Bucknell University - Greek Life

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

The Greek system is a big part of Bucknell life for students who choose to make that commitment. Considering that the majority of the social scene is composed of parties thrown by Greek organizations, it may be a little hard to escape Greek life. But that does not mean that a student should feel forced to join a sorority or fraternity. Independent students who choose not to go Greek sometimes find that they are better off in that they can attend pretty much any Greek event, since they are not affiliated anywhere. A great thing about Bucknell is that students are not able to rush until their sophomore year, which allows students to make friends without having to worry about affiliations. Later on, when friends go their separate ways in terms of Greek organizations, there remains a sense of cohesiveness because students may have friends in five different organizations.

Greek life is definitely something you should consider if you come to Bucknell. There are a variety of Greek organizations that can fit different interests and personalities. The rush process can be stressful at times (especially for the girls), but it’s well worth it in the end, whether you decide to pledge somewhere or remain independent. All of the Greek organizations play an important role in the Bucknell community and the local community. Every week there is some Greek organization that has fundraisers on campus and volunteering off campus. Overall, the Greek system is a great place to meet students that you might not otherwise meet, and there’s a lot of good being done for the community.

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Students Speak Out

BucJN says: Bucknell University 2015 English Language and Literature

Almost every student here is in a... Almost every student here is in a frat or sorority. There are also heavy stereotypes associated with which ones are the "cool and popular" sororities or fraternities, and which ones are not. You tend to feel a little left out if you are not a part of Greek life. But, if you are on an athletic team, you can find your niche there. 12345 Greek Life: February 27, 2009 Report

asdfgh321 says: Bucknell University 2016 Engineering

Greek life is huge—about half of... Greek life is huge—about half of students are in it. You can't rush until sophomore year, but the delayed rush is nice because you get a chance to make friends and join clubs outside of your frat or sorority. The frats and sororities all have different reputations. The girls wear their letters all the time. 12345 Greek Life: February 26, 2009 Report

BucLG says: Bucknell University 2016 Undecided

Greek life definitely dominates... Greek life definitely dominates Bucknell's social scene. That was a surprise after getting here because I felt like it was really downplayed, but most people are Greek, and their parties are exclusive—unless you're a girl. However, there is a frat or sorority for everyone, and even people who didn't think they were going to go Greek end up finding a frat or sorority during rush that suits them. You're not allowed to rush until you're a sophomore. 12345 Greek Life: February 26, 2009 Report

BucBP says: Bucknell University 2015 Engineering

Most of the campus is Greek or... Most of the campus is Greek or participates in Greek events. It is also one of the best organized and successful Greek systems in the Northeast and the nation, I believe). I encourage students to at least give it a chance and go through recruitment—it's a lot of fun and there's free food, plus the worse thing that happens is you meet a ton of people and make some new friends in the process. 12345 Greek Life: February 25, 2009 Report

BucMK says: Bucknell University 2016 Undecided

Greek life is very strong at... Greek life is very strong at Bucknell. You could call Bucknell a party school because there is a party going on almost every weekend. Even though you will never feel uncomfortable if you do not join a frat or a sorority, joining one really does broaden your social life. Plus, you get to meet a lot of new people. 12345 Greek Life: February 24, 2009 Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Bucknell administration has really cracked down on hazing. Very little hazing takes place, and if it does, the organization is severely reprimanded. In fact, two Greek organizations recently got kicked off campus.

There are no sorority houses at Bucknell. There is a beautiful sorority dorm, though, where each sorority has its own floor.

The active Greek system involves about half of the eligible (non-first year) students.

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