8/10/24

The Unofficial Guide to Columbia University's Greek Life: Everything You Need to Know

So, you're thinking about Greek life at Columbia. Maybe you've seen the movies, scrolled through #BamaRush TikToks, & you're wondering if that's the vibe at an Ivy League school in the middle of New York City. The short answer? Not really. But that doesn't mean it's not a big deal for a lot of students.
Honestly, figuring out the social scene at Columbia can be a whole thing. It’s a place full of super ambitious people, & sometimes that competitive energy bleeds into social life. For some, Greek life is the answer to finding a built-in community in a city that can feel HUGE & a campus that can feel intense. For others, it’s just not on their radar at all. & that's the key thing to remember: Greek life at Columbia is what you make of it. It can be your entire world or just something you hear about occasionally.
This guide is going to break it all down for you—the good, the bad, & everything in between. We'll talk about the different types of fraternities & sororities, what "rush" is actually like here, & what the party scene really looks like.

The Lay of the Land: Greek Life by the Numbers

First off, let's get a sense of the scale. Greek life at Columbia isn't as massive as at big state schools. We're talking about roughly 15-20% of the undergraduate student body being involved. It's big enough to be a noticeable part of campus culture but small enough that you won't feel left out if you decide it's not for you.
Fraternities & sororities have been a part of Columbia for over 175 years, so this isn't a new phenomenon. The whole system is overseen by the Inter-Greek Council (IGC), which is a student-run governing body. Under the IGC, there are three main councils:
  • Interfraternity Council (IFC): This is the governing body for 11 of the men's fraternities.
  • Panhellenic Association (Panhel): This council oversees the six National Panhellenic Conference sororities on campus.
  • Multicultural Greek Council (MGC): This is an umbrella council for 12 culturally-based fraternities & sororities, including organizations under national bodies like the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO), & the National Asian Pacific American Panhellenic Association (NAPA).
One of the cool things about Columbia is that Barnard students can participate in Greek life, too, which really expands the community.

The Fraternities: A Look at the IFC Chapters

The Interfraternity Council, or IFC, is the traditional hub for fraternities at Columbia. There are 11 chapters under its governance, each with its own vibe, history, & reputation.
Here’s a list of the recognized IFC fraternities:
  • Alpha Delta Phi (ΑΔΦ) - Note: This one is co-educational!
  • Alpha Epsilon Pi (ΑΕΠ)
  • Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ)
  • Delta Sigma Phi (ΔΣΦ)
  • Kappa Delta Rho (ΚΔΡ)
  • Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI)
  • Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ)
  • Sigma Chi (ΣΧ)
  • Sigma Nu (ΣΝ)
  • Sigma Phi Epsilon (ΣΦΕ)
  • Zeta Beta Tau (ΖΒΤ)
Many of these fraternities have brownstone houses located on 113th & 114th streets, an area unofficially known as "Frat Row." If you live in a nearby dorm like Carman or Ruggles, or you're trying to study in Butler Library on a weekend night, you'll DEFINITELY know when there's a party happening. The noise can be pretty intense.

The IFC Rush Process: Less Formal, More Vibe-Based

Unlike the super-structured sorority recruitment, the IFC rush process is a lot more informal. It generally happens during the first few weeks of both the fall & spring semesters.
Here's the lowdown on how it works:
  • No Formalized Process: Columbia doesn't have a single, unified rush week for fraternities where you go from house to house on a schedule. Instead, each fraternity runs its own recruitment events.
  • Getting to Know You: The point of these first few weeks is for you to meet the brothers & for them to meet you. They'll host events like BBQs, open houses, sports-watching parties, & other casual hangouts.
  • Find Your Fit: Because it's so informal, the onus is really on you to seek out the chapters you're interested in. It's a good idea to follow their social media accounts to see when their events are happening. Don't be shy about just showing up & introducing yourself.
  • Bids: At the end of this period, if a fraternity thinks you're a good fit, they'll extend a "bid," which is a formal invitation to join. You can get bids from multiple fraternities, but once you accept one, that's your choice. The process is non-binding, so you don't have to accept any bids if you don't want to.
  • No Hazing Policy: It's important to know that Columbia has a very strict no-hazing policy. This is taken seriously by the university & the fraternities themselves.
The key to IFC rush is to just put yourself out there. Go to different events, talk to as many people as you can, & see where you feel the most comfortable. It’s all about finding the group of guys you genuinely connect with.

