Northern Illinois University - Greek Life

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Some may find it shocking that less than 10 percent of NIU students belong to a fraternity or sorority, but you have to realize that NIU has more than 200 student organizations competing for the attention of the student body. Those interested in joining do have plenty of options, as there are more than 30 Greek organizations on campus, many of which focus on more than keggers and pledging. There are social, academic, and cultural fraternities and sororities, all of which do community service projects as part of their programming. Those who join typically feel a real sense of camaraderie with their brothers or sisters and make several lifelong friends. Obviously, Greek organizations throw some of the best parties on campus, but Greek life is not all good. It can be an expensive and time-consuming proposition depending on how active you are, and living arrangements at some houses are very cramped. There is a feeling inside the community that administration officials are very tough on the Greeks and are always looking to make an example of them. They also don’t have a positive image among students who aren’t part of their culture. They are the victims of constant unfair stereotyping from people who are all too happy to come by and drink their beer only to rip on them behind their backs because it is fun and easy. Greek life might not be for you, but it’s worth a look.

Free Profile Tools

Do I Stand A Chance?

Calculate YOUR chances of admission at every school CP covers!

__%

Personality Match

Calculate YOUR personality match with every school CP covers!

__%

What'll It Cost Me?

Estimate your out-of-pocket costs at every school CP covers!

$__,___

Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Greek life is awesome. It... Greek life is awesome. It doesn’t dominate the social scene here at NIU like it does on other campuses. I would advise people to check out the Greek system and find out if there is a fraternity or sorority that matches their style, and to not prejudge Greek life based on what is portrayed by TV or movies. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

If you don’t know anyone, I... If you don’t know anyone, I think it’s a good way to get involved. These people aren’t the stereotypes that everybody tends to spread around just because they don’t get it. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

I love my frat. I’ve made a... I love my frat. I’ve made a bunch of lifelong friends here. It’s a big commitment in money and time, but it’s worth it if you want to meet new people and always have someone watching your back. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

Greeks are definitely a pretty... Greeks are definitely a pretty huge scene on campus. Greek Row is a popular hangout spot, there’s a lot of Greek events like Tugs, and a lot of University drama revolves around Greeks doing something stupid (such as getting into fights) or something stupid being done to Greeks (such as alcohol moratoriums in response to two non-NIU students fighting on Greek property). My friends seemed to enjoy the system, but I’d advise people to look into each fraternity and see whether or not it offers them what they’re looking for. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

When you are a freshman, going to... When you are a freshman, going to frat parties is awesome. But after that, if you don’t join a frat or sorority people usually prefer to go to house parties or bars. 12345 Greek Life Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Since 1967, the Greek system has been obsessed with tug of war. The annual “Tugs” competition features two teams of 11 people from a fraternity or sorority pulling on a thick rope, attempting to pull the opposing side across a line. Two week-long tournaments raise thousands of dollars for charity each year, and teams take the process very seriously, often starting practices months in advance. Do not ever make fun of Tugs to a member of a Greek organization. 

According to the University Programming and Activities Office, Greeks receive 50 percent of annual awards for campus leadership.

Write for Us!

College Prowler is actively seeking talented students to be "Contributing Authors," and assist with updating the College Prowler guide to their school. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain internship experience, be a part of a nationally recognized company, gain tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college. Read more >