Northwestern University
- Greek Life

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While NU fraternities and sororities may not be comparable to “Animal House” or even that of its state school brethren, you'll still probably get a fair grasp of the Greek alphabet during your time at Northwestern. Greek life is a pretty big factor in student life at Northwestern, as more than 30 percent of guys and nearly 40 percent of girls end up pledging. In fact, many of the people you'll see pledging may have come into college completely against "the whole Greek thing." But you'll find that while some houses may center themselves solely around drinking and partying, others put a premium on philanthropies and general friendship. At the end of the day, it's up to you whether you want to pledge or not—a lot of your friends most likely will, and a lot of them most likely won't. Either way, you shouldn't end up feeling ostracized or left out, as long as you keep an open mind.

As for those who are interested in pledging, NU takes a somewhat atypical approach. All pledging is done in the winter quarter, rather than fall. For guys, the system is relatively straightforward. Following the two-week "Freshman Freeze," when freshman guys aren't allowed into fraternity houses and no sort of rushing is allowed to take place, fraternities will begin hosting Sunday Night dinners, where they offer free food and give freshmen a chance to get to know the brothers and vice versa. In the first week of winter quarter, rush events take place and bids are offered. As for girls, the process is a bit more complicated. Sororities and prospective new members (PNMs) go through a period of visiting specific houses and, through mutual selection, eventually a PNM is matched with a house.

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Greek Life at Northwestern University

bearclaw9393

'15

Mathematics & Statistics

4.6

A

Gone Greek

With winter rush, fraternities are basically recruiting freshman all fall quarter and throw open parties. But winter and spring quarter basically eliminate open parties and rushing is really the only way to enjoy big parties, especially for guys. Overall, the Greek system is great here.

Jan 30, 2012

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Greek Life at Northwestern University

bc14

'15

Biological Sciences

3.5

B

Not Too Overwhelming

Greeks and non-Greeks certainly intermingle. A large percent of campus is Greek so it's very normal to learn that new acquaintances are greek. Freshmen do not rush until winter quarter, so for the guys who want to rush, a lot of the first quarter is attending events with the frats in order to figure out where they are rushing. For the girls, there's no real emphasis until rush itself - which is a pretty laid back process. The Greeks can often be seen doing fundraisers around campus and supporting events such as Homecoming. Overall, it's mostly another social outlet, but can give students a place that they will always belong.

Dec 12, 2011

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Greek Life at Northwestern University

vszuflita

'15

Cognitive Science

3.1

B-

Greek Life Isn't Everything

While many people are involved in greek life, it's really not a big deal if you don't want pledge.

Nov 16, 2011

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What kind of housing is available for Greek students?

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