one thing for a sorority girl (OK, besides presents): winter freaking formal. It’s what every sorority girl looks forward to, right? What she spends her winter break thinking about and shopping for. The sorority event. The night that every potential new member dreams about and counts down to. The stuff sorority life is made of.

I guess.
I’m not going to candy-coat it: I kind of hate this time of year, and since we’re supposed to be getting in the spirit of the Christmas, I guess you could call me the Grinch of Holiday Formals. Ugh.

It seems like every year I am riding the struggle bus to find a date to these things… and for what? To buy a $100 dress that I will wear for 3 hours tops, ruin as I spill a drink on it in the midst of avoiding awkward conversation with my blind date, and make wonderful memories that I will only remember thanks to my camera? Chaos.

But that’s not even the worst, most stressful part of all. That award goes to the semi-forced conversation between you and the house social chair.

“Sooo, have you found a date yet?” She asks, half excited to hear your answer and half excited to hear of your failure.
“Ohhh, no, I just can’t choose. So many options!” This is sorority girl in distress code for, “I haven’t asked anyone because I have ZERO prospects.” If you’re lucky, your guy friend from orientation (for whom you have NO romantic inklings, just a mutual love of drinking and dancing) will go with you. If you’re not so lucky, an older sister in the house sets you up with “the cutest guy ever!” and you spend your night forcing conversation while the rest of your house gets it on in dark corners around the venue. I’ve been there (see exact scenario above), and it will never happen again. Which means I still need to find someone to go with. Sigh.

And then there’s always the sorority girlss unrealistic expectations about their dates. Unless he has been your diehard boyfriend for plus or minus a year, don’t expect to be impressed. A formal is just another excuse for a guy to drink, like any other night of the year, only this time he’s wearing a tie. Sure, every so often a guy will come along and sweep you off your feet, but 9 times out of 10, that does not involve some grand romantic gesture but rather some drunken dance moves that land you both on your asses on the dance floor. These guys are not Prince Charming; they’re frat boys! And no he’s not (cringe) “the one.” I’m disappointed if you even pondered that thought.

So, what? Formals are a waste of time and money? We should all skip them, save the $100 and bottle of vodka we were gonna smuggle on the bus and just stay home? Hell to the no.

Yes, formal season can be stressful but it can also be a great time, the best night of the year, the kind of night that sorority life is made of. You just gotta know what to expect and roll with the punches (even if those punches may or may not include rubbing your date’s back while he pukes over the side of a river boat. Don’t ask.). My suggestions: take a friend to these formals and have fun. Don’t worry about impressing some guy you barely know (or have never previously met….) Make memories with your sisters because those memories are the ones you will want to replay in 10 years… not a sloppy make out with what’s-his-face. Then, when the night is over, post the pics on Facebook immediately so you can re-live the glory with the girls over (a very late and very hungover) breakfast the next morning afternoon.

What is the scene like at YOUR sorority before a formal? Have YOU taken a blind date to a date-function?

Get more Greek Life goodness right here.

Dear everyone who has made this semester possible,

In light of all the Thanksgiving warm-and-fuzzies people are exchanging, I would like to take a moment and thank you for helping me strive for my goals, both academic and otherwise, and assisting me in my greatest endeavors.  Excelling this year is crucial, I understand that, and I’m just so grateful you all have decided to invest your efforts in my future.

And where would my manners be if I didn’t take the time to thank you all individually?

To my roommate: You.  You, you, you.  You’re one crazy mothereffer, you know that?  When we first met, I didn’t think I’d last thirty seconds in your lair of crazy.  Then you took me under your wing.  You introduced me to Jager bombs and insisted that it was only suggested that students attend 8 a.m. lectures.  You knew the entire men’s swim team.  Now we’re the best of besties.  Where would I be without you?  Probably in some library wasting my life away.  Or hanging out with the intramural chess geeks.

To my Poli-Sci TA: When I showed up forty minutes late to the midterm with a hangover and a severe case of sex hair, thank you for pretending not to notice.  Also, thank you for providing me with a No. 2 pencil, an extra ScanTron in case I threw up on the first, and seat right next to you.  You smell delicious and I really dig your beard.

