Sorority Girl Dorm Packing List

No amount of Bed, Bath and Beyond dorm checklists could prepare me for the craziness that is dorm room shopping... especially as a sorority girl. I think it is a given that sorority girls can craft (or in my case, attempt to craft), so it is assumed that we all have cute rooms. I wish that were true for me. Nevertheless, there are a few things that we as Greek women (or future Greek women) could really use in our rooms to help tackle our daily tasks and make it feel more like a home. Some of these essentials being:

Monogram letters. Monogram letters are the perfect addition to any dorm room! You can order them online through Etsy in a variety of sizes. All you have to do is order the wood and paint to match your color scheme. They're easy to buy, easy to paint can spice up the look of your room. If you're looking for a more squared style, you can also get a variety of letters from any local craft store.

A crafting box. Fill it with paints, paintbrushes, and of course ModPodge. A crafting box is perfect for when you are making things for Big/Little, Big appreciation week, or just a random gift for a sister! It's also a great way to keep things organized and optimize space in a small area. You can purchase a carrier (like this one from Michael's) or just use a Rubbermaid container.

Shower shoes. These are a must if you're unlucky enough to have a community bathroom. Invest in a pair that is nice and durable. My favorites are from J. Crew, but Old Navy and Walmart always have reliable flip flops. This route is nice because, since you're not spending much, you can throw them out and get a new pair every few months.

Dorm bedding. This is a must since most dorm beds are shaped differently than most mattresses and require special sizing. Luckily, there are tons of places that have XL twin comforter sets that come with a pillow case, sheets, and comforter. Some of these places including Pbteen.com, Target, and Walmart! They are affordable and are specially made to fit the XL mattresses that are in most dorms.

A planner. Many would say a Lilly Planner would be the "sorority girl" thing to own, but there are many options out there that have great detailing and plenty of space for all of your notes. My favorite planner is by PlumPaperDesign on Etsy! If you can't tell, I buy practically everything online. My favorite planner design is pictured below, and you can even personalize the colors and name featured on it. It is perfect for the busy life of a sorority girl and has plenty of room to write everyday activities in.

Decor, decor, decor. Besides the monogram letters, you're going to want to personalize your dorm room. Whether it be picture frame collages, lights, a string with clothespins to hang pictures on, and more. There's so many different things you can add to your room to make it your own. My favorite thing that I put up in my dorm last year is my picture frame collage. When you're homesick and missing your friends, they'll always be there! It's a great place to show off your memories. 

Trash cans. These are easily overlooked and forgotten. Where else are you going to put your trash? I found the image below online and it comes complete with a DIY guide on how to decorate your own designer trashcan (to view the guide click here!). You can buy one super cheap and customize it to your liking!

I have learned along the way what is worth it to bring to college and what's not and I love hearing other people's college dorm packing lists! I hope this helped a bit in your adventure to college. Let us know what  your must-haves for your dorm are!

LILP & XOXi,

Kelsey

Nothin' Sweeter Than Georgia Peaches: My Big/Little Story

Running home to Bralin aka the best Big
in all Xi land

My Big and I have a very unique relationship bonded by something very close to our hearts. Our home. Not just our "home away from home", Alpha Xi Delta, but our home state of Georgia. Bralin and I both shared similar stories so naturally, when we met on Preference Night during Fall Recruitment at the University of Central Florida in 2013, the fact that we were both from Georgia came up. I immediately felt a connection with her because not only was she from Georgia, but she also came to UCF from out of state to a completely different world. She had experienced everything I was currently experiencing: homesickness, being away from friends and family, and just the general lonely feeling. I could really connect with her, and hearing her slight southern twang made me feel at home.

That night after Preference Rounds, I had no hesitation when writing Alpha Xi Delta as my #1 choice and I was completely sure that the next day I would be running home to them, and I did. After all the chaotic Bid Day activities died down, we went inside the house to Bralin's room. A huge group of us went back and we got our special Bid Day bags with tons of goodies and Bralin gave me something special... I had no idea what it was when I saw the grocery bag. I looked inside and saw a peach. A Georgia Peach. I wanted to cry; it was such a simple gesture and she had no idea how much it meant to me. 

