Hi everyone! My name is Pragya, and I am a rising senior at USC. As I look back on the past three years, one of the most fulfilling aspects of my college journey has been joining Greek letter organizations on campus (fraternities and sororities). Through these communities, I have made some of my closest friends and found opportunities that have truly shaped my USC experience.
What’s funny is that only a year before I went through recruitment processes, I was convinced that Greek life was not for me. As the first person in my family to attend university in the United States, I didn’t know much about Greek life beyond what I had seen in movies and on television. Based on those portrayals, I quickly concluded that it was an institution that didn’t align with my values or what I was looking for in college. Looking back now, I never would have guessed how positive an impact it would ultimately have on my life.
Opportunities at USC
One thing I wish I had known as an incoming student is just how many different types of Greek letter organizations exist at USC. Under Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL), students can join organizations within the Asian Greek Council (AGC), Interfraternity Council (IFC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Panhellenic Council (PHC). In addition, USC is home to numerous academic and pre-professional Greek letter organizations that bring together students with similar career interests and passions.
About 20% of USC’s student body is involved in Greek life. This means that, while Greek life can be a great way to build community, it’s by no means a requirement for having a successful, enjoyable college experience. USC offers countless opportunities to find your community, and Greek organizations are one of the many avenues that students can explore. The diversity of organizations allows students to find communities that align with their interests, identities, and goals.
What Greek Life Has Given Me
Personally, I chose to become involved in both an academic organization and a social Greek organization. I joined Delta Phi Epsilon, an international relations and foreign service society. I joined this organization because I wanted to connect with students who shared my interests in global affairs and public service. Through the organization, I have been able to stay informed about current events, learn from my peers, and share academic and professional resources. I also joined Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi), a Panhellenic sorority, where I found a community that quickly became a second family. Some of my closest friendships at USC began through ADPi, including friendships that led to future roommates, study partners, travel companions, and lifelong memories. I now serve on the executive board of the organization, which has allowed me to build my leadership, interpersonal, and management skills.
Beyond friendships, Greek-letter organizations have also provided me with valuable professional networks. Whether through alumni connections, mentorship opportunities, or simply having a community of people willing to share advice and resources, these organizations continue to support members long after graduation. While these experiences come from my own involvement, my friends across Greek organizations and councils have shared similar experiences.
Advice for Prospective Students
If you’re a prospective student who is curious about Greek life but unsure whether it is right for you, my biggest piece of advice is to approach it with an open mind.
You do not need to have everything figured out before getting here or even once you’re in the organization. You’ll have the opportunity to attend information sessions, talk to current members, ask questions, and explore different communities. The goal is not to join an organization simply because others are doing it, but to find spaces where you feel comfortable, supported, and excited to grow.
It’s also important to remember that every Greek organization has its own culture, mission, and values. The experience can look very different depending on the community you join—which is why exploring your options is so valuable. At the end of the day, there is no harm in considering different opportunities. You can always go through a recruitment process, meet new people, and learn more about the community. If you decide that the experience is not the right fit for you, that’s completely okay too!
Closing Thoughts
Greek life ended up being one of the biggest surprises of my college experience. What I once dismissed based on stereotypes became a source of friendship, mentorship, leadership, and belonging. While it may not be the right path for everyone, I am incredibly grateful that I gave it a chance. College is ultimately about finding the communities that help you grow into the person you want to become. For me, Greek life was one of those communities and helped USC become my home away from home.