Fraternities and Sororities are the epitome of American college student life. Despite their glorified reputation, American Greek life would be much better if it were modeled after the Nations.
In a sea of fake tans and red solo cups, it may be hard to find where you left your dignity at a Greek life party. It may be in the backyard next to the person doing a keg stand, or on the roof by the person doing a backflip into the swimming pool. Hopefully, it’s not out on the lawn next to the person passed out from alcohol poisoning, or in the long line of people not cool enough to even get in.
What they don’t tell you in the Hollywood movies, is that while Fraternities and Sororities may have fun parties once in awhile, there is little else that Greek life has to offer.
Greek life in the United States is far from perfect. Nation life in Sweden is far from perfect. However, American Greek life could learn a few things from the Nations.
1. A membership to one Nation is a membership to all.
In America, once you join a Sorority or Fraternity, everything you do, eat, and breathe is for that group and that group only. You have weekly meetings that you must attend and certain functions that you must participate in.
You can only go to your specific Fraternity and Sorority functions, unless otherwise invited. In contrast, once you join Studentlund, you can participate in as many of the Nation events as you like, regardless of which Nation you chose. The beauty of the Nation system is that you have the freedom to do whatever you please, wherever you please, whenever you please.
2. You aren’t refused membership because you aren’t pretty enough – I MEAN because your “personality” doesn’t fit in with them…
In America, if you want to join Greek life then you have to go through a rushing period where you are introduced to the different Fraternities or Sororities, and then the members vote on who they want to welcome into their respective houses.
For girls, that means waking up at 5:00 AM to curl your hair and walking all day in high heels touring the different Sororities and chanting songs until you lose your voice. It also means people judging your last season Gucci bag and how winged your liquid eyeliner is. At the end of the rushing period, if the Sorority you like didn’t like you back, then no Greek life for you.
In Sweden, if you want to join a Nation you just sign-up and pay a small fee. Easy as that.
3. There is something “happening” nearly every day and night.
From Tuesday pub nights to Friday nightclubs, the Nations are always hosting something for the students to enjoy. If drinking isn’t your forte, then there are many activities, ranging from politics to pop-music to afternoon football (soccer for the Americans out there), that you can participate in daily.
In contrast to the wide range of Nation events, Greek life only centers around drinking and partying, and is confined to the weekends or “Thirsty Thursday,” the day that students creep out of their studies to binge drink their failed test scores away before the weekend has even arrived. A
t least at the Nations you can casually drink your miseries away each day of the week.
4. They offer cheap, delicious food and drinks.
Nothing like Nation lunches or dinners exist in Greek life. The only thing that the Sororities and Fraternities do in terms of food is sell over-priced cookies in the occasional bake sale for their philanthropy.
The student body is left to fend for itself and scavenge for the cheapest grocery store prices. One of the most rewarding experiences that I’ve had in Sweden thus far was spent working in a Nation kitchen with two other students, making enough curried chicken to feed 80 people.
There is no opportunity to do that in The States, let alone get a cheap meal.
5. There is no hazing.
Greek-life in America is notorious for hazing, which can be defined as putting its new members through brutal (and even fatal) situations that are aimed at strengthening the bond between its members.
In contrast to hazing, the Nations actually treat their new members with dignity and respect and host special, fun events for the new members! It turns out that going to fancy dinners and having fun themed parties, in addition to so many more awesome activities, is actually a great way to meet the new members and develop close friendships, rather than forcing people to do idiotic and dangerous things. Who would’ve guessed?!
Unlike the exclusive and party-centered American Greek life, the Nations provide a great example of a community that works together to create a welcoming and diverse environment for all who want to join.
