In January at F&M, the campus always welcomes the new year with the excitement of Sorority Recruitment. As the big week approaches, students could be seen excitedly preparing to meet their potential future sisters. While some shopped for outfits at Target and Park City Mall, Recruitment was really about making connections. From the first casual meet-and-greets to the meaningful conversations during preference night, each day brought new opportunities for students to find where they belonged.
Recruitment week is all about remaining both your authentic and confident self.. Most students start with their favorite jeans and a cozy sweater they feel good in. Some use the weekend as an excuse to buy some new favorite pieces, while some prefer to stick to what they know and already love”. The best advice from current sorority members? Wear what makes you feel most confident and be sure your shoes are comfy – you’ll be doing lots of walking and standing while meeting new people. The chapters want to meet the real you, not what you think they want to see.
From talking to students who’ve been through Sorority Recruitment before, here’s what they say you NEED to get from Target or CVS:
– Mints or gum – your mouth gets dry from talking to so many people for hours, plus you’re usually having snacks between houses
– Band-Aids are a MUST – especially for the first few days when you’re breaking in new shoes. Put them on before the blisters start!
– A small crossbody bag works best – you’ll be standing a lot and don’t want a heavy purse. Just fit your phone, lip gloss, and essentials
– Hair stuff to fix flyaways – bring extra hair ties because they always break at the worst time
– Travel deodorant and oil blotting sheets – running between houses in warm buildings then going back into cold weather makes you sweaty
– A cute small notebook for house schedules – your phone might die and you NEED to know where to go next
Pro tip: Many students make a small ’emergency kit’ with these items that they can easily carry between houses. You might not need everything, but it’s better to be prepared!
In need of something casual but cute for Sorority Recruitment? Check out the F&M College Store Instagram (@fandmbookstore) for their latest Diplomat gear – you’ll see a lot of students in their comfy F&M sweatshirts and tees from there for the casual days of Recruitment. Some other local Lancaster spots are Three Little Birds and Mainstream Boutique, where you can find something that’ll make you feel more you!
Current sorority girls will tell you – being organized saves you during Sorority Recruitment weekend! They swear by making an emergency kit with:
– Double-sided tape (for when dress straps or hems act up)
– Safety pins (seriously, they save lives when something rips or pops)
– Tide stain remover pen (because someone always spills something!)
– Mini sewing kit (for loose buttons or small tears)
What’s particularly interesting about F&M’s Sorority Recruitment prep culture is how it adapts to Lancaster’s winter weather. Students learn quickly to layer effectively, keeping warm between houses while still looking stylish.”According to F&M’s Staff posted on the College’s Instagram (@fandmcollege), Lancaster winters can get pretty harsh with snow and ice. Waterproof boots and warm coats would definitely be appropiate to stay comfortable while walking between chapter events.
While everyone focuses on what to wear and bring to Recruitment, remember the real purpose of joining Greek life at F&M. It’s about finding your community – the people who will celebrate your successes, support you through challenges, and grow alongside you during college and beyond. These organizations bring together students who share similar values but come from different backgrounds, creating friendships that make our big campus feel like home. From late-night study sessions to volunteering in Lancaster, Greek life is really about making meaningful connections that last way beyond your four years at F&M.
There’s nothing quite like the feeling on F&M’s campus right before Sorority Recruitment Weekend. Everyone’s busy getting ready, and you can feel both the excitement and nerves as the big week gets closer. Whether you’re picking out what to wear or making sure you have all your supplies ready, getting prepared is an exciting part of Sorority Recruitment Weekend. When you’re ready and organized, you can focus on what really matters: finding your perfect fit in Greek life at F&M.
First-Year Ashley Witkowski is the Campus Life Editor. Her email is awitkows@fandm.edu.