Bucknell University
- Greek Life

Dominant Greek Life, Not Always a Good Thing

No matter how you phrase it, it boils down to the numbers: over 50% of eligible men and women join a Greek organization, with the actual numbers ranging between 70 and 90%, depending on who you quote. Rushing itself does not happen until sophomore year, but it's pretty obvious that Greek life is a big thing on-campus early into your first year. A lot of the social scene and partying on the weekends revolves around the frat houses (sororities have no houses on campus, but Hunt Hall is dedicated to the sororities, with each individual one organized in a particular "suite"). Check Bucknell's website for a detailed listing of frats.

The Greek life at Bucknell is not always the greatest influence, though if you are truly dedicated and interested, it's a great chance to get involved on campus. There are great leadership positions within the frats and sororities and their respective governing councils. For a large number of people, however, the Greek life is less about the "balanced-man" concept and more about the social scene, which usually translates to copious amounts of alcohol on the weekends. Not everyone falls into this grouping, I admit, but I wouldn't make that description unless I believed it was a fair representation.

Greeks on Greeks on Greeks

The Greek seen definitely dominates the party scene at Bucknell, and freshmen cannot rush until sophomore year. While freshmen girls can get in literally anywhere, many freshman guys have trouble getting into frat parties, and unless they have the proper "guy-to-girl-ratio", they will probably be waiting outside for a while. Despite this, the size of the school makes it easy for guys to meet upperclassman, who will many times help them to get into their frats. Joining a club or activity is a great way to meet upperclassmen. Both the downtown house parties and frat registers are fun, allowing you students to rave and rage, or just hangout and play drinking games.

Greek Life Is Everywhere

As a Freshman guy you feel a little left out because parties are harder to get into, but that all changes once you pledge sophomore year. For those who don't pledge, you shouldn't worry too much as you'll probably have friends in frats who can help you get in, but I would suggest pledging.