- Sorority houses are residences where members of a specific sorority live. These are social organisations characterised by their Greek-letter names, common in the US.
- Sororities are only for female students. For male students, there are fraternities.
- Sorority houses are community-oriented and may fit students who enjoy being around people and are comfortable with mandatory events and house rules.
If you grew up watching American films, you’re likely familiar with the words sorority and fraternity. These are social organisations, and a sorority is for female students, and a fraternity for male students.
Something else you might have noticed is how students in these organisations live in large houses and participate in activities all the time. In this article, we break down what sorority houses are, how you can live there, and whether it’s the right type of accommodation for you.
What is a sorority house?
Also known as a chapter house, a sorority house is the place where sorority members live together. These houses are usually located near or on campus and serve as both residences and gathering spaces. You’ll mostly come across them in US universities.
Sororities are part of what’s known as Greek Life. Their names come from the Greek alphabet, and you’ll see sorority names like Kappa Delta and Chi Omega. Here are some useful words for sorority living:
- Sorority: A social organisation for women at a US college.
- Fraternity: The male equivalent of a sorority.
- Chapter: The local branch of a sorority or fraternity at a specific university. Most large sororities have chapters at different US universities.
- Recruitment: The process of joining a sorority or fraternity.
- Bid: The official invitation to join a chapter.
- House director/manager: A person hired to live in the chapter house and supervise the members.
How do sorority houses work?
To live in a sorority house, you first need to join a sorority. The exact process usually depends on the university, so it’s best to check your university’s Greek Life page.
Once you’re a member, living in a sorority house is sometimes required, and sometimes optional, depending on availability and chapter rules. Most sororities and fraternities expect members to maintain a minimum GPA, attend mandatory events, and pay certain fees.
What is it like to live in a sorority house?
While the exact arrangements vary depending on the chapter, living in a sorority house usually includes:
- In-house meals included as part of the fees you pay
- A shared bathroom with other sorority members
- Access to lounges, study areas, gyms, and laundry rooms
- A shared bedroom or a private single room
- House rules, which typically cover things like guest policies, quiet hours, and alcohol
- Communal living and events
Community will be a big part of your life. Sororities organise a mix of events: fundraisers, formals, study nights, exclusive social events, and mixers with other sororities or fraternities. Keep in mind that some of these are mandatory. This is great for making friends, but if you prioritise your independence, it’s something you should keep in mind.
How much is it to live in a sorority house?
You can expect to pay a non-refundable application fee and semester fees to cover housing, activities, and events. The exact prices depend a lot on the chapter you’re in, but here are some examples so you can get a general idea:
At North Carolina State University, chapters usually require members to live at least one year in a sorority house. Most chapters have meal plans. For example:
- The chapter for Alpha Delta Pi charges $4,400 per semester for rent and $1,872 per semester for meals.
- Chi Omega members pay $4,400 for a double room, $12,000 for a single room, and $1,800 per semester for meals.
- Living in dorms at the same university costs between $3,970 and $5,375 per semester as of 2026-2027, excluding meals.
The University of Idaho has similar rates for chapter houses, ranging between $3,900 and $5,300 per semester for sororities, and $2,800 and $4,900 per semester for fraternities. These prices include meals. Residence halls at the university cost between $2,870 and $4,435 per semester, excluding meals.
Who pays for sorority houses?
Members pay a semester fee (known as dues) for day-to-day costs, such as rent, utilities, food, and repairs. After graduation, there might be alumni dues involved, usually around $25 to $75 per year. Sorority culture focuses on long-term connections and friendships, so this is a way to connect several generations of alumni.
Do sorority houses have chefs and staff?
Many sorority houses have chefs and staff, but it varies by chapter. At the University of Rhode Island, for example, most sorority houses have a professional chef who prepares meals Monday through Friday, plus a live-in house director who manages operations. Some sorority houses have kitchens residents can use, others plan all meals even when the chefs are absent.
Sorority house vs dorm: what’s the difference?
In most universities, sorority house and dorm prices are comparable, with sorority houses usually being slightly more affordable. The biggest difference is the community sorority houses create, but that comes with mandatory events. Here’s a comparison of sorority houses and dorms.
Sorority house | Dorm | |
Common structure | Privately run by a sorority organisation | Managed by the university |
Application | You need to receive an invitation from the sorority and become a member first | You usually apply through your university’s housing portal |
Rules | Requirements around mandatory events, guests, quiet hours, or participation | May have rules around quiet hours, guests, and allowed items, but not events |
Social environment | Highly social and community-oriented | Depends how you get along with your roommates |
Independence | Less independent | More independent |
Cost | Usually between $3,000 - $5,000 per semester, including meals | Usually between $3,000 - $5,000 per semester (may or may not include meal plans) |
Should you live in a sorority house?
You might enjoy living in a sorority house if:
- You’re community-driven and want to build a close social network quickly
- You enjoy being involved in events, community service, and shared activities
- You don’t mind attending mandatory events, sharing communal spaces, and having set meals
It may not be for you if:
- You prefer a quieter, more independent living environment
- You’re not interested in the time commitment that sorority membership involves
- You would like to cook your own meals and live at your own pace
Next steps to live in a sorority house
If sorority or fraternity living sounds interesting, you might want to think about how to choose a chapter and what to consider beforehand. Look into the following:
- Is living in the house mandatory? Some chapters require it for at least one year, while others leave it optional.
- How long can you live there? Some houses are only available for one or two years.
- What’s included in the total cost? Check whether meals are included in the price, how many days a week, and what happens during holidays or exam periods.
- Are there academic requirements? Most chapters expect a minimum GPA.
- What is life like for a society member, both living in and outside the house?
FAQ
Can anyone live in a sorority house?
Only members of that sorority’s chapter (local branch at a university) can live in its house. To become a member, you need to go through a recruitment process and receive an invitation to join.
Are sorority houses only for first-year students?
This depends on the university and the chapter. In some universities, first-year students need to live in dorms, and can move into sorority houses for their second or third year. Other universities may allow first-year students to live in sorority houses.
Are sorority houses safe?
Most sorority houses have security measures in place: locked access, house directors, mandatory fire alarms, and safety protocols.
Do you have to live there if you join?
Many sororities allow members to live off-campus or in standard dorms, especially if the house doesn’t have enough space for all members. In this case, you won’t pay the full fees for sorority housing, but you’ll pay parlor fees, which are specifically for members living outside. Some chapters do require members to live in the house for at least one year.
Do all universities have sorority houses?
Not all universities have sorority houses. To see if your university has them, check their Greek Life or Fraternity & Sorority Life pages.