I was completely and utterly ecstatic with everything that was going on. Being a new member was one of the best times of my collegiate career (NMs- don't take it for granted!), but one of the weeks - Big/Little week - will always be a strong memory. The week leading up to Big/Little week all of the New Members went on "dates" with sisters who were potentially taking a Little. Unfortunately, Bralin and I were never paired up, but my choice never wavered. When the time came to create our Big/Little lists, Bralin was #1.

Bralin gets her paddle!

That night after our lists were made, the Bigs and Littles were paired and all Littles were surprised with treats the same exact night! I was in no way prepared for everything that was going to happen during that week! Bralin gave me all sorts of clues and treats throughout the week to make me think that she wasn't my Big. She gave me clues like "I grew up in Florida", "Curly hair runs in my family", and other things that didn't seem like Bralin at all! All week I was freaking out because I thought that on Friday when we ran home and found our Bigs, I wouldn't find Bralin.

The day of Big/Little Reveal, I went to a grocery store and got a fresh peach, just in case Bralin WAS my Big. I knew if she was, it would mean just as much to her as it did when she gave it to me.
After all the searching on that Friday, I finally ran home into my Big's arms... Bralin! You can see the video here:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10201120670672034&l=7597589781169387337.

I gave her the peach and ever since then it's sort of been our thing. My Big's paddle was even in the shape of a peach!

Big, Twin, and Sibling

Big/Little Reveal

Our relationship has definitely grown throughout the past year and I can't wait to see it blossom even more. My entire lineage is so amazing and are all inspirational women; I love every single one of them more than they know! I know that whenever there is a problem, something is bothering me or I just need someone to go grab Sunday brunch with, I can count on any of these ladies. It's not just four years, it's for life! TFJ, XiLAM, and all that jazz <3=

Staying Close With Your Big After Graduation

Going through recruitment as a potential new member, you meet a lot of girls. In my case, there was one girl who I effortlessly clicked with. She was the very first girl I met going through recruitment and is one of the biggest reasons that I accepted my bid. Being that I am a legacy, for as long as I can remember I had wanted to go Greek and get a Big. I spent a lot of time my freshman year of college going back and forth between wanting to transfer to a university with more Greek options and wanting to bite the bullet to go Greek. I went to a few recruitment events for my legacy sorority, but never seriously committed to anything. During the second semester of my sophomore year, I made the choice to go Greek and thus began my journey of a lifetime. 

As I mentioned, my Big, was the first girl I met at Kappa Tau Epsilon’s recruitment event. I was low-key obsessed with this girl and, to this day, I could not explain it to you. During the course of the week I met a ton of girls, but my mind always drifted back to Kappa Tau Epsilon and the women I met at their events. After being extended a bid from KTE I immediately accepted it. On the day of our Big/Little reveal, my Big knew I was her Little but I had absolutely no idea yet and I remember her asking me, “So, who do you think your big is? I wish I could have taken a little this semester it would have been so much fun!” I had a hard time telling if she was kidding or if she was being serious. During our reveal, my heart was racing in anticipation because we clicked so well that I just could not fathom having another person as my Big. When I opened my eyes to see who my Big was, I was overwhelmed with joy and it was honestly one of the happiest moments of my life. My Big and I were inseparable from the beginning. 

My first semester as a sister and the start of my junior year was the start of her senior year. Lucky for me, it took her an extra semester to graduate. We did everything together. We even won “best big/little” duo! Life was a field of sunshine and daisies until the day came when I got a phone call from Rebecca telling me she was on track for graduation and would be graduating the following semester. Summer came and went faster than a tornado in the mid-west and the fall semester did the same. My big is a huge part of my life and it was extremely difficult for me to cope with her graduating. A lot happened to me emotionally during her last semester making it even harder to deal with her leaving me. 

I was dealing with a whirlwind of emotions ranging from proud to sad to excited for her future and it was hard to find a common ground to stand on. Our relationship evolved from being together all the time no questions asked to having to make time to see each other. It was a change that neither of us prepared for. To say that our relationship is not different now would be a lie but the key is finding ways to make sure the relationship never fades away. I can’t tell you we haven’t hit a rough patch or two and I can’t say it was easy, but nothing that’s worth it is ever easy. It’s especially difficult because we both lead very busy lives, but I’m lucky enough that my Big relocated about an hour away from where I live and not half way across the country. 