To the janitor in the humanities building: Thank you for cleaning the third floor bathroom with such diligence.  You know that’s my secret spot for getting business done.  Selected not only for its reliable vacancy, but shiny linoleum and fresh pine scent as well, I look forward to spending a few minutes in there every Monday, Wednesday, and alternating Friday.

To the entire staff at Starbucks: Don’t think I don’t notice how frothy you make my frappuccinos.  And when you slip me an extra shot of espresso in my morning latte?  Glorious!  Should my pre-law degree not pan out, I’m coming to join your fine team of individuals.

To the brothers of [Blah Blah Blah] fraternity: You have the most kegs.  You have the strongest jello shots.  You have the darkest, most cavernous basement.  It is because of your hospitable nature that I got to third base with your Social Chair over Greek Week.  A million thanks, guys.  Really.  It’s because of you alone that I can achieve the level of insanity that I do most weekends.

To Mom and Dad: Thank you for emotionally and financially backing me on this crazy adventure.  Just so you know, that textbook money really did go toward textbooks…no worries.  And I didn’t try to sell my meal plan for “drug money.”  I don’t know what Amy’s mom was hinting at with that bizarre comment.  Sure, I may have rented out my extra-long to the girl down the hall with the horrible room assignment, but since I met that cute senior I spend most nights at his place.  I didn’t want any of your tuition costs to be wasted!  See?  I really am taking your advice and thinking like a fiscally responsible adult!

To my younger sister: Thanks for checking the caller ID for my name on Thursday through Sunday nights and making sure our parents don’t pick up my drunk-dial.  I’ll return the favor when it’s your turn.

You’re all the best.  More than any girl could ever wish for.

XOXO,
Me

If there’s one thing a sorority woman knows (besides the names of all her founding sisters/the words to every rush song/the rules to scoring the best room in the house) it’s a theme party. I don’t know if it’s in the official rules of Greek Life but sororities/fraternities and theme parties go together like cheating spouses and Hollywood. Only there’s way less drama. And magazine covers. And Barbara Walters interviews.

That being said, this week we asked our panel of sorority women to weigh in on the infamous theme party and share the best and worst they’ve ever been to.

Looking to throw a great party of your own? You might want to avoid a graffiti bash.

Kit: Alpha Chi Omega, Ohio State University
My favorite theme party so far has been Food Mascots. Everyone thought it was a strange idea at first, but I saw some of the greatest costume ideas that night. Some of the best costumes were the Chic-fil-a Cow, and the Orbit Gum Girl. My least favorite theme has been Guys in Ties, Girls in Pearls. Everyone always looks great, but we don’t get the chance to brainstorm any fun, creative costumes.

Lisa: UCLA
God, I love theme parties! I will use any excuse to dress up. I think the best one I ever went to was “Under $10.” Everyone had to go to the local thrift store and pick up an entire outfit that cost, you guessed it, under $10. It was hilarious. People were wearing the most atrocious stuff and it definitely made for great pictures (and endless hours looking through them on Facebook the next day). If I had to choose a worst, I’d probably have to go with Pimps and Hos. Yeah, real original. Snooooore. Come on, people! GET CREATIVE.

Gabby: Phi Theta Chi, Winona State University
My favorite theme party is Office Hoes & CEO’s, mostly because it gives me an excuse to dress up.  Also, girls at these parties aren’t as slutty as they usually are (except for the people who think Britney’s Hit Me Baby Catholic school girl outfit constitutes as office attire…), and that’s really refreshing.  Classy + Hot.  The worst would have to be graffiti parties.  If you’ve seen one profanity and/or body part chicken-scratched in highlighter, you’ve seen ‘em all, and I’m not a fan of having to go out and buy a brand new white shirt that I’m going to throw away the next day. Pass!

Kellyn: University of Michigan
My favorite themes are always the progressives, especially if they are themed “Around the World” or “Holidays” with matching refreshments and decorations. My least favorite are beach theme.  No one wants to dress in a shorts and flip flops when it’s, like, 30 degrees out.

