importance of greek life

1) There are different levels of hazing. But don't worry, even the tougher pledging isn't as bad as it gets in the south. A pledge process (in my opinion) is critical to push a pledge class closer together. The harder it is, the more you'll have to work together to get through it. Of corse there is a line, but I don't think any frat crosses it (maybe KA).
2) Non-hazing social fraternities? No (99% sure). Some of the ones with easier pledging are ZBT & Sig Ep. Business frats or special interest frats, I'm not sure but I doubt they'd have hazing or hazing on par with most social fraternities.
3) Greek life is prominent but the school is so big you won't feel left out of you decide not to join. I have a lot of non-Greek life bros who get along just fine. However, as a member who's been in it since my first semester freshman year, I couldn't imagine not being a part of a fraternity.

No guy refers to themselves as a "boy"

1. prepare to give up your life. youre gonna miss pledging though it was a good ass time even if you hated your life
2. maybe business fraternities. trust me though, getting pledgacated makes you a better person and gives you the closest friends of your life.
3. freshman year you can still have fun, but sophomore and junior year will be boring without joining something.