Greek life can be a great way to make friends and form connections, if you’re into that kind of thing. It can also provide folks with networking opportunities, cheap housing and philanthropy and volunteering prospects.

UBC Sororities

There are eight sororities run under UBC Sororities: Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Phi, Delta Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta and Kappa Kappa Gamma. UBC Sororities falls under the National Panhellenic Conference, the national umbrella organization for international sororities.

Formal recruitment starts in September of every year and has four rounds. Annual dues average at around $1,200 for new members and $960 for active members. You can also join a sorority throughout the year if they offer continuous open bidding.

UBC Fraternities

UBC has ten international social fraternities: Alpha Epsilon Pi, Alpha Delta Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Kappa Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Gamma Delta, Psi Upsilon, Sigma Chi and Zeta Psi. The Interfraternity Council is the governing body for those ten fraternities.

Recruitment generally happens in September with several steps: First Rush, Second Rush, Formal Rush and Bids Day. Annual dues cost between $800 and $1,200.

Other Greek organizations

If you’re not into the traditional sorority or fraternity life, you can also join professional fraternities or sororities. Sigma Phi Delta and Alpha Omega Epsilon are professional engineering Greek life. There are others as well — Alpha Kappa Psi is a professional business fraternity, and Alpha Phi Omega is a community service fraternity.

A word about Greek life

While some enjoy Greek life and spend their entire time at university involved in it in one way or another, many others never step foot inside a frat house. Greek life can be expensive, and some people find they don’t feel safe or uplifted in these spaces. While Greek life and the university have worked to improve this environment, it still may not be everyone’s cup of tea.