When freshmen first set foot on the college campus of their choice, they look to begin their lives anew. No longer are they constrained by the sociological barriers of high school; forced into a preset purpose in life and only associating with their closest peers.

College students want to create their own purpose, make new friends and enjoy life on their own terms. But since college is a whole new world to them, some students think they need to turn to Greek life to fulfill those aspirations. This is where some students are misinformed.

During Greek rush week, every fraternity and sorority on campus showcases what their respective organization has to offer to potential pledges. Greek members often say that joining a fraternity or sorority is the truest way to get the most out of a college life for a student, and that they’re most involved with campus by becoming a fellow Greek member.

That membership comes at a hefty price though, even if you make it past the initial pledging stage. While initial application fees are relatively cheap, overall dues can range anywhere from $600-$2,500. That’s an expensive payout to join a member-selecting organization, considering it costs nearly $10,000 per year in tuition and fees for a Kentucky resident to attend UK.

Students who turn to Greek life for their college lifestyle want the feeling that they fit in with a group. The need to belong to something in the world is natural, especially to newly christened college kids. But these campus organizations decide whether certain students belong with them or not. By doing so, they give off an elitist persona, telling rejected pledges they don’t fit in with the other members.

Who are they to say where certain students belong? Students should decide for themselves what their purpose is on campus and whom they fit in with. That’s the point in beginning life anew: to make it your own. Don’t let others make it for you.

Being a part of Greek life does have visible benefits, however. The work that fraternities and sororities put toward charity events can be remarkable, and it provides ample opportunity to meet new people in your college life.

But who’s to say you can’t accomplish that on your own? You don’t need to pay hundreds and thousands of dollars to get the opportunity to give back to the community and those less fortunate than you. And the potential friends you meet in a fraternity/sorority are just as accessible outside of Greek life. Considering there are over 30,000 students attending UK, the chances of meeting a new friend outside of a fraternity/sorority are still high.

Joining a fraternity or a sorority isn’t wrong, nor is it a bad thing. But it is possible to start anew outside of Greek life and feel just as accomplished as a fraternity or sorority member.

Decide your own purpose. Make your own friends. Enjoy your college life the way you want to. You might find doing so without the aid of Greek life is better when you have more money in your pocket.

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