Here at the University of Miami, Greek life has long been a staple of the social scene on- and off-campus. “UM frats have so many different social events: day parties, night parties, themed parties, there’s always something to do,” said freshman Preston Chazulle. And she’s so right.
If you come to the University of Miami and want to go to a frat party, you will always have options. And don’t worry, the frat guys don’t really turn people away, at least, that’s been my experience here as a girl — to the guys, sorry, I know it’s different for you.
Now, while frat parties can be fun, not every party you go to is a guaranteed good time. In fact, the only thing you’re guaranteed at a frat party is drunk people stumbling around, alcohol all over the floor, and someone inevitably being stupid enough to jump or fall into the pool.
Seriously, if there’s one thing you take away from this guide it’s don’t get in the frat pools at night. You’ve got no idea what lurks in those waters.
This article will lead you through what not to do and what to do when going to a frat — whether that’s what to wear, how to stay safe and which types of frat parties people prefer.
So, let’s start with the most important part of this article first, tips for how to stay safe at frat parties.
Nikki Albert, a freshman in the sorority Pi Beta Phi, shared three important tips about safety for when you get to the party.
“Stay with your friends, always have a way home and don’t take drinks from strangers,” Albert said.
It’s important to be proactive and aware of your surroundings, especially regarding your drinks. You’ve probably heard this before but don’t drink beverages that you did not pour or witness someone else pour, always watch your drink and never leave it unattended.
Chazulle also emphasized how you always have the option to leave.
“You should have fun, and if you’re not and you don’t like it you can always leave. Don’t stay someplace when you don’t want to be there. If you feel uncomfortable go,” Chazulle said.
The UMPD also provides a safe escort service if you find yourself on campus alone at night. This occurrence happens to students coming back from frats far more often than you might think, and it’s important to remember you have resources provided to you that can help keep you safe.
The Rave Guardian Safety App is also a good way for students to feel more comfortable, as it allows students to pre-register emergency information, utilize virtual trip safety escort and has a one-touch call button to the UMPD.
For many people, the most fun part about going out happens before you even leave. I’m talking about pregaming, and one of the best things about pregaming is the music. Albert’s favorite artist to listen to is David Guetta, while Chazulle likes a range of artists.
“I really like listening to early 2000s party songs like Usher, Flo Rida. They all have really great songs to pregame to and get ready with,” Chazulle said, “Oh and Drake. Drake just has music for everyone, he’s just made so many different songs and has really good party tunes.”
Now onto what to wear — don’t wear nice clothes or clothes you care a lot about. If you do, be prepared for them to get dirty. At frat parties you are shoulder-to-shoulder with the person next to you, so it can get gross with no personal space. People will also just spill drinks on you with no remorse.
The classic frat fit is jean shorts and a cute top — super simple and easy to clean. It’s popular for a reason.
Another outfit tip — invest in frat shoes. Now, I’m not saying go out and buy a new pair of shoes, just designate an old pair of sneakers that you don’t care about to wear to frats. I’m telling you those shoes will get so dirty. You’re always either stepping on something nasty or people are stepping on you — it’s an unavoidable situation.
Let’s move on to getting into the frats. The guys sitting on lawn chairs in front of their frat houses are generally the gatekeepers. They will most likely greet you with phrases along the lines of:
“Have fun tonight ladies.” “Remember to stay safe ladies.” “Blah blah blah ladies.”
On the rare chance that they ask which frat brother you know, just make up a name. Ben, Jack, Josh — any of those should work.
If you’re expecting good music, be prepared for disappointment. Sometimes the frats will have a future DJ in their brotherhood, and you will luck out and get good tunes, but you’ll more often than not have better pregaming playlists.
Pro-tip: avoid going to the bathroom at the frat if at all humanly possible.
Go before, go after, just do not go while there. Gross.
At UM, the frats throw lots of different types of parties. You’ll get your classic themed parties at night such as a white lies party, tailgates, and “darties” — that’s day and party mashed together for those of you who don’t know.
Chazulle’s favorite are the pool parties.
“I think my favorite types of parties here have been the pool parties which are the darties. They tend to be more social, and it’s really fun to meet new people” Chazulle said.
For as many people who love the frat scene, lots of people avoid it.
It’s important for freshmen to remember that having a relaxed night in watching a movie can be more fun than going out to a frat. A lot of freshmen exhaust themselves in their first two semesters because they feel pressure to go out all the time and are afraid to miss things.
Don’t worry, there will always be another party to go to. If you’re not in the headspace to go out, then don’t go. Be confident in your choices and don’t let FOMO ruin your evening, whether you stay in or go out.
Frats can be a great place to bond with your friends, and just have fun. Hopefully, this guide helps make them a less daunting, safer experience for freshmen here at the U.
Before you even get to the frat remember to do these things:
- Charge your phone and make sure to bring other essential items like your ID, and credit card are with you. These items will easily fit in a back pocket and ensure you don’t end up stranded with no place to go and no way to contact anyone for help.
- Remember to eat and drink water before you get to the frat, otherwise you will regret it the following morning.
- Know your limits. If you think you’re going to end up drinking, it’s really important to be aware beforehand of how many drinks are too many for you. Otherwise, you could end up in an unsafe situation without realizing it.
- Always use the buddy system and go to the party with people you trust.
words_raiya khan. photo_ethan dosa. design_charlotte deangelis.
This article was published in Distraction’s Spring 2024 print issue.
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