University of Illinois - Greek Life

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

This campus is really into Greek life. Everywhere you go, you see frat houses and sorority houses, and you can’t go outside without running into someone with their letters. For people who want to go Greek, this is good news, as it gives them so many options to choose from. For those who are hesitant about joining a frat or sorority, it may feel overwhelming, because it seems like everyone is in a house but you. In fact, one of the first questions most people will ask you is, “Are you in a house?” This does not mean that everyone is Greek. In fact, a large percentage of undergraduates are not, but it is still a very powerful force on campus. On Quad Day, these organizations spill out on the campus, searching for new recruits who want to rush.

However, there are also other clubs and groups that come out on Quad Day. Don’t feel that you have to join the Greek system just to make friends, because nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, some people say that Greeks have fewer friends because they never try to meet people outside of their house. If you are into partying, you should know that having one of the biggest Greek systems in the country means more events and more craziness. On the other hand, you should also know that it means the campus can sometimes feel cliqueish when you first arrive. However, once you get to know people and find your niche, you will see that both Greeks and independents get along very well and have few conflicts.

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Students Speak Out

dhibbar2 says: University of Illinois 2014 Communication and Journalism

Being Greek at this school has... Being Greek at this school has been one of the best decisions of my life. There are so many stereotypes about Greeks on campus, but having friends who are both Greek and not, a student will have their ups and downs regardless of whether they wear letters or not. I have several friends who often regret not joining a house, but I know many who are also content not being Greek. It is true that being Greek has its perks, especially in the social scene (bars, fraternities, etc.). The rumors that Greeks and non-Greeks don't get along is absolutely ridiculous. Half of my best friends aren't in sororities, while the other half are both from my house and several other houses on campus. I am proud to wear my letters and answer when someone asks what house I'm in. 12345 Greek Life: November 11, 2008 Report

Anonymous says:

Regardless of whether you join the... Regardless of whether you join the system, the main drawback to having such a large Greek community on such an already large and clique-oriented campus is that Greeks and non-Greeks generally do not interact socially. The two scenes remain largely separate, and who knows whether that will ever change. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

Partying does play a big part in... Partying does play a big part in the Greek social scene, and certain bars have become unofficially ‘Greek’ bars where generally only people in Greek houses go. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

If you choose to join the Greek... If you choose to join the Greek system at Illinois, you will not be short on choices. Some are known as being mean and others as sweet, some as heavy partiers and others as prudes, some as urban and others as rural. But regardless of what house you join, expect at least a little stereotyping and a little pressure to conform to those in your house. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

I do not belong to a sorority, but... I do not belong to a sorority, but I cannot go to class, to a bar, a restaurant, or even walk down the street without seeing a student with letters on his or her jacket, shirt, or hat. Greek organizations are prominent on campus, but at the same time, not being in one doesn’t put me at a disadvantage. 12345 Greek Life Report

Facts

Did You Know?

The University of Illinois is among the top schools in the country in terms of pure volume of Greek organizations.

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