Men rush informally in the fall, and hold formal Rush in the spring. They can meet fraternity brothers and visit their houses at both times. Women attend informational events in the fall, but visit individual houses during their formal Rush in the spring. Plan to return to campus a week early for Rush, even if you are not sure you want to join. You'll meet lots of people-members of the thirteen sororities that make up the Panhellenic Association and the forty fraternities in the Interfraternity Council, plus classmates who are also checking out Greek life.
Some people swear they're coming back just for the fun of it-and wind up joining.
Sophomore year I organized a Latino civic association downtown. And the sisters in my house, they supported me all the way.