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10 Reasons Why You Should NOT Join a Fraternity by Reggie Paquette · 0 comments
If you are not in a fraternity, but are reading this page, chances are you’re considering joining one. While I am an advocate of fraternities, I’m also here to help you make sure joining one is right for you.
It wouldn’t be fair if all I talked about was how great they are without pointing out the negatives.

So here are 10 reasons why you should not join a fraternity.
1. It might become a top priority in your life, even over family and friends

Fraternities are a great place to learn life, business, and leadership skills you don’t normally learn in class. Depending on how involved you get, will determine how much you learn and take away from it.
Some people get so passionate about their fraternity, they don’t even realize it has moved above school, family, and friends on their priority list. You always have to keep in mind that the fraternity, while great, isn’t everything and there are other priorities in life.
2. Big time commitment
Weekly fraternity meetings and events can take up a lot of your free time leaving you exhausted. This can directly affect how much time you have left for homework, a job, and other activities. Luckily, if you practice good time management skills, this problem can easily be overcome.
Since every fraternity is different, simply ask them what sort of time commitment is necessary to successfully pledge and to be a brother in good standing if and when you are initiated.
Don’t expect to join a fraternity to just put it on your resume or use it for networking. It’s much more than that.
3. You may already be too busy
Even if you aren’t going to be the most active brother in the chapter, it is still going to take up your time. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, because all the events will be fun and a great experience.
But if you don’t have the time to contribute now, you probably won’t be able to make it pass pledging or get anything out of a fraternity. The time commitment is similar to that of taking another class or a 10hr/week part time job.
4. It can ruin relationships
If you already live a busy life, you will become even busier when you are in a fraternity and especially during pledging. Spending a lot of time with your brothers is a great thing, but it can take time away from a girlfriend, boyfriend, or great friendships.
I have seen many relationships break off during pledging, but I have also seen good ones get through it. It doesn’t happen to everyone, but it is definitely something to consider.
5. You might gain weight
Basically, we like to have a good time. This means we like to go out to eat and drink a lot together. No matter how much you want to resist, you will order that second beer and you will order that burger with fries. Don’t worry too much, because you will most likely have some brothers in your chapter that you can go to the gym with.
This is especially true during pledging when you are so busy, you only have time for fast food and no time left for the gym.
6. You can spend a lot of money going out
This one doesn’t require much explanation. You will tend to spend more on going out to eat and on drinks once you join a fraternity. With bad money management habits, this can be rough.
7. You have to pay dues
There is a financial obligation to joining a fraternity. Your dues have to be paid every semester; however, most chapters usually have an alternative payment plan that can be set up.
When you go to recruiting events for the fraternity you are considering to pledge for, it is perfectly okay to ask how much dues are so you can plan accordingly.
8. You may become a drunk
Parties, going out, and drinking games are all part of the fun when you’re in a fraternity.
More likely than not, you will drink more alcohol. Your tolerance will rise. And you will have fun.
If you’re taking this headline too seriously, please don’t. You won’t become an alcoholic directly from being in a fraternity.
Ultimately, it’s your choice whether to drink or not, and your brothers will respect your decision not to drink – unless they’re dicks.
9. Less sleep
If you really enjoy sleeping 10 hours every night, you might have a hard time keeping that up.
Your late nights out will increase so if you have work, class, or other obligations in the morning, you are just going to have to get less sleep. If you have your classes in the afternoon or don’t work yet, you won’t have a problem with this one.
10. You might get hazed
Hazing has become a very serious topic lately. It is now against the law, yet every so often stories will come up in the news highlighting injuries or deaths from hazing.
I can’t guarantee you won’t be hazed, but you can take comfort in knowing that fraternities are not suppose to haze their pledges or brothers.
If you are worried about this, ask a brother in the fraternity you are looking to pledge for about their policy on hazing. National HQ will crack down on chapters who haze and can have serious consequences. Ask them how you can report hazing if you decide to pledge.

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