Sorority Life at Furman!

Hi! My name is Gracie Carroll and I am a junior Communication Studies major from Aiken, SC. I am writing today to give you a glimpse into what Greek Life- specifically the sorority experience- looks like here at Furman!

I know sorority life doesn’t always get the greatest reputation at other schools and going through recruitment can seem daunting- but it is very different here at Furman! We do formal recruitment at the beginning of the spring semester, so when you arrive on campus you will have a full semester to settle in and learn how to be a college student before deciding if you want to give Greek life a try. 

First things first, let me tell you why I decided to rush. I knew coming into college that I wanted to join a sorority. Having the first semester to focus fully on academics, immersing myself in other student organizations, and getting to know other students in my grade and the grades above was such a great way to transition into college before I had to worry about finding a balance with sorority life. That first semester, I met so many awesome upperclassmen involved in each sorority, and I knew that rushing would give me the opportunity to grow alongside those role models that I surrounded myself with.

The recruitment process consists of three days of rounds followed by bid day. The first day is open house- where you will visit all six of our chapters and learn more about the work they do with their philanthropies. The second day is the sisterhood round, where you will visit up to four chapters and hear more about what it means to be a sister in their chapter and what they love about their specific sisterhood. The final day is Preference, where you will visit up to two chapters. This last day is more formal, and you will hear testimony from the members about what their sisterhood has done for them. The next day, Bid Day, you will open up your bid and run home to your new sorority!

Joining a sorority has opened up so many opportunities for me. From participating in philanthropy events to holding leadership positions within the chapter, I’ve grown in ways I never thought possible. But it’s not just about the activities; it’s about the bonds we share as sisters. Whether we’re studying together in the library, grabbing coffee on a Sunday afternoon, or dancing the night away at a formal, the sisterhood and friendship we share is truly special.

But Greek life at Furman isn’t just about us—it’s about giving back to our community too. Sororities and fraternities on campus are committed to making a difference through philanthropy and service. Whether we’re raising money for a variety of programs, volunteering at local shelters, or organizing campus-wide events to raise awareness about important causes, we’re always striving to make a positive impact at Furman and in the greater community.

As I reflect on my time in Greek life at Furman, I’m filled with gratitude for the friendships I’ve made, the memories I’ve created, and the person I’ve become. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, growth, and sisterhood—one that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. So, to all the incoming freshmen out there, I encourage you to keep an open mind and consider rushing. You never know, you might just find your home away from home like I did. Go Paladins, and go Greek!