Category Archives: Fraternity/Sorority

The Best Time Of Your Life: Top 10 Colleges With the Happiest Students

Of all the colleges with the happiest students in America, Clemson ranks in our top 10...!

Of all the colleges with the happiest students in America, Clemson ranks in our top 10…!

While the point of college to learn about a selected field in deep detail and graduate with a degree that stands as your proof of competency in it, if you spend your whole time there bored out of your gourd, what’s the point?

Happiness needs to be factored into the equation as well, and to aid you in factoring that aspect into your decision-making equation, we have put together a list of ten colleges that stands heads and shoulders above the rest in this important category. Let’s review each of them, starting with…

1) Texas A & M University

If college athletics is important to you and you are looking for a university in the Lone Star State, you’re in luck, as Texas A&M is a big sports school, with its students whipped into a mad football frenzy every home game weekend. Those looking for a plethora of living options will be pleased that there are many apartment choices near the university, and those looking to celebrate Spring Break in style won’t have to budge an inch, as South Padre Island is practically in A&M’s backyard!

2) Vanderbilt University

Want your degree to actually mean something? Vanderbilt has some of the highest quality professors around, meaning that you’ll actually have the knowledge to back up the letters by your name after college. On the social side of things, there are tons of restaurants to choose from, which is quite fortunate, because you’ll be frequenting them after the countless parties you’ll be attending, as the party scene here is outrageously huge.

3) Virginia Tech

Despite the horrible tragedy several years back, Virginia Tech is a safe place that boasts one of the most down to earth student bodies in the nation. Those that are looking to ride a team all the way through to college bowl season will be in luck here, as football is a way of life for many students, faculty and alumni at VT.

4) Claremont McKenna College

Taking in the stunningly beautiful campus at Claremount McKenna College will be the first of many positive experiences you’ll have at this school, as the well-entrenched party culture will be the scene of made friendships forged over beers and shared interests. Those who claim Judaism as their religion will love the fact that there is a strong Jewish presence on campus, and those that live, eat and breathe academics will love the fact that their professors clearly know the subjects that they specialize in.

5) Stanford University

Despite being a school of Ivy League caliber, Stanford continually surprises newcomers with the friendliness of its faculty and student body. An open environment ensures that people of all creeds, races, orientations, etc are made to feel welcome and accepted, and the campuses’ Californian location grants it photogenic looks that will the background of every experience you have over the next four years.

6) Clemson University

Well known for its great social scene and incredibly friendly people, socially extroverted types will thrive at Clemson. Those that consider themselves outdoors will love the fact that the natural splendor of South Carolina will be at their finger tips, as the Appalachian Mountains are 45 minutes away, and the sandy beaches of the Atlantic are a mere 4-5 hours from campus.

7) University of Wisconsin

Those that yearn to get involved on campus will find plenty of opportunities to get involved socially at the University of Wisconsin, and for those that would rather paint their face and cheer on their school’s team until they lose their voice, being involved in D1 athletics creates a lot of spirit on campus. What if you’re introverted though? A variety of dorms enables people of all types to find a living arrangement that suits them best, eliminating friction being portions of the population that are less compatible with each other.

8) Florida State University

In the relative warmth of the Northern Florida autumn, football season is a blast from start to finish, as enthusiastic students crowd the stands to cheer on the Seminoles to victory. A vibrant Greek life only serves to fuel that fervor on game days, as well as the party scene on weekends. Those that were hoping to actually get some learning done in all this aren’t left out in the cold though, as the professors here are reported as being very competent and knowledgeable in their area of expertise.

9) Tulane University

First point in Tulane’s favor: it’s in freakin’ New Orleans, so when the books shut on Friday afternoon, the nightlife that ensues will make you the envy of your old high school friends. Those looking to meet people different from themselves will love the fact that Tulane attracts a diverse student body from across the country and around the world, all seeking the Nawlins lifestyle.

10) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Jocks and partiers rejoice: the parties and social events that revolve around sports never seem to stop here, so enjoy the four years you spend here if you go, as they will invariably be the best ones of your life. Despite its location in the midst of the Deep South, UNC at Chapel Hill is actually one of the most open-minded and accepting places in the country, standing in stark contrast to the uber conservative countryside that lies outside this bubble of liberalism.

How to Choose a Fraternity or Sorority!

college kids in greek life

With the latest crop of graduates just starting to spread out into the world after high school, many have chosen to attend college in order to give themselves the best possible chance at competing for a great career in the challenging world of the 21st century. While the focus of many students upon arrival at their post-secondary institution is to attain good grades, they should also be considering the benefits of aligning themselves with a quality fraternity or sorority as soon as they get settled.

While smarts and knowledge still count for something in this world, the power of networking simply cannot be ignored. Greek organizations provide a large organization of alumni that branches across all industries and businesses, which can give you a leg up in today’s dog-eat-dog job market. Besides, these organizations offer socialization opportunities that few others can match in this environment, making for some of the best parties that you’ll ever attend in your life.

So, which fraternity or sorority do you pick, since there are so many of them to choose (especially at large schools) from? Going over the following points will ensure that you make the right choice, thereby increasing your odds of getting in with the right crowd, which will enhance your life at college, and in the years that follow. Here’s how to choose a fraternity or sorority for the right reasons:

Do they align with your interests?

When you join up with these guys/gals, you’ll be their brother/sister for the rest of college, and throughout the rest of your adult life. Do you really want to rush an organization because you perceive them as cool, only to find out months later that you have almost nothing in common with your fellow brothers/sisters in the bond?

The burden of dishonesty only gets heavier with time, so don’t pick up the weight in the first place. If you love sports as much as you like breathing, join the jock fraternity. If you value involvement in extracurricular activities, don’t try to hang with a bunch of unambitious party animals. Like to play the clarinet or violin? Find a musically-themed Greek organization and rush them.

You’re going to share a bond with your fellow family members from different parents that is as strong as blood, so don’t fake it, man.

Make a short list of prospective house and attend their Rush events

Now that you have a list of houses that you feel will fit your personality, it’s time to go shopping for a second family. Come to the events with the intent of having fun and meeting people (both active members of the house and fellow rushees), but also come armed with targeted questions. They should determine how much of a time commitment is involved, the amount of cash dues that are owed and what they go towards, and where their values and interests lie.

You love them, but do they love you back?

Despite appearances at the outset that a certain fraternity or sorority may appear to be right for you, sometimes the personality of the house may be completely wrong. Sometimes the people in charge are just jerks, and they only pick jerk type guys or gals for their little club. Don’t try to copy or endure them just for the networking benefits.

At the end of the day, having a group of guys or girls that would give the shirt off their back, spend their last dollar on you, or be there for the death of one of your family members because you would do the same for them is exactly the type of organization you should be aiming to join in the end. Even if they don’t match up precisely with your professional or hobby interests, the former point should take precedence, as true brothers and sisters will support you fully regardless of what floats your boat.