A Sorority Girl's Back-To-School Shopping List

For many of you, it's time for some back-to-school shopping. If you're anything like us, we enjoy having a starting point to reference what exactly to buy so that's why having a list is essential. Above, you will find a real life checklist that you can print out and take to the store. Online shopping is huge and super convenient so we have provided you clickable links of every day things we needed as sorority women below.

Here are some great products to help you in your back-to-school shopping! Many of them you can order and pay online but pick up in their store:

Cute notebooks (Lilly Pullitzer and Erin Condren are our faves!)
Tease comb
Hamper
Cute and comfy bras
Scent plug ins for dorm
Picture frames
Mason jars (for pencils and pens)
Portable, plastic drawers for little accessories
Jewelry box
Bike
Shelving (wire shelving can create a lot of space in your dorm!)
Comforter (this shabby chic one is too cute!)
Pillows (add some accent decorative pillows too)
Luggage
Perfume
Paint
TV
Window curtains
Cute pictures 
Custom apparel
Wall decals
Pens & pencils
Hairspray
Makeup
Shower head caddy
Yoga mat
Cute undies (Hanky Panky's are the best!)
Every day essentials (i.e: toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, etc.)

Why I Went Greek: Alyssa Conti from Alpha Chi Omega

School: Arizona State University

Sorority: Alpha Chi Omega

Year You Pledged: Freshman

Year Initiated: 2006

What did you hear about sororities before you went through recruitment?

I heard sororities at ASU were all about partying, however, it should be noted that that's the general stereotype about ASU as a whole. People told me I would be "buying my friends."

How much of it was true?

Well, we definitely had our fair share of fun! It was definitely not all about the party though, we participated in a lot of charitable work as well. As far as "buying my friends" .... That's just a silly thing people like to say. I met two of my best friends through AXO.

What encouraged you to go through recruitment?

I can't say that anything in particular encouraged me. I had my mind set from the beginning.

Who was the first person you fell in love with in your house?

A girl named Drew. She was super sweet and funny. I felt instantly comfortable.

Favorite sorority moment?

I can't say there is one particular moment that I would call my favorite. But, I did love the date parties!

If you could go back in time, what would you want to relive in your sorority?

The first moment I met my best friends. It's crazy to think it's been almost 10 years since that time.

Any advice for anyone going through recruitment?

Be yourself and trust your instinct.

Thanks for sharing your sorority experience, Alyssa!  If you have questions for Alyssa leave them in the comment's section below!

Dorm Room Decor

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Decorating your dorm room is probably the highlight of every college girl, sorority girl or not! If you're obsessive like we were, then you're probably not ashamed to admit that you probably started a Pinterest board of all of your must-have dorm room decor items. We are a sucker for Target because they have the absolute best, most trendy affordable room decor. How cute is this chevron rug they have available? It is the perfect focal point for your dorm room and you can contrast it with bold bright colored wall art like this fun yarn art from Nordstrom. Speaking of Nordstrom, they have an awesome home decor section! We have pulled some of our favorite home decor pieces for you to shop so find them above. Good luck!

Designer Handbag Secrets

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Your purse is your arm candy. It sometimes walks into a room before you! There are just those staple purses that when you see them, you say, "I have to have that purse". But, designer handbags don't typically line up with the college, sorority girl budget. However, we know the secret to getting designer handbags at a much cheaper rate. Yes, we're saying you can buy an upscale, classic handbag like this Vintage Chanel. The secret: buy it pre-owned from Luxe Designer Handbag ! It's so much cheaper to go the pre-owned route! It's the real deal holyfield, just depreciated in value since it has been used. Half the time they look all the way brand new. Best of all, it's not illegal (haha, no need to head to your favorite hole in the wall for a knock off!). Shop our favorites from their shop here!

Sorority Spotlight: Alpha Chi Omega, California State University, Fullerton

[picture descriptions: 1 & 2. Photoshoot from polish week, a week where they prepare for their upcoming recruitment and "polish" things up! The big group shot is of all 130 of their members (minus their Rho Chis who had to disaffiliate for recruitment) and the smaller group shot is of some of their Fall '12 senior class. 3. Photo of them celebrating when they reached 2,000 followers on Instagram. 4. Picture of their most recent graduating class. 5 & 6. Pictures from their "Disney" and "Born In the USA" themed days of polish week.]

