old row extra

Assuming this isn't a troll and actually is a freshman,

I'm an OOS senior in an OR house that's stereotypically extremely in-state. And I don't mean I'm OOS like Georgia, I mean New England. No one in my family was greek, my mom went to college thanks to the GI bill, and by all indications I would have been regarded as a "filler" girl in my chapter. Don't get me wrong, I was totally obsessed with GR when I was a freshman and definitely prejudged some chapters in rush for their rank, but I fell in love with my chapter for what the organization was, not for it's OR "status." Here's my advice to you:

1. The groups you see in your PC aren't cliques - yet. Odds are, those are IS girls who all went to the same high school and already know each other. But even if they visited campus 100 times growing up and know tons of actives already, they're likely still very nervous, confused freshmen just like you are. Make friends with them and have them introduce you to more actives! And if it's really difficult, find the other OOS girls and become friends with them. There are more OOS girls than IS ones, even in OR.

2. Making friends takes time. It hasn't even been a month! I know rush sells you this idea that everyone will immediately be your best friend and love you the send you show up on bid day, but you have to give it time and put in the work. it's not kindergarten where you meet someone and you're instant bffs. You need to show up to events, reach out to girls, hang out outside of mandatory stuff, sit together in class, etc.

3. Take leadership opportunities when they're presented to you. It's a great way to meet girls in different PCs, alum advisors, and have a voice in your chapter. Look for leadership opportunities outside your chapter as a way to bond with your sisters over common interests instead of just sharing letters.

4. Talk to someone in your house about how you're feeling. Your New Member chair, your PC small group leader, eventually your big. They can have more tailored advice and help introduce you to more people.

Most importantly, don't give up. There are hundreds of girls in your chapter, and you just need to meet them!

Confidence will get you everywhere. Insecurity is a disease you need to get rid of immediately. Fake it until you make it. Walk into that house with your head held high with a big smile on your face. Talk to everyone you encounter until you dont have a voice. Confidence is infectious. Try it!

Here’s some truth. Fair and balanced

1. OR Is a better experience for in state and or other regional girls who know many people at Bama because it provides the social experience and opportunities with their “friends” and people they know.

2. OR is not a better (or worse) experience for girls who come here without those connections. If you are indifferent to whether you hang with students from OTM, Mobile, New Orleans, etc. then OR offers no distinct advantage.

3. The issue the OP raises can happen in any house. However, for the houses that are very in state (and other specific geography) focused, girls from out of the “fold” will often (not always) find it takes a bit longer to because me a part of the mix.