While the majority of NIU students reside in either residence halls or apartments, another choice available to them is greek housing.

In fact, the greek housing system is thriving and there are a variety of reasons why.

With the costs of greek residence averaging $3,000, similar with residence halls fees, Delta Gamma sorority member Denise Woitach said there are many reasons why she chose to live in the sorority house.

“The most positive thing about living in the house is the opportunity to socialize, study or just goof around.”

Delta Gamma house resident Claudine DeLafinti said sometimes it gets noisy.

“Finding a quiet place to study is often quite difficult to do with 54 girls running around your house,” DeLafinti said.

Woitach said the main reason sororities began was to offer women a place to live and experience leadership, friendship, philanthropy and personal development.

Getting involved in the social scene and making friends is another reason people live in greek houses, DeLafinti said.

The actual rules and regulations governing residence in the greek system are left up to the individual houses.

“PanHellenic Council does not regulate the rules about women residing in individual chapter houses,” Jennifer Lenart, former Panhel vice president for membership development.

Although greek system membership might be a popular option for many NIU students it is not unanimous.

Graduate student Joan Lanciotti, 23, said, “I did not like the clique-like system, it was not for me. I could find a better social life elsewhere.”

Other negative reasons given by greek members were the long distance to classes, pressure to go out and party and consuming time demands.

Overall, the positive aspects of living in a greek house far outweigh the negative aspects Woitach said.

“Even with the economy, all of our 54 spaces in the house are full,” she said. “People are waiting to get in.”