Earlier this month we hosted a contest to determine the BEST sorority Instagram. The winner received a spotlight on our site. The sisters of Alpha Chi Omega from California State University, Fullerton won the contest so today we are featuring them and their amazing sorority. This month they also released a brand new School Spirit video on their sorority's YouTube account, so be sure to check it here!

Let's learn more about them...

University: California State University, Fullerton

Chapter: Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega

Founded On: Locally, we were founded December 7th, 1968. The first ever AXO chapter was founded October 15, 1885.

Sorority Symbol: The Lyre, a musical instrument 

Sorority Colors: Scarlett Red and Olive Green

Philanthropy: Nationally, we support victims of Domestic Violence and promote Domestic Violence Awareness (DVA). Locally, we volunteer each month at a Women's Transitional Living Center and support Laura's House and Mother's Against Drunk Driving (MADD) due to losing 2 of our sisters to drunk drivers.

Awards/Achievements: Awarded Founders' Roll for having donated $100,000 to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation, named a 5 Star Chapter on Campus (highest honor for a Greek chapter. We excelled in Greek Week this year winning 1st Place in the Volleyball Championship and 1st place in the Lip Sync Championship a 2nd year in a row, and we raised $13,000 during Greek Week for CSUF's philanthropy Camp Titan, a camp for underprivileged children in the Orange County area.This year, we raised $700 during our Healthy Relationships Week, $4,761 at our annual pancake breakfast and $12,215 at our annual Mr. Alpha Chi event. All proceeds went to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation and the local women's shelters we support.

Last Minute Summer Bathing Suits To Snag

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Summer may be halfway over, but that doesn't mean you can't stock up on more bathing suits. We have been spotting some bathing suits from ASOS that are now being offered at a reduced price and since bathing suits don't really go out of style, you can save it for next year! Snag these cute bikini tops and bottoms above. If you can't wait to wear them next summer, you can wear them during nice hot tub days with your sisters in the fall/winter or save them for spring break!

Why I Went Greek: Ugochi Nwaneri From Alpha Kappa Alpha

School: Eastern Michigan University
Sorority: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
Year You Pledged: Junior
Year Initiated: Spring 2015

What did you hear about sororities before you went through recruitment? 

I heard both positive and negative things about sororities. Obviously the positives helped me determine whether or not it was the right fit for me. I heard non appealing things such as "you're paying for fake sisters" "sorority girls party and don't get work done." On the other hand, I also heard "you build life long relationships with your sisters" "sororities participate in a lot of community service" "there are endless opportunities to network" "joining a sorority is a great way to help build your community" ... and the list goes on.


How much of it was true?

I have been fortunate to become a member of a phenomenal sorority of which I have had no negative experiences. I am blessed to be surrounded by likeminded women that achieve their academic goals while balancing extracurriculars, family and rendering service to all man kind.


What encouraged you to go through recruitment? 

After learning about all values of my sorority that are so dear to me, I stayed motivated and encouraged to get through the process. In addition, my play grandmother has been a member of my sorority since 1971. All of her involvement within the sorority as I've seen since the time I've met her not only sparked an interest but was a reminder of the greatness that was yet to come.


Favorite sorority moment?

My favorite sorority moment was the day of my probate. I was so ecstatic for the world to see that my sisters and I are now women of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Incorporated. After we finished exams, our day was spent getting "fleeky" for our show. Sorority sisters that pledged before us traveled to see us. We were surrounded with loving women that helped pave the way for us and who are the epitome of true sisters. I will never forget the day of my probate- singing and marching through campus with our gorgeous green skirts and pretty pink heels.

Any advice for anyone going through recruitment?

My advice for prospective members is to go to events pertaining to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and of course, get to know the members. I would also familiarize yourself with the criteria of becoming a member.

Do you have questions for Ugochi? Leave them in the comments below!