Abcd3f3

Can someone please explain to me what exactly Frats are? I've googled and all but I don't get it hahaha. What do you do as a part of one, what's the advantages of being in one, and why are they so popular? Also how does the whole system work at UCLA? Any info would be greatly appreciated!

I'll be a freshman in the Fall btw

UCLA Band Mom

This link should answer most of your questions:
UCLA Fraternity & Sorority Relations

The main advantage of joining a fraternity is for the friendship and social activities.

Also, the costs of living in a fraternity house tend to be less expensive than a dormitory or apartment.

zipzip

Fraternities (no matter what school they are) are mainly designed for people who are living far away from home to make friendships (at least this was their original purpose)...You do some activities together and live with other people in the frat house.

Instead nowadays most frats are places for extreme party animals that do not care about academics (this is why they are popular). The fraternal "brothers' are usually the most obnoxious people on college campuses. They tend to do poorly in classes from having wild beer pong parties each night, or attempting to find girls to hook up with. They have a bad reputation (overall) among anyone else on campus that isn't in a frat. Yes, the housing is cheaper (potentially) but it is really loud. If you want to learn and do well in school it isn't the best thing to be a part of, and your reputation as someone in a frat will follow you forever. I know a lot of women who will never date frat boys because they have bad reputations.

Fraternities should not be confused however with academic (greek) programs or clubs. There are a lot of clubs and social events on campuses, you don't need to be part of a frat to fit in or have a good time.

jafar1020

I have to STRONGLY disagree with the above poster (zipzip). I think that is a very extreme and rather insensitive opinion about fraternities (though one you're entitled to.) I won't deny that fraternities do have a strong social life in terms of parties and formals, but they're not all about partying. There are TONS of people who aren't in fraternities who party just as hard. Fraternities (and sororities) are governed by on-campus and national councils and have to follow their rules, one of which is keeping a GPA above academic probation level (generally a 2.0). Fraternities and sororities also do a lot of philanthropy work, fundraising and donating money to various charities, hospitals, and organizations like the Miracle Children's Network, Project Literacy, Relay for Life, etc. Going Greek is a great way to socialize and make friends. It also provides a strong network with alumni (a lot of famous presidents, doctors, actors, politicians, and businessmen have gone greek!) Furthermore, I know plenty of guys who were in fraternities and are happily married and have families, so don't think that women don't like men who have been in fraternities.

TiaWNPP

No, frat boys do not necessarily have low GPAs. I know tons of guys in frats who excel academically.

That being said, non-Greek girls do look down on frat guys (and for good reason). I have a lot of friends in frats, and while they are fun people as far as friendship and casual hanging out goes, their personalities are just so unappealing in other ways and I would NEVER date a frat guy. A lot of my friends feel the same way. It's actually kind of shameful and embarrassing to tell someone you're dating a guy in a frat (with the exception of girls who go out all the time and sleep around).

But if you are looking to date a sorority girl, this should be no problem.