University of Michigan - Greek Life

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Although nearly a decent number of Michigan students are in Greek houses, it doesn’t necessarily dominate the social scene, unless, of course, you want it to. Some students think it’s a great opportunity to make friends and meet people, while others think it’s just too expensive to be worth it—they say they don’t need to “buy” friends.

Roughly 20 percent of UM students are involved with Greek life, usually beginning their first semester. Rush takes place mid-way through September, and if one becomes a member, his or her social life is largely dominated by the Greek scene for the first two years. Most students who are members of Greek houses live in a chapter house for their sophomore year. Although the parties used to be more accessible to everyone, the school has cracked down on that recently, and parties are rarely “open” at all. Welcome Week, before classes start in the fall, is when the biggest Greek parties are thrown, and you can usually find huge lines outside of frat houses for a week straight. If you’re into it or not, it’s, at the very least, worth the experience of going to a huge frat party as a freshman. The first time you go, it’s almost surreal, like Animal House reincarnated. Get ready to drink cheap, warm beer and sweat more than an Ohio State fan in the middle of the Big House student section.

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Students Speak Out

eckerrob says: University of Michigan 2016 Engineering

There are 32 fraternities on... There are 32 fraternities on campus (not including multi-cultural ones) and 16 sororities (again, not including multi-cultural ones). The Greek Life at Michigan is big, not big enough. If you're not into frat parties, there are plenty of clubs and house parties that will quickly fill the niche. 12345 Greek Life: June 12, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

I’ve never gotten too involved in... I’ve never gotten too involved in Greek stuff. I have a lot of friends in frats and sororities, and they always have fun parties. If you’re into that stuff, it can be a huge part of your social life. But that’s not all there is in terms of having fun and hanging out. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

Greek life is prevalent here, but... Greek life is prevalent here, but it doesn’t dominate the social scene at all. I’m not in a frat, and I’ve had no problems going to parties, making friends, and having fun. This school is large enough that you can go either way and still have a great social life. Although, it is always good to know someone in the Greek system so you can get into their parties. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

The Greek scene is one big... The Greek scene is one big community. If you join your first semester, your life will basically be your house for the first two years of college. Then the frat parties and date parties wear off, and you’ll spend your last two years at the bars. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

Greek life at U of M is pretty... Greek life at U of M is pretty big. Personally, I didn’t get into the frat scene because I really didn’t see a need to pay for friends. There are a lot of sorority houses to choose from if you are interested. The Greek system doesn’t ‘dominate’ the social scene, but it is a significant part of it. 12345 Greek Life Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Each year, the Greek community puts on Greek Week, which is a week-long philanthropic event with various competitions between teams of Greek organizations. There is a “Mr. Greek Week” competition, as well as Greek Sing and Variety competitions, which pack Hill Auditorium.

Many fraternities and sororities have lavish formals, which often take place as far away as Chicago and Toronto for an entire weekend.

Fraternities and sororities pair up each spring for their “pre-parties” the following fall, which take place at fraternity houses before each Michigan home football game. Don’t be surprised if you’re dancing to music and drinking beer at 9 a.m. on a football Saturday. It’s a Michigan tradition.

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