Sorority. As a new founding member on my campus, I’ve learned a lot about Sororities and Greek Life in general over the past semester. I love every aspect of it, but that’s because I chose the right sorority and the right time in my life to join. Before I get into the tips, let me remind you of a few things.

1. Joining a Sorority is a HUGE time commitment: I “understood” this before I got involved, but now as I go through it, I realize it’s so much more than you ever could imagine. This is a pro and con; mainly because a lot of meetings take place after classes–which at my campus happens to be at 9:10 p.m.– and you may not always WANT to go, but often you have to go.

2. BALANCE is essential: Remember you are still the same person, you still have the same “before” friends and obligations; don’t let them fall to the wayside because of your Sorority. Your friends will be discouraged and ultimately you’ll regret the whole experience. School is also a major obligation and, slowly but surely, I began to learn how to balance it. You need to set aside time during the week and weekends for homework. Just block out two hours or whatever you personally need, per day in order to have that time specifically for homework. And let everyone know that’s your homework time– shut off AIM, stop tweeting and by all means, avoid Facebook like the plague, and while you’re at it, stop texting too.

And finally,

3. Have Fun!! Joining a Sorority is something that will be yours for your whole life– your name will change (most likely if you choose to get married and take your significant other’s name), your occupation may change, heck you’ll probably change your hair color at least a dozen times, but this– belonging to this organization is a lifetime privilege and you need remember that and give in as much as you want out of it.

Okay, so enough cautionary words, here’s my top five tips for successfully rushing within a greek community at any college. Many Greek communities are similar– all Sororities stand for sisterhood, volunteering and their own core values, but the way these values and activites are represented at each school may be different. These tips are general and by no means cover ever aspect of rush at every school, it’s physically impossible. So take them with a grain of salt and hopefully you’ll see that they are helpful.

Tip 1: Be Yourself

Sororities are comprised of enthusiastic individuals who give their all to volunteer projects, school activities, and enjoy spending time with their fellow “sisters.” Most likely if you are rushing, you are already interested in similar things and have a similar attitude. Don’t try to be a typical “AYZ” Sorority girl. In other words, if you want a particular Sorority (say AYZ for an example), don’t try to act like their “image” on campus, or what you believe every girl in that sorority is. Be yourself, be whoever you are before you walked into Rush; before you ever heard of a Sorority. Genuine emotions, answers and questions will give the current members a better view of who you are personally and then they will be able to accurately determine if you are a fit for their group.

Tip 2: Find the right fit

The Sorority you belong in, will fit like your favorite pair of high heels– comfortable, sturdy, and perfect for you. That’s an important lesson, particularly if you are rushing with roommates or friends. Your roommates and friends may feel more comfortable with a different sorority, and that’s okay. Maybe you are slightly different, or what slightly different things. You can still be friends even if you aren’t “sisters.”

Tip 3: Be Appropriate

I know for my campus’ rush in particular there is a dress code. In my Sorority there is a dress code; in life there is a dress code. Get over it. I find so many of my non-Sorority friends are discouraged by the fact that I wear business dress to my meetings and other functions– to me that’s the way of the world. If you are freshman, you may not (as I had not) have grown into your fashion style just yet. But have no fear; Forever 21, Express, Macy’s and a variety of other stores have the perfect business clothes for reasonable prices. Your best bet for rush season is to buy:

1. Black Dress Pants- these can be worn every day, quite honestly, and then washed in your dorm. I found a great pair at Marshalls by my campus for $20. In the grand scheme of things, that’s a small amount of money to drop for this activity and you know what- you’ll probably be able to wear them for so many other things that they will more than pay for themselves in the end.
2. Plain black pumps- these are the easiest to match with outfits, and always have a conservative look. I’d look for a kitten heel as many functions during rush require you to be on your feet for extended periods of time. Now, if you have a favorite pair of funky heels, wear them– it’s about being yourself remember, so express yourself, but do it in a professional way.
3. Button Down Tops- again, something you can wear over and over again. Buy at least a black and white one.
4. Cardigans- I’d buy three or four in varying colors to match with the whole ensemble. If your rush lasts four days like mine does, make sure you have a shirt and cardigan combo for each day– it makes things really easy, particularly since you’ll probably be so busy with rush you won’t want to do laundry.