The Sororities: A Look at the Panhellenic Chapters

The Panhellenic Council, or Panhel, governs the six national sororities at Columbia. These are the chapters you'll most likely hear about when people talk about "sorority rush."
Here are the six Panhellenic sororities:
  • Alpha Chi Omega (ΑΧΩ)
  • Alpha Omicron Pi (ΑΟΠ)
  • Delta Gamma (ΔΓ)
  • Gamma Phi Beta (ΓΦΒ)
  • Kappa Alpha Theta (ΚΑΘ)
  • Sigma Delta Tau (ΣΔΤ)
Just like the fraternities, some of these sororities have designated brownstones on Frat Row, which serve as central meeting places & housing for some members.

The Panhel Recruitment Process: Structured & Fast-Paced

Sorority recruitment is a much more formal & structured process than fraternity rush. It happens once a year at the beginning of the spring semester, & it's a multi-day event. First-year students have to wait until their second semester to go through the process, which is part of a "deferred recruitment" policy. This gives you a chance to get used to college life before jumping into Greek life.
Here's what you can expect from the 3-4 day process:
  • Orientation: This is the kickoff, where you'll learn all about the process & get sorted into a recruitment group.
  • Rounds: You'll go through several "rounds" where you meet each of the six sororities. The first round, sometimes called "Philanthropy Day," might even be on Zoom. In these rounds, you'll have short, structured conversations with current members. The goal is to get a quick feel for each chapter's personality & values.
  • Mutual Selection: This is the tricky part. After each round, you'll rank the sororities you'd like to visit again, & the sororities will invite back the potential new members (PNMs) they connected with. It's a process of mutual selection, so you might not get invited back to all your top choices.
  • Preference Night (Pref): This is the final, most formal round. You'll visit one or two sororities for a longer, more in-depth event that often involves hearing about their sisterhood & rituals. It’s designed to help you make your final decision.
  • Bid Day: After Pref Night, you'll submit your final rankings. The next day, you'll receive a "bid" from one sorority. If you accept it, you'll join your new sisters for a celebration!
Honestly, the Panhel recruitment process can be intense & emotional. You're meeting hundreds of new people & making big decisions in a short amount of time. The advice you'll hear over & over is "trust the process." The idea is that the mutual selection system will help you land in the chapter where you truly belong. Unlike at some bigger schools, there isn't really a "top house" at Columbia; it's much more about finding your personal fit.

The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC): A Different Path to Brotherhood & Sisterhood

The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) is a vibrant & essential part of Columbia's Greek landscape. It's the governing body for culturally-based Greek-letter organizations. These chapters offer a unique space for students from various backgrounds to connect & build community.
The MGC includes fraternities & sororities with affiliations to national organizations like:
  • National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC): Historically Black Greek-letter organizations, often called the "Divine Nine."
  • National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO): Latino/a-based fraternities & sororities.
  • National Asian Pacific Islander American Panhellenic Association (NAPA): Asian American & Pacific Islander-interest Greek-letter organizations.
Here are some of the recognized MGC chapters:
  • Fraternities: Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Lambda Phi Epsilon, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Iota Alpha, Pi Delta Psi, Sigma Lambda Beta
  • Sororities: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Phi Lambda, Lambda Pi Chi, Sigma Iota Alpha, Sigma Lambda Gamma, Sigma Psi Zeta

The MGC Intake Process: Deeper & More Personal

MGC chapters don't have a "rush" in the same way the IFC & Panhel do. Instead, they have a membership intake process that is unique to each organization.
Here’s what makes the MGC intake process different:
  • Interest First: The process often starts with expressing your interest in a specific organization. This might mean attending their informational sessions, service events, & social programs throughout the year.
  • Getting to Know the Chapter: Unlike the whirlwind of formal rush, MGC intake is about building genuine relationships with the members of the chapter over time. You get to see them in action, learn about their history & values, & understand what they're all about.
  • Application & Interview: If you decide you want to pursue membership, there's usually a formal application & an interview process.
  • New Member Education: Once selected, you'll go through a new member education process, often called "pledging," where you learn the deep history, traditions, & values of the organization. This process is designed to build a strong, lifelong bond with your line brothers or sisters.
The MGC intake process is generally more discreet & personal. It's less about a week of events & more about a journey to becoming part of a close-knit, lifelong family.

