Rushing a sorority is thrilling. You run home to over a hundred new sisters that will become your best friends for the rest of your college life and beyond. That being said, it can be extremely overwhelming and hard to get to know every single one of your sisters. However, besides the typical grab-a-dates and socials, there are plenty of other ways to bond with your sorority sisters on a daily basis. The more you put into sorority life, the more you get out of it. It is possible to get to know everyone and make those connections that will last a lifetime.
1. Do recruitment
Recruiting new students as sisters includes two weeks of long nights and endless step-clapping. Many people try to get out of doing recruitment, and I will admit, it’s not for everyone. However, recruitment week works wonders in regard to bonding with your sisters. You will eat, sleep and breath your sorority all week, but at the end of the day, you have your sisters by your side after all the singing, conversing and stress. Recruiting may even bring you closer to sisters you had never met before or never thought you would become friends with. Trust me, it’s worth it.
2. Go to sisterhood studies
Most sororities have sisterhood studies, or study sessions at the house, where you can go and hang out with your sisters while preparing for an exam or working on assignments. Stephanie Huynh, a sophomore at Lehigh University, mentioned, "We're all trying to succeed in school while maintaining our other commitments, and studying with each other allows you to spend more time with each other while being productive." You can meet other sisters in your field of study that can help you through classes. Sometimes, you’ll be lucky enough to find a sister that has already taken a course you’re in and can help you prepare. Don’t be afraid to ask older sisters about recommended courses and professors.
3. Stay active in group chats
Whether it’s a Facebook page, GroupMe or WhatsApp group, staying up to date with conversations will ensure that you don’t miss out on an event or opportunity to hang out with your sisters. Ashley Diggins, a sophomore at the Ohio State University, says, “Don't be afraid to talk in your sorority GroupMe/group chat/whatever your sorority has for that even if it's just little things. I one time asked for advice on a cover letter of mine and one girl I had never really talked to messaged me about it, and we got to talking about other things and are now good friends. And if your sorority doesn't have a group chat set one up ASAP.” It’s the little things such as making a post in a group chat that can bring you closer with sisters you weren’t close with before.
Related: What Sorority Women Want You to Know Before You Rush
4. Go on fates
Fates are friend dates, and to be honest, they are the best kind of dates. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone in your sorority and ask them to grab dinner or see a movie, even if you’ve never talked to them before. Think about how happy you would be if someone reached out to you—it’s not weird, it’s flattering. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up meeting your best friend that way.
5. Exercise together
Most campuses have complimentary gym access, so heading to the gym with your sisters is a fun and easy way to not only bond, but also stay in shape. Rhiana Raymundo, a junior at the University of Central Florida, recommends taking group exercising classes together for fun. Yoga, Pilates and Zumba are great classes to try out with your sisters.
There are plenty of unexpected ways to get the most out of your sisterhood. Don’t be shy, these girls are here to help and guide you through college, and you should do the same for them. Get to know as many sisters as you can, even if it’s uncomfortable at first. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.