Princeton University - Greek Life

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

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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Students Speak Out

PriAS9 says: Princeton University 2016 Undecided

Greek life does not dominate the... Greek life does not dominate the social scene by any means. It is a great way to meet new people, mingle with other Greeks, and get into or passes for eating clubs. I am personally in a sorority, and I really do enjoy it. 12345 Greek Life: March 02, 2009 Report

PriAS5 says: Princeton University 2016 Psychology

The Greek scene at Princeton is... The Greek scene at Princeton is absolutely amazing, and by that I mean basically nonexistent. The school doesn't support them, so they're basically run out of people's dorm rooms. It's a pretty nifty setup. 12345 Greek Life: February 26, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

Technically, I guess we have Greek... Technically, I guess we have Greek life, but it’s not too big, and the University doesn’t acknowledge it. The eating clubs have nearly eradicated the need for Greek life, since being a member is like being in a coed frat. Their parties are usually better than lame, University-run entertainment. They’re run by students while the University looks the other way. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

There is Greek life on campus—it... There is Greek life on campus—it is pretty popular although not absolutely essential to Princeton. It is growing in popularity. I am in a sorority, and I love it. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

There are a few Greek... There are a few Greek organizations, but none of them have houses; they definitely don’t dominate the social scene. If you’re in one, that’s cool, but it’s not really a big deal. Greek life is not a big part of the scene. There are frats, but they do not have houses; they are more like social clubs. Eating clubs are where all the parties are; they have free liquor. 12345 Greek Life Report

Did You Know?

Princeton does not officially recognize any fraternities or sororites. Though there are many underground Greek organizations, Princeton frowns upon students participating in them, and they are in no way affiliated with the University. However, members-only eating clubs are very similar to frats and sororities at other schools and offer Princeton students a similar experience.

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