Princeton University
- Greek Life

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Princeton University does not officially recognize the fraternities and sororities that exist on campus. Unofficially, the University has been trying for years to figure out whether to incorporate the existing Greek system into campus life or how to rid the campus of any form of Greek system. Fraternities initially started on Princeton’s campus in the 1840s, but, fearing the deterioration of Princeton’s celebrated debate societies, the administration forbade any Greek presence on campus. Without houses and without recognition from the University, Princeton’s modern Greek system does not have much of a presence on campus and most students are disinterested in the system.

Greek life is somewhat intertwined with the eating club system, particularly in the bicker clubs. While men choose to rush only one fraternity, women rush all sororities and are almost always guaranteed a bid from at least one. The pledge process for women is extremely tame, whereas, for the majority of fraternities, the pledge process is much more involved. Greek organizations give freshmen and sophomores social options outside of their residential colleges. Greek life can also pave the way for some students into selective bicker clubs. There are no fraternity or sorority houses on or near campus, so the system relies entirely upon room parties and off-campus events, such as formals and tailgates. Greek life does not limit one’s group of friends and can serve as a way for normally shy students to open up and meet people outside of their residential college before making the decision sophomore year regarding their eating options.

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Greek Life at Princeton University

jwbrown

'13

Political Science and Government

3.5

B

Fun to Do, but Definitely Not Required

The University doesn't actually recognize Greek Life on campus, which is kind of a pain because it always seems like the school is out to get Fraternities and Sororities. The Eating Clubs really dominate the social scene, therefore most Fraternity/Sorority events end up being dorm room parties before heading out to the Eating Clubs. They are a great network to meet other interesting and fun people, and can help members get into particular eating clubs their sophomore year. Other than that, they definitely aren't a necessity, and a large portion of the campus decides not to join them and still participates in the eating club drinking scene.

Feb 02, 2011

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Greek Life at Princeton University

Adellaide

'14

Engineering

2.7

C+

Eating Clubs

There is no official greek life at Princeton; the University doesn't support any sororities or fraternities. The closest thing to greek life would probably be the eating clubs, which don't seem to be as negative, but can still be pretty rough if you bicker. All in all, only about half of the upperclassmen are in eating clubs, although pretty much everyone has been to one at least once.

May 19, 2010

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Greek Life at Princeton University

Spartacus

'13

N/A

They Exist

They exist and are currently experiencing a resurgence of popularity on campus. Large presence in the social scene but not domineering. No frat houses on campus though because the administration does not recognize Greek Life.

Feb 09, 2010

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