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Is joining a sorority or fraternity in your college plan? Then plan on spending some money. Fraternity or sorority membership fees can be anywhere from $400 and up. If you plan on living in the house, your room and board may be lower than dorm costs, but not always.
And then there are the “miscellaneous” costs. Ladies especially, you know what I’m talking about. And if you don’t, then study up! The good news is, you can go Greek on a budget. While you can’t reduce the costs of membership fees and housing, there are many things you can do to save on all those “extras.” Here are some examples:
Pin or badge - Some sororities require all sisters to wear the same style pin. Others let you choose from a variety. A silver, rather than gold pin, or one with pearls rather than diamonds, can be just as pretty and less expensive. If you are a legacy – meaning you have a mother, sister, or other close relative who was in the same sorority, see if she would be willing to give or loan you her pin. A “vintage” pin would be a charming accessory, and she would probably be flattered to have you wear it in her honor. You can also look on eBay. In a recent scan of auctions for sorority jewelry, pins sold from $15 to $120. Retail, these same pins are priced $50 to $200. Other jewelry – lavalieres, bracelets and keychains can also be found on eBay.
Gifts for sisters – Sorority sisters come up with all kinds of reasons to give gifts. These items do not have to be expensive. Here are some ideas for inexpensive, but heartfelt gifts for Greeks:
Picture Frames – Buy a plain inexpensive frame and embellish it with your sorority’s letters cut from inexpensive felt or foam sheets.
Journals – Buy a pretty blank book and cover it with pictures or use markers or fabric paint to decorate it.
Cookies – Buy Greek letter cookie cutters and make a batch of cookies. You can use the same cookie cutters as stencils for other projects as well. Or make a big cookie using a pizza pan and decorate it with frosting letters.
Plush – You can an find inexpensive stuffed animals in the dollar store. Use puffy fabric paint to embellish one with your letters, or paint a baby t-shirt for it to wear.
And then there is the matter of wardrobe…Journals – Buy a pretty blank book and cover it with pictures or use markers or fabric paint to decorate it.
Cookies – Buy Greek letter cookie cutters and make a batch of cookies. You can use the same cookie cutters as stencils for other projects as well. Or make a big cookie using a pizza pan and decorate it with frosting letters.
Plush – You can an find inexpensive stuffed animals in the dollar store. Use puffy fabric paint to embellish one with your letters, or paint a baby t-shirt for it to wear.
Almost as difficult as how to decide on a career, is deciding which sorority to pledge. To help you make this decision, potential sisters are required to attend a number of Rush events including:
- House Visits
- Socials
- Skit Nights
- Cocktail parties
- Formal Dessert
- Mixers with fraternities
- One-on-one interviews
Each event has a particular type of dress required. Here is a list of events and type of clothing for each one. You can spend literally thousands of dollars on a “sorority rush wardrobe.” You don’t need a fashion merchandising degree to be frugal and fashionable.
Consignment shops sell designer clothing, some of it that has been worn only once or twice, for pennies on the dollar.
If you have friends going through rush at nearby schools, pool your resources and see if you can borrow items – this works especially well for pricey or trendy accessories.
To extend your wardrobe, stick to basics. Pick a basic color palette and build your wardrobe around it. You can “multi-purpose” shoes, cardigans, handbags and jewelry that will match several outfits.