Rachel: Chi Omega, Indiana University
The best themed party I’ve ever been to was definitely Rumble in the Jungle.  The decorations were so easy to make, and everyone went all out with animal prints and animal costumes and such.  The worst themed
party (I guess you can call it a theme..) I’ve ever gone to is when frats try to recreate bars in their basements.  It always ends up being really awkward, empty, and even kind of creepy.

Megan Watson, Purdue: Chi Omega
The worst party by far is a highlighter party. I don’t know a single person whose most flattering outfit consists of a head to toe white jump suit covered with bright profanity. Correct me if I’m wrong… But the BEST themed party? One word: Jerseys! Purdue Greeks, where you at!?

What do you think? What’s the best/worst theme party you’ve been to?

[Got a question for these women? Send it on over to submissions [at] collegecandy [dot] com. In the meantime, get the DL on Greek Life from the women who are living it right here.]

Admit it – even if you are in a sorority, you’ve wondered if Greek TV shows are anything like real Greek life. But first off, it goes without saying that whether you are Greek or not, if you have never seen an episode of “GREEK” then you haven’t lived. If for some reason you are living under a rock and have yet to indulge in this amazing show, stop reading immediately, go watch a few episodes online, then come back and read!  (P.S. Don’t tell your friends you’ve never seen “GREEK”; they’ll shun you.)

Moving on.

After every episode I find myself more and more emotionally attached to the characters. (Let’s face it, I want to be Casey Cartwright and live happily ever after with Evan Chambers.) I think the reason why myself and thousands of other sorority girls are addicted to “GREEK” is partially because it is so true. From the parties, to frat boy break-ups, to in-house sorority drama, the show covers it all. We all love the show because it is relatable and probably the most realistic portrayal of sorority life in the media. Unlike Legally Blonde or Sorority Boys, the issues going on with Ashleigh and Casey in ZBZ are ones that we as sorority girls face every day. And it’s fun watching someone else deal with it.

In fact, the show is so spot on that on long breaks away from my sorority, watching “GREEK” has definitely become my home away from home.

BUT let’s not get too excited. Being a member of my school’s Panhellenic board, I have to put my two cents in on this. Sometimes I finish an episode of the show feeling a bit… disappointed. Being in a sorority isn’t nearly as exaggerated as what Greek TV shows make it appear to be. We don’t party 24/7, our housing facilities are definitely not as amazing as those sets, and sorority girls don’t kiss and make up on a daily basis. Hell, most of us don’t fight on a daily basis. Plus, any fraternity house that partied as much as the Omega Chi’s from “GREEK” (or the Animal House guys) would never be tolerated, and the fact that Rebecca Logan got her own single room in the house as a freshman is beyond ridiculous.

But that’s TV entertainment for you. If sorority and fraternity life were portrayed true-to-form on TV, no one would watch. Because a lot of it would be pretty boring. And normal. (Editor’s Note: Which is probably why MTV’s ‘Sorority Life’ and ‘Fraternity Life’ went off the air 9 years ago.) And it would also break down the party girl/drunk boy stereotypes that TV and movies have been setting up for years, and who would want that?

Are shows like GREEK based in reality? Absolutely, but just like The Hills (and Heidi Montag’s boobs), much of the drama is very much exaggerated, while other elements are completely left out. And for the most part, this isn’t a problem. It is entertainment after all. When I’m forced to defend myself, my friends and my sisters across the country when people believe everything they see on TV, though, well, that’s just annoying.

What do you think TV shows are getting right about Greek life, and what are they doing oh so wrong?

Want more Greek Speak? Click here

To say that frat guys don’t have the best reputation is like saying that that I only kinda like Diet Coke. From movies to TV shows to their very own indiscretions (like the most recent events at Yale), on a scale of douchebaggery, they fall somewhere between Spencer Pratt and Tiger Woods.

But is that a fair assessment or have we been judging these guys wrong all along? Could there be an unfair stigma against fraternity boys? It’s hard to tell when you’re looking in from the outside, so we thought we’d ask the people who know best: a group of sorority women.

