The Ultimate Sorority RecruitmentSurvival Kit: What You Need in Your Bag

By: Lily Stein

As fall 2025 recruitment kicks off, tens of thousands of college freshmen are anxiously waiting to see which chapter they will run “home” to. With sorority recruitment, there comes a lot of stress, long days, and moments of uncertainty especially since many are still transitioning from high school to college. Speaking from my own experience, I had many thoughts racing through my mind…whether it was What do I talk about?, What do I wear?, or How do I do my hair?!

The one thing I didn’t pay much attention to was what I was going to bring in my bag for each day of recruitment. You never know when you’ll need a hair touch-up, a quick snack, or even a breath mint. Things can get chaotic, so here is a survival kit for your recruitment bag to make one thing less stressful.

First off, the bag or purse doesn’t need to be anything fancy. It’s pretty much just a catch-all for anything you may need. I love this one from L.L. Bean because you are able to personalize it with your name or initials. Also, it can double as a bag you can bring to class or the library.

Most importantly, you must bring a water bottle! Staying hydrated, especially during the summer months is crucial. You want to feel energized and prepared going into each round. Additionally, throwing in a protein bar or some kind of snack is always a good idea. The days are long, with very little breaks, it’s important to have some water and a snack on you at all times.

Next, you’ll definitely want to bring a hairbrush to freshen up your hair before each round. This mini hairbrush will work just fine! You will want to look your best and most importantly feel your best.

Speaking of hygiene, consider bringing some breath mints. You’ll be talking to dozens of people in close proximity for hours at a time. Also, adding deodorant and perfume to your bag is a safe bet. Don’t forget to pack your favorite lip product, it’s an easy way to spruce up your makeup look and keep your lips refreshed. I love the Summer Fridays lip balm.

Last but not least, bring a journal and pen to write down your thoughts. There’s so much going on throughout recruitment that it’s easy to get caught up in other people’s opinions and perceptions. You will want to keep track of your initial thoughts and feelings about each in order to make your final decision. At the end of the day, the chapter where you feel most at home and most authentically yourself is the one you should choose. Listen to your gut and try your best to drown out the outside noise.

If you’re reading this and going through recruitment...You got this!!!