Fraternity and sorority life
For many people in fraternity and sorority life (FSL), the best place on campus to study, relax and just be with their friends is their fraternity or sorority house.
Having a fraternity or sorority house to go to allows you to have a space of like-minded people to host events with, do homework with and take study breaks with, be it a game of pool, “Super Smash Bros.” or simply chatting with each other.
Greek life gives you a sense of belonging as soon as you get to campus. Your brothers and sisters are there to have your back every step of the way, whether it is to help with hard times, homework or simply boredom.
There are over 900 students at North Dakota State that are involved in fraternity and sorority life spread throughout 13 fraternities and four sororities.
All of these organizations have their own rules and mottos, but according to the NDSU Greek Life website, FSL as a whole has four overlying pillars that they follow:
- Leadership
Whether you have already developed many leadership skills or you have none whatsoever, Greek life will help enhance those qualities. - Scholarship
Ever since the beginning of Greek life with the first fraternity in 1776, scholarship has been an important pillar. Being a student comes first. Members are required to have certain a GPA, and there are often competitions throughout Greek life to see who can get the best grades. - Service
Last year, NDSU Greek life completed over 24,000 hours of community service and raised $85,000 for regional, national and international charities. - Brotherhood and sisterhood
Greek life provides a network of people to help you through college and after through the tight bonds you form in your chapter and throughout Greek life.
If you are looking into joining Greek life, go to recruitment events, visit the FSL office in the Student Activities office on the main floor of Memorial Union and take a look at the FSL website: www.ndsugreek.com.
Many people don’t think they would like Greek life until they become a part of it.
Heart of campus
The Memorial Union is the heart of NDSU’s campus and is designed for students. There are numerous spaces to explore and opportunities in every corner. The Union is the face of campus with student organizations lining the walls during the day and friends saying, “Hello,” as they pass by on their way to class.
From new movies in Century Theater to job fairs in the ballroom, performers in Thundar’s Den to new art exhibitions in the Gallery, the Union has something to offer everyone.
For me, my favorite part about the Union is how effective it is for studying and working on homework. The building is set up with different areas for students to sit and work or relax, each catered to different tastes.
If you’re looking for something more quiet and isolated, there are couches spread throughout the second floor that allow for more privacy. If you’re looking for something more open, try out the first floor, which has plenty of spaces to sit down with a group of friends or group partners and either work or relax with a cup of coffee from the Union coffee shop.
If you prefer to multitask with your studying, you can conquer your hunger and organic chemistry downstairs in the food court or Union dining center. You can even stop by for a trim at the hair salon, a couple games of bowling or some pool.
If you’re looking to get more involved on campus but don’t know where to start, the Union should be your first stop. With Multicultural Programs and International Student and Study Abroad Services, you can expand your horizons beyond North Dakota. Over at the Student Activities office, they can connect you with Campus Attractions, Greek life, the Volunteer Network and more.
If you’re interested in learning more about the school and want to help out your fellow students, you can always drop into the student government office.
The Memorial Union is the one-stop-shop for students and central to the core of NDSU, a place of limitless possibilities that is welcoming to all. It reminds students that — like the Union — we too have limitless possibilities because of NDSU.
School-life balance
There’s good news and bad news here. The good news is that NDSU gives students everything they need to be successful: free Wi-Fi on campus, facilities that are open whenever you need them, laptops available for checkout just like library books and so much more.
The bad news is it’s really hard to manage it all.
How can a student balance 16-19 credits (on average) per semester while also holding down at least one job and a social life? It really is a challenge.
When it comes down to it, campus is the place to be for all that.
In regard to academic buildings, the library is open from 8 a.m. to midnight weekdays and 24/7 for the duration of dead week and finals week. The Quentin Burdick Building (QBB) is open 24/7 year-round.
In the event that you’d actually like to study in the comfort of your room or dorm but don’t have a computer, you can check one out at the QBB.
On the social side of things, Campus Attractions puts on weekly events that are open and free for students, so even if you didn’t have plans for Friday or Saturday night, you do now.