“Party, Party, Party, Let’s All Get Wasted!” I’m sure you’ve heard these lyrics from the newly-released Gucci Mane. Even more, I’m sure as a HBCU freshmen you can’t wait to get to all the college parties! There’s Back to School, Homecoming, Springfest, ABC (Anything But Clothes) parties and more likely than not, these parties will be held by a set of key organizations on campus, fraternities. Fraternities are known to bring the crowd, the livest DJ and much more. Here are 5 truths about fraternity parties:
“I DON’T WEAR TIGHT JEANS LIKE THE WHITE BOYS”
Dress code varies depending on who is throwing the party and what type of party it is. Some frats require you to dress up! Yes, you read right! Some frats have upscale parties while others are free rein. An indicator of deciding the attire, without the obvious choice of asking a member, is to look at the flyer and the location of the event. In most cases, raunchy flyer= ratchet party. A classier flyer= an upscale party. A house or warehouse location typically indicates ratchet as well while a club may be more upscale.
“ROCKSTAR LIFESTYLE MIGHT DON’T MAKE IT”
Since, we’re on the topic of attire, many frat parties are hot, and not the regular hot, I mean humid, drenched-in-sweat-like-I-just-jumped-out-a-pool hot so my natural gals may want to wear a weather appropriate hairstyle. Ladies, you walked in slaying, let’s make sure you continue to slay all night. Also, because of the humidity and sweat, be mindful that the floor may be slippery. You DO NOT want to fall in a party. (I did once, but that’s another story.)
“BABYGIRL DO IT BUTT NAKED”
To my ladies, do NOT, I repeat DO NOT BE THE GIRL THAT GETS PICKED UP/DRY HUMPED AT THE FRAT PARTIES. It’s not cute. It’s not a good look. You don’t want to be “that girl.” Labels tend to get attached to a person very quickly whether they’re good or bad and that’s one you don’t want.
“WE SLOPPY DRUNK DISGUSTIN”
There will be many parties with people getting out of hand, throwing up on the floor or passing out, but don’t YOU be that person. With this day and age of technology and endless media outlets, ex. IG, Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat, you don’t want to get caught slipping. If you have aspirations to join certain organizations (*Greek orgs cough cough), you certainly don’t want to be this person. I’m not saying you can’t get turnt, just be mindful of your image as you’re enjoying yourself.
“WE GEEKED UP CRAZY”
Lastly, you are attending a fraternity party so expect strolling, strutting and hopping. I hate to point out the obvious, but I hear all too often “Why do the greeks have to stroll at every party?” BECA– USE IT’S THEIR PARTY! Stolling/strutting/hopping is a SMALL portion of what greeks do, so sit back and enjoy or groove and do your own thing. Just remember, do NOT break their line.
Remember these truths/tips about fraternity parties and you will be just fine. Turn up and enjoy your freshmen year, you only get one so make the most of it!
Ready for college but not sure what to expect, or even bring? Before you say goodbye to your parents and friends, check out this ultimate guide to surviving your first year in college, and in particular at the country’s 107 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). We created the #HBCUFreshmanBible to help build a bridge for students to make a successful transition from high school to black colleges, you can read more here.