Unlike most college students whose only interaction with frat stars is at a Pimps and Hos party, sorority women know these men on a deeper level. So what do they have to say about frat guys?

Colleen: Kappa Alpha Theta, University of Tulsa
While I certainly do not condone the sexist and ill-mannered behavior of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity at Yale University, I must admit that I am not entirely shocked by the whole scenario. Unfortunately, we live in a society that tends to purport a stigma that encourages the drunk-toga-wearing-sex-obsessed college boy culture. Although there are smart, respectful and wholesome gentleman within each fraternity (I’ve been dating one for the past 3 years!), they are often overshadowed by an established negative reputation, thanks the actions of a couple (or, depending on the house, a lot) of immature d-bags.

Like any organization, fraternities can sometimes fall victim to group think. Conformity and the refusal to speak up about what is right or wrong in a situation not only allows for bad decisions to be acted upon, but also perpetuates truth in the stereotype.

Lisa: UCLA
Honestly, it’s not just frat guys who should fall into the “frat guy stereotype.” There are plenty of non-Greek guys who are just as douchey, they are just fortunate enough not to have a pre-conceived notion about them. Frat or no frat, there are jerks all over the place. In fact, some of the grossest and most sexist pigs I’ve met on campus aren’t Greek, they’re athletes.

Gabby: Phi Theta Chi, Winona State University
My boyfriend is Greek and he is a diamond in the rough, to be honest.  The stereotype that says frat guys are looking for whatever girl they can talk into bed is true probably half of the time, speaking from 3 1/2 years experience.  Obviously, this differs house to house.  Some of them are all about drinking (I’m talking seven days a week) and some genuinely have their sh*t together.  Most, if not all, frat guys I know are very fun to be around and are up for almost anything, but don’t be STUPID and get with him because he fed you a clever line and gave you a free Bud Light. Just like any other guy, you need to find out who he really is.  Take them with a grain of salt… and don’t sleep on the couch with your legs open.

Kit: Alpha Chi Omega, Ohio State University
I’m personally not extremely close with many frat guys, but as a whole I have been around Greek men through the events and socials our chapter has participated in. I think there will always be cases where the stereotypes ring true, but non-Greek men can be just as guilty of these stereotypes. Of the men I have met in Greek life, I certainly can say there are good “frat guys” who get involved with service on campus and show a real sense of brotherhood.

Kellyn: University of Michigan
OK, it’s true.  Sad as it is, some guys follow the stereotype of their frat.  If a frat is known as being douche bags and meat heads, some typically are.  The frat that is said to be lame and awkward, some always are. But, don’t let that discourage you from finding the exceptions.  Most of my best guy friends are in frats.  I love going to their houses because I know that they are always looking out for me.  Some people think frat guys are all just trying to get into your pants, but all of my frat friends have at one time or another helped a friend of mine when she raged too hard.  They come over to chill at Friday brunch or 3am toast. So, try them all out.  There are always those few awesome exceptions.

Rachel: Chi Omega, Indiana University
I think that a lot of frat guys TRY to fit the stereotype, and that’s where they go wrong.  I’ve met a lot of guys that at first seem really “fratty” and just want to get wasted all night long, but when I took the time to get to know them, they had hobbies and interests I never thought they would have.  You just have to stick around long enough to see past there initial “look-at-me-I’m-so-fratty-and-cool”stage.

Ariana: Gamma Phi Beta, Penn State University
As a Senior, I’ve had the opportunity to interact with a large number of fraternity boys over the years. And unfortunately, I have to admit that oftentimes they do fall true to their stereotype. While fraternity boys make awesome friends and can always be counted on for a good time, they’re not always the ideal choice for relationships. I think it has more so to do with the culture of Greek Life rather than the actual fraternity boys themselves, but I know personally, I have never (by choice) dated a fraternity guy in college. However!! I would like to say that some of my dearest friends are boys in fraternities, and that a good amount of my sorority sisters have been in wonderful relationships with fraternity gentleman. So it’s not all of them–you just have to be the girl to find the good ones first.