The most important thing to remember is that life will go on and your relationship with your Big will change, but change isn't always a bad thing. Instead of being down the hall, in the same house, or in the same city you'll be a phone call, a car ride, or a flight away. She will always be your number one fan and your biggest supporter and you'll always be her Little. You'll probably even end up color coordinating on accident, just like old times. 

Here are my tips for staying connected with your big after graduation.

1. Make date plans:  Go out just you and your Big - have a drink, grab lunch, go shopping; things all girls love to do. Yes, this is a lot different than just barging into her room and eating macaroni and cheese in bed with her while watching Netflix, but so is the dynamic of your relationship.

2. Plan a vacation together: Go see your Grandbig, go to a lake house, or get a hotel in a hot spot city and just explore some place new together.

3. FaceTime or Skype: Take 20 minutes out of your day once or twice a week to catch up, sometimes it really helps just seeing the other person.

4. Invite her to sorority events: As an alumni of your organization she still cares about what’s going on and would love to be invited to events that alumni are able to go to.

5. Send her small gifts: Little things make a big difference – sometimes you both just    need a reminder that you’re inseparable even though there’s distance between you.

“Together forever never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart.”  

Sorority Recruitment Do's and Dont's

Last year in August, I went through sorority recruitment as a potential new member. This year, I will be on the inside as a sister of one of the chapters. Some girls (myself included) go through rush with no idea what to wear, what to say, or what is going on. Sure, the Panhellenic council makes a website, but that only helps so much. I've compiled a little list of do's and don'ts that may help!

DO: Get recommendation letters, if possible. Ask any Greek alumni you or your family and friends may know who belong to chapters at the school you are rushing at to send a letter. These letters can be especially helpful with schools that have massive Greek life (think SEC/ACC), but never really hurt your chances. If push comes to shove and you don't know anyone Greek, post on this page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/270665629731083/
There are helpful people who would be willing to write you a letter if you send them a resume and provide some background information!

DON'T: Come into rush with the mindset of "I'm only rushing chapter XYZ" or "I'm NOT rushing chapter XYZ" because that mindset will get you let down quickly. Many girls who go through the recruitment process thinking those things are crushed when XYZ doesn't invite them back for the next round. Some even drop recruitment altogether. Don't let that be you because, as the rounds go on, you learn more about each chapter and there may be something that causes you to fall in love with a chapter you didn't like all that much in the beginning. Be completely open to all of the chapters; each one has something special to offer you!

DO: Talk to your group leader (Rho Gamma, Pi Chi, etc.) about your thoughts throughout the whole recruitment process. Many group leaders hand out little notebooks where you can write your thoughts in after you visit each house. These are especially handy when you are going back and forth between house and things get confusing. They're especially fun to read through after the process is finished! Write out a Pro's and Con's between each sorority and be realistic. 

DON'T: Be afraid to ask questions. You want to know if they have a payment plan? Ask! Asking questions makes you look like you are genuinely interested in the sorority. The sisters will definitely remember that during the final days when they are torn in their own selection process. I remember when I went through recruitment, I would ask a question during a dead conversation. It helped to avoid awkward pauses.

DO: Dress for the weather and bring makeup and a comb for touchups throughout the day. Comfort is very important because if you are comfortable and confident in what you're wearing, that's going to show! During recruitment, my outfits got progressively dressier. Throughout the week I wore a romper, cute shorts and tank, two sundresses, and a cocktail dress for preference night. I went through rush at the University of Central Florida in the middle of summer!

