Lying just on the outskirts of WSU’s campus are numerous Greek chapter houses, referred to as “Greek Row.”

According to gogreek.wsu.edu, there are 12 sororities and six fraternities available for first-year students as university-approved housing.

A casual stroll through Greek Row reveals that most of these chapter houses are mansion-sized, with many bedrooms and manicured front lawns. These houses are close to campus, which is convenient because it’s easy to go home during the day between classes.

Greek housing also comes fully furnished. Moving in requires only your personal belongings without the extra burden of desks, beds, couches and other large furniture items.

Domenic Sosa, sophomore political science major, has resided in the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity house for two semesters. Sosa said the food is his favorite part of living at his chapter house.

As college students, I’m sure most of us can agree that it is difficult to eat well while living on a budget. I have certainly consumed my fair share of Ramen in my first year living in the dorms.

However, Greek housing is wonderful because all residential chapters provide food or catering for their members. Typically, chefs will serve varied meals throughout the day.

Most Greek houses also provide laundry services, a parking lot and a chapter adviser to ensure operations remain smooth. They also provide cable and Wi-Fi.

Another perk is not having to worry about utility bills. Living in a chapter house means rent covers any air conditioning, heat, energy and water. Since a number of chapters have the essentials taken care of, students can focus more on academics and their extracurricular activities.

Aside from the various amenities, living in Greek housing is also socially beneficial.

I live in Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, and my experience has been overwhelmingly positive for creating lasting friendships with the women in my chapter. I always have someone to talk to, do homework with and a helping hand for my everyday life.

“I like the fact that I can always go out and do something with the boys,” Sosa said, “like play football, basketball, whatever, and just compete with each other.”

Residing in a Greek chapter also taught me how to live with other people. Growing up, I always had my own bedroom. Now, I live in a room with two women and sleep in a bedroom with 30. I have learned how to share, communicate efficiently and respect other people’s space.

Many Greek community members can agree that living in their fraternity or sorority has been beneficial to their college experience as a whole.

Sosa said he believes that living in a fraternity or sorority, if you’re a part of Greek life, is essential.

“You won’t get to experience that anywhere else,” he said, “living with 45 of your best friends.”

It is important to note that you can only live in a residential fraternity or sorority on Greek Row if you are a member of that specific house.

You can find more information about joining Greek life on gogreek.wsu.edu.

Geana Javier is a sophomore economics major from Seattle. She can be contacted at 335-2290 or by [email protected].