Before standing up and pledging yourself as a fraternity brother, there are a few things you should know about the Greek life ahead of time. Sure, college is a great time to get away from home, meet new people and party, but that doesn't necessarily mean that joining a fraternity is the best option for you.

First of all, never join a fraternity just because your friends are joining. Each frat has a different area of focus and a different way of operating, and you might find that the group your friends are drawn to doesn't necessarily reflect all your personal values. Also, you want to make sure you actually get along with the other fraternity members, since you'll be spending a lot of time together.

Another thing to think about is whether the fraternity is a member of the Interfraternity council. This is a national board of fraternities that determines guidelines, appropriate events and behaviors, and disciplinary procedures for leadership within the member fraternities. While this may sound like 'style-cramping', the truth is that no successful organization can run without leadership. All campus clubs need guidelines, no matter what college or university you're attending, so the same has to be true for fraternities. Also, if the frat is part of this national program, it'll be more likely to get funding for various events ' leaving your group more time to enjoy events together and spending less time raising the money for it.

Before you join any fraternity, you'll go through a rigid interview process, and will probably be quizzed on your goals for life, the universe and everything. You'll also need to be aware of your finances, because most frats and sororities demand steep fees each semester to help run the self-supported organization.

So, what's the point? Not only will joining a fraternity help you out in making friendships and connections in school, but you'll also have a better shot at making connections after graduation, through fraternity alumni programs. Most fraternities also run their own school sports teams, which gives each member an opportunity to participate in school-run activities, where they might otherwise miss out by not being able to recruit enough team members.

Fraternities also engage in a lot of charity work, giving back to the community and helping others. This is a great way for students to gain a wider perspective on the world around them, and to learn how to work with a team to really make a difference in others' lives.

If you're still unsure about joining a fraternity, attend your school's Rush Week, where fraternities and sororities open their doors and throw social events to meet students that may become potential pledges. You'll be able to get a sense of each group and how they operate, and choose a fraternity that best fits with you and your priorities.