Picture this: A room jam-packed with university students reeking of Natty Light and perspiration. Just a little grinding action into the part and a woman dancing in the center of a dining table, thinking she’s the hottest thing since sliced bread. Guys whom look hardly old sufficient to possess completed twelfth grade wearing neon green shirts that say “sober monitor, ” holding the answer to popularity and new buddies inside their hands—aka hot beer that is keg. The most recent hits playing in a single body-thumping and room techno music blaring into the cellar. Unsuccessful attempts to grab girls and drunken PDAs with complete strangers. The alcohol pong champ running the dining table and a floor therefore disgusting you wouldn’t dare simply simply take your shoes off. Thank you for visiting your frat that is first celebration.
We wish you to definitely enjoy freshman that is new, but we don’t wish you to appear like an amateur—so here’s helpful information on the best way to navigate the frat celebration scene as if you’ve been here for many years.
Do: understand which frat household you are at
Chi Psi, Chi Phi, Phi Psi, Psi U—it gets a bit complicated if they all seem the exact same. “There’s nothing even worse than calling a fraternity by the incorrect title, ” claims Alaine from Miami University in Ohio. Additionally, make sure you understand how to pronounce the title (Sigma Chi is pronounced Sigma Kye, perhaps not Chi such as a Chia animal), and are also knowledgeable about the frat’s nickname (Sigma Phi Epsilon is generally described as Sig Ep). Ask a friend which house you’re going to just before actually make it.
Do not: Wear a “new pupil orientation” lanyard around your throat or carry a campus map around
I understand it is convenient to place the room key and ID card in a plastic owner hanging from your own lanyard, and also this is completely appropriate in the day (at the very least through the very first week), but put these essential items in your pocket or bag when you are away through the night.
Do: Dress for the theme, but go overboard don’t
Wear something versatile so that you can certainly party-hop. Think a bright top for an 80s themed celebration that may increase being a glow-in-the-dark shirt at a highlighter celebration. Try not to wear the full sexy cop or bunny costume. Not only can you appear away from spot you will also be a perfect target for real cops looking to catch underage drinkers if you go to another party, but. Sarah through the University of Michigan says, “My friend that is best and I also as soon as decided to go to a formal-themed frat celebration, but inadvertently walked as much as the incorrect frat house and saw every person using pajamas. We thought that they had told junited statest us to put on fancy dresses as a laugh, but luckily for us recognized the celebration we had been trying to find had been along the block. ”
Do not: get alone
The very last thing you need is usually to be alone whenever that creepy senior gives you a secret beverage he got from a shut space. You will likely feel embarrassing in a huge party establishing all by the lonesome, anyways. At exactly the same time, don’t get down in a big team. Megan, A university that is recent of graduate, says, “Don’t get with, like, 17 individuals. Get in pairs. ”
Do: choose 1 or 2 friends to visit the ongoing celebration to you
In the event that you don’t desire any difficulty in the hinged door, make certain these friends are girls. Or dudes which can be prepared to state they’ve been rushing the frat—brothers frequently won’t let in guys whom aren’t an element of the frat. Alaine claims, “Don’t try to carry large amount of dudes with one to a fraternity household. HINT: they are attempting to meet girls. ”
Never: go back home with some body without at the least telling your pals first
They live and when you expect to be home if you decide to “hang out” at someone’s place, let your friends know who the person is, where. If this “hang out” turns in to a sleepover, be ready for the after morning.
Do: Wear sweet, elegant clothing and gown for the weather—and the stroll
If it is 20 degrees together with celebration is across campus, don’t wear your brand-new 4-inch stilettos. We additionally recommend you purchase an event coat—something low priced that serves the reason and it isn’t a black colored north Face. I’m sure this from individual experience: I’ve set my North Face down one way too many times at frat parties simply to realize that it is missing by the end of this evening. This can take place when there’s an area filled with 20 identical coats. In order to avoid this, take to placing your coating in a spot that is secret behind the sofa or perhaps in a random cabinet (but don’t forget where you place it! ).
Do: select a wing-woman and mingle
Take a moment to speak to brand brand new individuals also you first if they don’t approach. If you would like dudes to approach you (and trust in me, they will certainly), make yourself look available and interested by standing in a place this is certainly notably available with music that isn’t too noisy. It, two guys will be heading your way to talk to you and your friend before you know. Just hope you both don’t get eyes regarding the exact same man! Allie, a senior at Princeton says, “Try never to hold off with increased than 1 or 2 other girls so dudes will feel much more comfortable speaking with you! Even though you arrive to your 
ongoing celebration along with of one’s girls, do not feel the want to stay with them—branch off with a pal to go get a glass or two. This may make fulfilling people that are new lot easier. ”
Do not: Ask a random man for a beverage
Ben Kassoy, a recently available graduate of Emory University claims, “Do some re re re searching or hit a conversation up before you straight away request liquor. ” About it: Don’t put your drink down and come back later and drink from it, don’t take a drink from the mysterious punch bowl and don’t let anyone else get your drink for you if you choose to drink, be safe. The only method you will understand just what you’re drinking is it comes from and never leave your glass unattended if you watch where. Your very best bet is always to take in a will of alcohol which you open yourself (or, needless to say, better still is always to perhaps not take in at all).