Megan: Chi Omega, Purdue
I’ve met my fair share of frat guys in college, and just like guys who aren’t in a fraternity…It’s hit or miss! I’m honestly disgusted with some men that I’ve met and their assumed right to treat college women however they want…BUT the new BF is a frat guy and he’s perf!!

What do you think?

Get the DL on Greek Life from the women who are living it right here.

[We scoured the country to find the ultimate sorority girl to share her sisterly expertise with you. After reading through tons of applications followed by hours Facebook-stalking all the candidates (which proved difficult thanks to FB's privacy settings....), we found her. She gave you the lowdown on rush and now that you're sitting pretty in your new house, she's moving on to more important topics: date functions.]

It seems like every year ALL the fraternities try to cram their date functions and formals into two weekends in the fall and spring. For a socialite like myself and the rest of my pledge class, juggling all these events can be a bit overwhelming for a girl! (Who am I kidding? The BF is a Pi Kappa Alpha, so unless it’s his fraternity’s function I sit on the sidelines and watch my friends get dolled up while I wish I was, too, desperately throwing together a toga!)

Speaking of toga, who doesn’t want to get asked to a fraternity date function? FINALLY you get to go to your date’s house without worrying about a drunken slew of GDI girls ruining the mood. Just you, your date, his brothers, and their dates – perfect. BUT there are plenty of ways to make the night not-so-perfect.

Everyone has had that “OMG I’m so glad I’m not that girl” moment at a party, and Greek events are definitely no exception. News travels at lightning speed through the Greek community so for your sake (and your sorority’s sake) heed my advice and don’t be that girl! And, believe it or not, ALL the things I am about to advise you NOT to do I have seen first hand. And it’s not a pretty picture.

Girl fight? Tsk, tsk. There is absolutely nothing attractive about two girls yelling and screaming at each other at a fraternity, ESPECIALLY at a fraternity date function. Seriously- have some class and keep it together. Causing a scene at a dance will not only to completely embarrass your date at HIS house, but also your sisters or friends who are there too.

Ditch your date? How rude! Ok, Ok I know sometimes we get asked on dates or to functions by guys that…well… aren’t exactly our first pick. Been there. Done that. BUT make the most of it and have a good time. DON’T purposely lose your date ten minutes after walking in the door. At least build up some liquid courage and attempt to make some decent convo. If all else fails, hang out in a big group to make things less awkward.

Use your date as a garbage can/toilet. Do I even have to say it? Watch how much you drink. The last thing your rep needs is a picture of you all over the Book with vom all over yourself…and your date. Only you know how much you can drink – don’t try and be superwoman and drink your date under the table. Trust me: you will lose.

BUT, if (and only if) you pinky promise you will not do anything listed above, then hell yeah go to the date function!  What can you do to spice up your date night?

Blind date? YES! Especially after a brutal break-up (again, from experience), tagging along to a date function with a few good sisters (that’s you Mere, Meg and Emily!) and meeting a rando blind date can be fun AND take your mind off of your depressing ex situation. And even if there is no ex situation, take advantage of set-ups; you never know who you’ll meet!

Be a wingman? SO fun. Tagging along as a third wheel (when invited) can be a blast. You get to play up your friend to her date and avoid the pressure of trying to impress anyone yourself. Highly recommended!

Are YOU getting ready for a date function?? Anything you wanna know? Let me know! Let’s talk date functions!

Hello future, present, and past college sorority women (and creepy guys trying to get in on the juicy sorority gossip)!! My name is Megan, I’m a Junior, I go to Purdue, and I am so excited to be CollegeCandy’s Ultimate Sorority Girl! (Also, I like exclamation points.)

