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

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

Summer 2014... A Summer To Remember! Part 2

Finding activities to do during the summer can be difficult. If you've lived in the same area for awhile, chances are you've done everything it has to offer. That's where this summer to do-list comes in handy! Sometimes, you just need a fresh perspective on things. I have 10 more ideas that may spare you some money and help make this summer one to remember.

Bowling. I know what you're thinking: bowling is for old people. Surprisingly, if you get the right group of people together, it can be lots of fun. The local bowling alley in my city has a special discount days and many others do, too. Lots of chain bowling alleys don't really promote these things, so do some calling around and see what specials your own bowling alley has to offer!

Game night. Invite your friends over and tell everyone to bring a board game, cards, or game for a gaming system like Wii or Xbox. Any sort of game will do. Add some snack food and beverage and you're good to go! One of my personal favorite games is Cards Against Humanity. If you or a friend owns the game, you should definitely play it!

Make pizza. This is a bonding activity that my family tries to do every other week. It is actually a really good time, plus who doesn't love to bond over food? If you don't want to make your own dough, you can buy pre-made dough that comes in a tube (usually near the cookie dough in grocery stores) that works just as well! Then all you need is the pizza sauce, your choice of cheese and toppings. Homemade pizzas taste good, if not better, than an over processed or frozen one!

Dollar theatre. Not everyone has a dollar theatre in their city but for those that do, take advantage! You can't beat a $1.50 movie, especially when two months ago it would've cost you $10. The movies that they play may be a little old but honestly, it's the same sort of atmosphere to go see a movie at a much better price. How can you beat that?

Visit a flea market. I could spend hours upon hours in flea markets just rummaging through the piles of things that people don't use anymore. It's always interesting to see who can find the weirdest stuff while there. My family and I actually turn it into a game! We typically don't buy things (unless we stumble upon some interesting treasure) but it is the bonding that makes the visit worth it.

Wake up early enough to see the sunrise. Then DON'T go back to sleep after. It's probably one of the most rewarding things to watch the sunrise because not many people are up early enough to watch it. I understand summer is all about sleeping in and staying up late, but why can't it be the opposite for a change? Wake up early and see how rejuvenated you feel. I promise the feeling is much better than staying up all night then feeling groggy when you wake up the next morning.

Try something different. You want to get a tattoo? Go for it. Bungee jump? Do it. Never tried sushi? Eat at a Japanese restaurant! Now's the time when we're young and have the time and ability to try and do something we've never done before. Go do it before time runs out.

DIY High Waisted Shorts. You know you want too. Grab a pair of mom jeans from Goodwill (or just raid your moms closet) and start snippin'!

Jolly Rancher Vodka. If you're lucky enough to be of legal drinking age, this little project is one to remember. It's where your adulthood and childhood collide in a way that you and your girlfriends will always be able to reminisce on. Get everyone together and have a girls night with this delicious fruity shot! All you need is vodka (think cheap but smooth), a bag of jolly ranchers, and containers to keep the vodka in once it's all mixed.

Visit a local museum. There are always tons of random museums in neighborhoods that people don't normally take advantage of. If you live near a military base, they usually have days where civilians can get on base to see the different museums that are located there. They can range anywhere from a history museum to a naval museum! It is really awesome to see where our country actually came from.

Summer is about making memories that you'll remember for the rest of your life. Stay up late, eat whatever you want whenever you want (pshh, summer body?, hang out with good friends and get tan! Don't forget to take lots of pictures and just live in the moment, that's what summer is all about.

XOXO,

Kelsey