Published: Jan. 12, 2024

Returning to campus for the spring semester may be difficult for some after a month back at home. Even if you had a memorable fall semester, this winter break may have reminded you how comforting home can feel. 

If you are experiencing some apprehension about leaving that familiar space, know that there is an opportunity to find your place on campus that has a similar welcoming feeling—Greek life. 

With Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) Spring Recruitment happening this January, you can find new friends and a supportive community in Boulder. Joining a fraternity or sorority allows you to have a place where you can be yourself and feel right at home. 

Here are some additional perks of making Greek life your home away from home. 

Find your on-campus family

Being part of a fraternity or sorority provides much of the comfort and support of a family—one that you get to choose and build within your own chapter.  

This family-like environment allows members to find a sense of belonging that leads to friendships that last a lifetime. While the members of your chapter may share similar interests, each person you meet brings their own life experiences that contribute to the chapter’s values.  

For example, in the College Panhellenic Council, Pi Beta Phi sisters become friends and leaders for life, while Delta Delta Delta members are brave, bold and kind. CU Interfraternity Council chapters promote community and lifelong friendships. 

The Multicultural Greek Council is dedicated to unity and cultural awareness. And National Pan-Hellenic Council chapters bring young Black men and women together to honor traditions and bring about social change. 

Discover a community that pushes you to grow

Together, you and your fellow Greek life members will share successes and failures that help everyone grow individually and as a family. You will be surrounded by friends that empower you to be the best version of yourself. That could be academically, professionally or socially. 

Many students say that the support they get in their fraternity or sorority makes adjusting to college life easier, no matter what stage of college you are in. Chapters support students academically through study programs, mentoring and ongoing incentives and recognition.  

You can also grow through Greek life leadership opportunities, including chapter or council officer positions, national or regional leadership conferences and committee involvement. 

When it comes to personal growth, fraternity and sorority members are involved in an array of campus activities, ranging from social events to community service. Some of these activities happen with fellow Greek life members, while other events involve the broader campus community. Both will give you the opportunity to participate in new experiences. 

Know that you have a dedicated support system

Joining a fraternity or sorority can help make campus feel smaller if finding your home away from home seems daunting.  

You could make new friends by participating in recruitment even if you and the people you meet do not end up joining the same chapter. All of the chapters support and interact with one another. While you may find your family in one chapter, you will also have an immediate network of support among all four of FSL’s councils. 

Being a part of Greek life allows you to embed yourself in the CU Boulder community both inside and outside your chapter, and it does not make you any more or less of a Buff. It helps you make connections across campus and build a support system that works for you.  

If this is the kind of home away from home that you are looking for as you return to campus, visit Fraternity & Sorority Life for more information about spring recruitment.