Being the official voice of Greek Life on this very (fabulous) website, I’m sure a lot of you are wondering about my sorority experience…. and I’m sure a lot of you aren’t. But too bad -  here it is:

I wasn’t far into my senior year of high school before I began creepily stalking the Purdue sorority websites and dreaming about what sorority I would soon be in. I registered for sorority recruitment the first possible day online and counted the days until it would all actually begin (while also researching every last bit of information I’d need to know to succeed and become the best sorority sister these girls could ever meet). Embarrassing, yes, but a steady form of entertainment for the summer before my freshman year of college

When I got to campus, I jumped into recruitment head first (with a totally new wardrobe for the occasion) and  when it was all said and done, I was an official ‘Baby Owl’ for Chi Omega’s 2008 pledge class. Hoot, hoot!!

Now (holy hell, has it been two years already?!), as a member of one of  the largest Greek Communities in the nation, I know what it is like to work hard and play hard in college. Living in a house along with more than 130 women and playing an active part in all my sorority’s activities – including social events with other sororities and fraternities, philanthropies, and formals – I can say with 100% certainty that I know Greek Life. And I know it well.

So here I am: your guide to all things Greek.
And here we are: at the cusp of a new school year.

I cannot believe it is already September, and we are getting settled back into the groove of things or, for some, finally breaking away from the fatally tight grip of the rents and leaving the nest. Take a deep breath of fresh air – you’re free…. and it’s going to be fun.

For me, the end of summer means a lot of things.

1. I’m officially a junior and therefore fall into the category of ‘cougar’ while preying on the new hot freshmen with my sorority sisters. Is it wrong to do frequent late-night freshman dorm drive-bys?

2. My summer abroad in Sydney, Australia has come to an end and the reality of waking up early for classes has (begrudgingly) set it once again.

3. It’s time for a new crop of potential sisters to line up and start their own journey into the fun, exciting, confusing, meaningful and overwhelming world that is sorority recruitment.

So here I am: an open book, a tell-all REAL sorority girl.
Your Rho Omega (read: guide) to Greek Life.

What do YOU want to know? Let me know in the comments or tweet it up @sororitygirlcc

And as a seasoned house partier, here are some tips to help you survive the first big house party of the year:

Do show up fashionably late.  Nothing in the college party scene starts before 10:30pm.  And nothing says freshman more than showing up at the party at 9pm eager for the festivities to start.  You are not in high school anymore!  So please, if you want to look like you know what’s going on, pre-drink in your room don’t show up until after 11pm.  Trust me, you won’t miss a thing. In fact, you’ll get there just as the party gets pumpin’.

Don’t wear heels! If you’re going to a house party, you will be way overdressed.  House parties attract all types of people and there will most likely be hundreds of them there.  Large amounts of grinding people means hot temperatures.  You will be sweating…profusely! So for those back-to-school bashes, leave your new skinny jeans at home and wear shorts, a cute flowy tank top or even a sundress, and sandals. You’ll thank me later, when the floor is filled with mud (or questionable bodily fluids) and your favorite suede pumps are ruined!

Do get your creative juices flowing. Theme parties are super popular in college.  Whether you’re attending a Toga party, ABC party, the Beer Olympics (the list goes on and on…), get creative with your costume.  I’ll guarantee you’ll be the talk of the night (and for the right reasons).   That’s not such a bad thing, eh?

Don’t bring a posse of boys.  It sounds shallow, but college dudes hate when a girl shows up with an entourage of men.  Here’s something lame, if you show up with a bunch of guys (and they didn’t bring their own alcohol) they may not let you in! This means no free drinks, and not even batting your full, voluminous lashes will get you out of that one.  Of course, your guy friends are welcome at the party, but be smart—walk into the party first.  A sure-fire-way of getting into the party is to show up with a bunch of your girlfriends. Nothing else will make those single college boys happier.

Do befriend the house owners.  You will get special treatment—the first to know about house parties, better booze, and – just in case – a special hideout place when the Po Po come to break up the party.  Take my word for it: just saying hi a couple times or striking up a conversation with the owners definitely pays off in the end!

Don’t be shy. House parties are only one part of the college party scene so don’t be scared to try all college party venues.  Hit up the bars on Thursday, brave the frat house on Friday, and shake your groove thang at the club on Saturday.  After a couple weekends, you’ll figure out what you like best and where you like to get your party on.