A Guide to Syracuse Sorority Rush

design: Finley Banks

Here’s to finding your forever sisters.

by LEILA YANG ★ JANUARY 22, 2024

It’s almost that time of the year: sorority recruitment. Rush weekends are always memorable at Syracuse University, whether that’s because you’re watching hundreds of girls run around in heels through a blizzard or whether you’re one of them. Some people have waited months for this process to begin and others have just signed up out of curiosity or impulse. No matter how you got here, it’s almost time for the ever-so-elusive recruitment process to begin, so here’s some of my advice before this Thursday’s kick-off…

It goes without saying that everyone has a different experience when it comes to rush, but personally, I had a blast. It was one of my favorite moments so far in college. If you love talking and socializing with others, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time and make friends with people you might never have met otherwise. And, by the end of it, you will truly end up exactly where you’re meant to be. Even more, the friendships you make during the conversations with girls in the chapters you don’t end up in can be just as important as the ones in which you do. Greek Life itself is an amazing organization, so always keep an open mind—everyone in this community wants to be your friend. 

I know you’re probably sick of everyone telling you to keep an “open mind,” but it’s 100% necessary, and here’s why: when you walk into every house, every conversation, and every situation with an open mind, you not only discover so much about others, but about yourself. And the best way to know if you feel a genuine connection is just simply by being who you are. “Be yourself” is another very common piece of advice that everyone gives us girls going through rush, but it is genuinely the best piece of advice you will ever get. 

The whole point of joining a sorority is finding a place where you feel at home…finding the people who make anywhere feel like home. When you’re sitting down and having conversations with these girls, you want to find the sorority where you connect with the girl you’re talking to along with the other aspects of the chapter (like their philanthropy, for example, which is something I heavily took into consideration). So don’t pretend to like something you don’t or be passionate about something you aren’t. If you try being someone you’re not, you’ll ultimately be stuck in a house of girls who you don’t actually vibe with, and it’s going to be extremely difficult to make friends. So please, do me a favor, and be yourself. This is the best way to ensure that you will end up where you’re meant to be—somewhere you feel comfortable and surrounded by people who feel like genuine sisters. 

Now, for the fun part: outfits. I know people say your outfit plays a big role in rush (and it does play a part), but I wouldn't say it’s make or break. My advice: don’t overthink it. Wear what you’re comfortable in—it’s as simple as that! Below are some outfit ideas that I personally love.

The first few days are casual, so wear a fit that you would wear to class. For first date/brunch attire, go with something cute—either pants or a skirt with a nice top would be more than enough. Then comes business casual. Honestly, anything from Aritzia would work, and if not, dress as if you were to attend an interview. However, be sure to add a personal detail to your outfit to show off your individuality and style! If there’s anything more important than having the perfect outfit, it’s showing off who you are. 

Last but not least, we have pref. People typically wear a dress and heels for this round (pro tip: wear sweatpants under your dress and sneakers when running from house to house so you don’t freeze and slip down the hill), but I think even a nice jumpsuit would be perfect. I know people who spent days overthinking their dress for pref, and in the end, that’s not what mattered. The conversation did. If I’m going to be honest, it’s just not that big of a deal…ANY DRESS WILL WORK! Still, remember to add your personal flare to your look whether that be with some cute shoes or bold accessories.

I know the search for outfits can be daunting, but in the end, I promise it’s worth it. 

Ultimately, rush was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had in college, and I enjoyed every single second of it. No matter how stressful it might have felt at the time, I wouldn’t trade it for anything because having endless opportunities as a part of Greek Life, being a part of a philanthropy, meeting your forever sisters, and finding your home is something that is unmatched. Seriously, I would do it all over again just to be where I am today. So remember, keep an open mind, be yourself, and don’t overthink it too much because you will end up exactly where you’re supposed to be. Just breathe and enjoy it.