The Social Scene & Reputation: What's it REALLY like?

So, what does being in a fraternity or sorority at Columbia actually mean for your social life?
For many, it’s the main source of their social plans. Frat parties are a staple of the weekend scene, especially for underclassmen. Most of these happen on "Frat Row" & are often invite-only, meaning you have to know a brother to get in. Expect a classic college party vibe: loud music, sweaty basements, & the infamous "jungle juice."
But it's not just about frat parties. Greek life at Columbia involves a lot more:
  • Philanthropy: Every chapter has a designated philanthropy that they support through fundraising & service events. These are often open to the whole campus community.
  • Formals & Date Nights: These are some of the most anticipated events of the year, where chapters rent out venues downtown for a night of dressing up & dancing.
  • Mixers: Sororities & fraternities often have themed mixers, which are private social events for their members to get to know each other.
  • Brotherhood & Sisterhood Events: These are the heart of the Greek experience—chapter dinners, retreats, study sessions, & just hanging out with the people who have become your second family.
The reputation of Greek life at Columbia is… complicated. There are definitely students who are critical of the system, viewing it as exclusive or problematic. And like any college campus, there have been controversies over the years. However, many members find it to be an incredibly positive & supportive experience that gives them a sense of community on a large campus.
The truth is, you don't NEED to be in Greek life to have a good time at Columbia. There are so many other ways to find your people, from student clubs & publications to the Special Interest Communities (SICs) in the dorms. But for those who do join, it can be a defining part of their college experience.

The Practical Side: Dues, Housing, & Time Commitment

Before you decide to rush, it's important to think about the practicalities.
  • Dues: Being in a fraternity or sorority isn't free. Each chapter has dues that cover things like national fees, social events, & other operating costs. The amount can vary significantly between chapters, so this is an important question to ask during recruitment.
  • Housing: Living in the chapter house is a big part of the experience for many, but it's usually not required. These brownstones are university-owned, & members have to go through a process to live there. Keep in mind that space is limited. Living off-campus in Morningside Heights is also super common, but finding a good apartment can be competitive. & if you’re thinking about bringing a car to the city to make moving or weekend trips easier, parking is a MAJOR headache. The streets are tough, & garages are expensive. This is where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. It lets you rent a private driveway or garage from a local resident, which is often way more affordable & convenient than a commercial lot.
  • Time Commitment: Greek life is a significant time commitment. Between chapter meetings, philanthropy events, social events, & new member education, it's like taking an extra class. You have to be able to balance it with Columbia's demanding academic workload.
Also, think about space. Dorm rooms & city apartments are notoriously small. If you find yourself needing more room for your stuff—seasonal clothes, sports equipment, or things you don’t need every day—renting a storage unit can be a hassle. A pretty cool alternative is Prked, which also connects people who need storage with homeowners who have extra space in their garage, attic, or basement. It’s a more flexible & often cheaper way to handle the NYC storage crunch.

Is Greek Life at Columbia Right for You?

So, after all that, how do you decide if you should go through recruitment? Here's the thing: there's no right answer.
Ask yourself these questions:
  • What am I looking for? If you want a built-in social calendar & a large, immediate group of friends, Greek life could be great. If you prefer smaller groups or finding community through shared interests like theater or a publication, maybe focus your energy there.
  • Am I okay with the structure? Panhellenic sorority recruitment is very structured, while IFC fraternities are more informal. The MGC intake process is a deeper, longer-term commitment. Which style fits your personality?
  • Can I handle the time & financial commitment? Be realistic about your ability to balance Greek life with your studies & your budget.
The best advice is to keep an open mind. Even if you're not sure, you can always go to some of the early recruitment or informational events to just check it out. You might be surprised by the people you meet. At the end of the day, college is about finding your place, & for some people at Columbia, that place is within a Greek chapter.
Hope this was helpful! It’s a lot to take in, but navigating Greek life is just one part of the amazing, chaotic, & unforgettable experience of being a student at Columbia. Let me know what you think
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