Lauren's Guide to Sorority Recruitment

5 Things I Learned During Sorority Recruitment 

Sorority recruitment? More like a week-long emotional roller coaster. If you’ve been through it, you know the deal—long days, lots of talking, and trying to memorize more names than you thought possible. But trust me, it’s so much more than the Instagram-perfect bid day photos. If you’re getting ready for recruitment or just curious about the whole experience, let me spill some tea on the 5 biggest things I learned during this wild week. Trust me, these are things no one really tells you about beforehand.

1. Outfits Are a Big Deal... But They’re Not Everything

Okay, let’s start with the obvious—what you wear. If you’ve been stalking sorority rush hashtags or watching TikToks, you probably think recruitment is basically a week-long fashion show. Everyone somehow finds the cutest dresses, the trendy boots, and has the most put together rush bags. But here’s the truth no one tells you:

It’s not all about wearing the most expensive outfit or having the “perfect” look. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s real. For me, on day one, I was stressed about not having the latest trends or that one dress everyone says you need. And sure, people complimented each other’s outfits, but the thing that stuck out? Confidence. You can be wearing a Target dress and some old shoes, but if you walk in like you own it, then that’s what people will notice. I saw girls slaying in their outfits while others were in head-to-toe designer. Those girls just didn’t seem to feel themselves, and it showed. The vibe you put out will be remembered way more than the brand name on your tags.

Also, don’t forget, you’re gonna be talking for HOURS. You will be standing, walking, smiling, and repeating the same intro over and over. Comfort matters more than you think, especially by day three when your feet are screaming and you’re over it. Pro tip: Bring bandaids for blisters. I wish someone told me that earlier!

2. You’re Not Going to Click with Everyone—And That’s Okay

I went into recruitment thinking I needed to make besties with every girl I met. But reality is, you will not click with every single person you talk to, and that’s totally fine.

Recruitment is kind of like speed dating for friendships. You’re bouncing from room to room, having rapid-fire convos, and trying to make a connection in five minutes. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. And you know what? It doesn’t have to. You’re not there to impress every single person in every single house. What matters is finding those few people who you really vibe with, who make you feel comfortable and seen. Those are your people.

There were times I walked out of a room feeling like, “Wow, I just killed that,” and then other times where I was like, “Did we just talk about the weather for five minutes?” It’s awkward sometimes, but that’s normal! Just because you don’t hit it off with someone doesn’t mean you’re failing. It just means you’re figuring out where you truly belong, and that’s the whole point of recruitment.

3. The ‘Cool’ House Isn’t Always the Right House (AKA, Trust Your Gut)

This one is huge. During recruitment, there’s a lot of noise—everyone’s talking about which house is the coolest, where all the pretty girls are, or which house goes to the best parties. It’s super easy to get caught up in the hype, but here’s the truth: the “coolest” house on campus might not be the one where you actually fit in.

For me, one of the hardest things was tuning out what everyone else was saying and focusing on what felt right for me. There was this one house that everyone was obsessed with and every girl wanted a bid from them, and I felt like I should want that too. But whenever I went there, I didn’t feel a real connection. I mean, the girls were nice, but it just didn’t click for me, and that made me stressed because I thought I was missing something.

But then, I found another house and I loved it there. The conversations felt natural, I could be myself, and I didn’t feel like I had to put on a show. And honestly, that’s when I realized: it’s not about what’s popular, it’s about where you feel comfortable and where you can see yourself spending the next four years. Trust your gut. If a house feels right, even if it’s not the one everyone’s talking about, that’s your spot. Don’t let anyone else’s opinions steer you off course. The house you go with are going to be the women you surround yourself with for the next four years and beyond. They will likely be your best friends throughout college, and some even your bridesmaids, so go with your heart, not your head!

4. Take Care of Yourself—Seriously

This might sound dramatic, but recruitment is exhausting. I wasn’t prepared for how physically and emotionally draining it would be. You’re up early, out late, and spending hours on your feet in heels. Plus, you’re putting a lot of energy into every conversation, trying to make a good impression, while also figuring out which house is right for you. It’s a lot.

One thing I wish I had done better was taking care of myself. There were days when I barely ate because I was too nervous or running from house to house, and by the end of the day, I was totally wiped out. I learned the hard way that you need to fuel your body and take breaks when you can. Bring snacks. Hydrate like crazy. Get sleep whenever possible, even if it’s a power nap between rounds. You can’t give your best self if you’re running on empty.

And emotionally? It’s a rollercoaster. There were moments when I felt amazing, like “YES, this house loves me!” and then other moments when I didn’t get a call-back and felt super down. It’s normal to feel all over the place during recruitment, but remember that it’s just part of the process. Everyone feels the ups and downs, so don’t be too hard on yourself.

5. Bid Day Is the Beginning, Not the End

We all see those bid day photos on social media—girls in matching shirts, throwing glitter, and hugging like they’ve known each other forever. And yeah, bid day is an amazing moment. You finally find out where you’re going to be, and it feels like you’ve reached the finish line. But honestly? It’s just the beginning.

The real sorority experience starts after recruitment. That’s when you get to really know the girls in your chapter, build friendships, and create those memories that make sorority life so special. Bid day is just the start of a much bigger journey. Even if you don’t end up in the house you thought you wanted, give it time. You might be surprised at how much you grow to love it. I’ve heard so many stories of girls who didn’t get their top pick but ended up falling in love with their chapter once they got to know everyone.

So, if bid day doesn’t go exactly how you imagined, don’t freak out. Keep an open mind. There’s a reason you’re there, and you’ll figure it out as time goes on!

Sorority recruitment is no joke. It’s intense, it’s emotional, and it’ll definitely test you. But at the end of the day, it’s also an incredible way to find your people and start building some of the best friendships of your life. The biggest takeaway? Be yourself, trust your instincts, and don’t get caught up in the drama or what everyone else is doing. Your path is your own, and it’s gonna lead you exactly where you need to be.

Good luck out there—you’ve got this!