Davidson College - Greek Life

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

The social scene at Davidson takes one motto to heart: work hard, play hard. Greek life takes a big role in the latter part of the phrase, with 40 percent of men pledging fraternities and almost 80 percent of women self-selecting into eating houses. Students are in agreement, however, that while Greek life is clearly present, it’s not overwhelming, and affiliation is certainly not required if you want to have a good time on campus.

The key to partying at Davidson is the open, friendly environment on campus. While individual frats or eating houses will host parties, the events are not restricted to members only. Parties are typically closed from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m., and then open to all Davidson students from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. In this sense, Greek life plays a central role in planning and throwing parties, but doesn’t become exclusive when it comes to enjoying them. Still, while you don’t have to belong to a frat or eating house to be considered ‘cool’ on campus, joining probably won’t hurt your reputation. Members of these houses who remain involved during their four years tend to be the biggest partiers and drinkers, but there are also plenty of exceptions. Students turned off by the whole idea of togas and Milwaukee’s Best are by no means out of luck on weekends and flock to events held in the college union and off campus. The biggest thing to remember about the Davidson party scene is that it’s definitely here and definitely happening, especially for such a small school. If it’s not your thing, that’s totally acceptable; there are plenty of other ways you’ll have a good time on weekends while you’re here.

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Students Speak Out

dude says: Davidson College 2015 Other

Greek life totally dominates the... Greek life totally dominates the social scene. If you hang out, you're in a frat or eating house. 12345 Greek Life: February 20, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

At Davidson, fraternities and... At Davidson, fraternities and eating houses do dominate the party scene. Yet, while many students join frats or eating houses, independent students are in no way looked down upon. In fact, all parties (with the exception of formals, semi-formals, and Homecoming) are open to everyone—members and independents alike. For those who don’t like the Greek scene on Patterson Court, getting friends together for individual room parties or parties in the senior apartments is always easy. They’re a good time, as well. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

I am not involved in Greek life,... I am not involved in Greek life, and I don’t really intend to be. Lots of people seem to enjoy it, but it really isn’t something that appeals to me. I don’t feel like I have to pledge just to boost my social life. I guess it doesn’t really dominate the social scene like it does at other schools. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

Greek life is rather weak, but... Greek life is rather weak, but frats are mainly where the parties are. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

Greek life is there if you want it... Greek life is there if you want it to be. It’s also great that all campus parties are open to all students. 12345 Greek Life Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Davidson has only one sorority, but it offers similar organizations called “eating houses.” Open to Davidson girls through a lottery process called court selection, eating houses are similar to sororities, only without the national affiliation.

All frats and eating houses are located on Patterson Court, known as "The Court." The Court is the social nexus of the campus on weekends, when multiple houses will throw parties, usually hosting a DJ or band and serving alcohol to students over 21 (and yeah, to a few who aren’t). While members of frats and eating houses do not live in their houses, they do eat meals there (hence the name “eating house”). Each house employs its own cook and sets its own menu.

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Annie Maietta
Hometown: Weston, MA
Major: Undecided

Annie has four siblings: one of her older sisters went to Davidson, and her younger brother aspires to.

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