Joining a Greek organization freshman year not only gives students a huge new group of friends, but also a really nice option for living the following year.
As a freshman, I had no idea which of my first semester pals would remain for the rest of college. Though I loved them, I wasn't ready to commit to another year of living with my Quadrangle hall mates or the members of my writing seminar. Leases seemed daunting — I was still getting lost beyond 39th Street.
For me, choosing to live in my sorority's chapter house was a great choice. I wasn't best friends with anyone in my pledge class, but they all seemed laid-back, and I was eager to bond.
According to the Office of Student Affairs/Fraternity Sorority Life's website, there are 22 University-owned Greek houses and nine that are either privately owned or leased. Most of these are between 38th and 42nd streets on both Spruce and Walnut streets. A few of the older fraternities have houses more centrally located on Locust Walk — ever dreamed of living in a colonial mansion with 20 burly dudes?
The best part about Greek living is that it's a perfect transition between a dorm and a house of your own. People are always around to hang out and Penn Facilities fixes your leaky showers and dysfunctional internet. Plus, there's a living room and a kitchen — and no RAs.
If you pick the right Greek organization, you can even get more benefits. In my house and several others, we have a weekly cleaning service and a chef.
Even though you would share a bathroom with a few more people, Greek housing is an option everyone should consider.
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