payment

Like 600-700 a month

It is 1500-2400 a semester, not living in the house. You can also eat meals at the house.

Not going to lie, my sorority is VERY expensive. Dues, t-shirts, parties, swaps, and gifts all add up. Then preparing for sophomore year with rush, big sister stuff, and living arrangements it's outrageous. I'd venture to guess, if most people were honest they would admit their sorority bills put a strain on their personal finances and that of their parents.

I know that other girls in my house feel this way and I've heard other girls from different houses verbalize similar issues.

Honestly, all the houses should take these issues to heart and be kinder to ones finances.

when things weren't so lavish. No-one got recruitment week gifts (totally over the top and a huge financial strain on families) and new members simply got a t-shirt, went and got beer and pizza in town, maybe went bowling or something else fun. No one wore the crazy outfits or spent $$$ on bid day like now.

I know times are different but when I hear alums (not that old, even - like from the 90's) talk about this, it's no wonder that spending on everything regarding sorority life is out of control.

I have a cousin who was in a sorority out west years ago. She said members grouped together (2 or 3) and made small, inexpensive gifts for new members (back then classes were small, even at top houses). She got a small lucite box with their Greek letters painted on it to put her budge in, inexpensive plastic picture frames painted with the letters/symbols. She said all new members spent the night at the house after being initiated and the next morning the big sisters brought each new member the gifts on a big tray.

Sounds so special and she said no-one spent that much.

Simple is better! And more budget friendly!