Throughout the whole process, there will be times when you will question if the whole thing is for you. If you are having any doubts, speak to your group leaders (that's what they're there for). I think everyone can make the most out of going Greek and recruitment was honestly one of the best experiences of my collegiate career so far. When you're running home after opening your bid card... that's when you'll know. GO GREEK! RUSH! LILP <3

Kelsey

Little Problems Giveaway

Hey ladies, exciting news! Today marks the start of our LP giveaway, which comes at a perfect time for big little reveal or if you want to get a head start on some Christmas presents for your big or little! Whats even better is that we are not only giving away 1 package full of Little Problems gear but 2, which means 2 of you lucky ladies will be winners!  All you have to do is enter the giveaway below and then browse through and enjoy the LP blog!

XOXO- The LP Ladies

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Big/Little Reveal

It's that time of the year!  Recruitment is finally over, and you've spent the past couple of weeks getting know the new members in your chapter.  You've selected your favorite new member as your little, and now it's time for reveal!  Seriously, this is my favorite part of the year.  I have a few great ideas for reveal that I hope you'll love!

At the Epsilon Gamma chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma, we do reveal by leaving hints for our new members.  They follow the trail of hints to a certain room, where all of their Kappa family is happily waiting!  My family's theme is the yacht club, so we do nautical themed hints!  When our newest additions arrive, they will see nautical themed decor and attire in the room.

Some sororities do reveal by leaving costumes for their littles, and then changing into matching costumes.  The bigs will wait in one area, while the littles change.  Once they are in their costumes, they run to where their bigs are to see who they match with.  My roommates' sorority does this, and it sounds like a lot of fun!  If you don't want to do costumes,you can also do matching shirts!

Another cute reveal idea I've seen is wrapping the bigs up like presents and letting the littles unwrap them.  It's like Christmas in October.  Plus, it's quick and easy!

What does your sorority do for reveal?

Big/Little for CHEAP

When you were getting your presents from your big, did you walk by all of the big baskets of canvases,  candies, wine glasses, and so one and think "Holy Cow! How am I going to be able to afford this stuff for me little???" I did! I had no idea how I was going to be able to give my little so much stuff just like my big did for me!

Well, ladies, I figured it out. As with everything you do, start early!!! Be on the lookout for things you may need like paints, brushes, glitter, and little things. Over the summer, Michael's had a sale going that was 3 acrylic paints for $1. Usually those are about $1 a piece. Needless to say, I bought a ton!

Get on Hobby Lobby and Michael's email lists. They send out great coupons every week! Start stocking up if you haven't already. I can promise you, you will need so much more than you think you do. Hobby Lobby has a web address just for their weekly coupons. Michael's has one too!! Download their apps as well. You can show the coupon straight from there without the worry of printing a coupon out. 

Don't be afraid to check out the $1 aisle at Target, Walmart, or anywhere else. They have all sorts of stuff to give your little that they will love! I found owl Post Its, which were perfect seeing as it is one of Kappa's symbols. I loved when my big gave me glow sticks and bubbles. If you're lucky like I was, Big/Little week was around Halloween. Can we say Halloween candy???? Baked good go a long way too, and that is not expensive at all!

The first day of gifts for my amazing little. Shout Out to Lindsey Hopewell for at least pretending to like everything I gave you. ;)

Missed Your Big or Little All Summer?

Trust me, so did I.  That's why I've texted my big asking for a big/little date!  Now that we're heading back to school, that's the best way to catch up with your big or little.  I've come up with three big/little date ideas that I think you'll love!  Feel free to borrow these ideas, or contact us and let us know about your favorite big/little dates.

1. Lunch or dinner is always a great way to catch up.  My Kappa fam and I always go to a delicious Mexican restaurant by our campus.  Go to your favorite restaurant, or maybe try something new!  You could even buy groceries and cook with each other at home!  Find a fun Pinterest recipe and show off your inner chef.

2. Now that you're heading back to school, you could always go shopping for back-to-school outfits or supplies with your big or little.  Grab a "first day of class" outfit and a cute notebook!  Or maybe you could reinvent an old outfit.  There are plenty of possibilities!

3. Go get a mani and pedi!  After a long summer, this is the best way to relax before an even longer semester.  Plus, recruitment is just around the corner and this will be a wonderful way to be sure that you're looking great.  If you would rather, you can always stay in and paint your nails.  Bring snacks and a movie, and enjoy!

Little Problems would love to hear from you! What are your favorite big/little dates?