LSU Panhellenic’s Recruitment Survival Guide
After months of anticipation, Recruitment is finally here! The time spent planning outfits, collecting recommendation letters, organizing bag essentials, and finishing up your application is all about to fully shine! If you're feeling excited, nervous, or somewhere in between, remember that all of your emotions are valid, and so many women down the row have been in your shoes before. That being said, we can’t wait for you to experience the new conversations, friendships, and memories you'll cherish for years to come.
While it may feel overwhelming at times, we've got you covered. From staying hydrated to trusting your instincts, here are our favorite tips to help you survive and enjoy recruitment week at LSU!
Tip #1: Look Your Best, Feel Your Best!
Recruitment week is a chance to show up as the best version of yourself! While outfits, hair, and makeup can be a fun part of the experience, the most important thing you can wear is confidence. When you feel comfortable and like yourself, that confidence will shine. Choose outfits that reflect your personal style and make you feel confident, while prioritizing comfort for the long days of walking and standing. Break in your shoes beforehand and bring flip-flops to wear in between parties during those heels days! Most importantly, plan and try on your outfits ahead of time so your mornings feel less stressful!
Additionally, Recruitment takes place during peak Louisiana heat, and trust us, it's no joke! Taking care of yourself should be your #1 priority. Eating breakfast, getting plenty of sleep, and staying hydrated are simple habits that can make a HUGE difference. If you get hungry on the row, Panhellenic provides free food vendors with tasty snacks and drinks to visit between parties! Every day will be different, so make sure to follow our Instagram to keep up with who is there and where they will be on the row. Recruitment days are long, and keeping your energy up will help you stay focused, present, and ready for every conversation!
Tip #2: Be Prepared!
One of the easiest ways to make recruitment week less stressful is to plan ahead! Completing all required tasks to secure your spot in recruitment, thoroughly watching the Ice Water Round videos, and listening to your Gamma Chi's instructions will help you feel confident and know what to expect. Be sure to read through the MRABA and learn more about the recruitment process, Code of Ethics, and other important information in Girl Talk before Ice Water Round.
Once Recruitment begins, staying organized can make each day run more smoothly. Panhellenic has you covered with an adorable recruitment tote bag that every PNM will receive from their Gamma Chi during Ice Water Round. We recommend keeping a few essentials in your bag, such as a portable charger, makeup touch-ups, hair ties, breath mints, a mini fan, a small umbrella, oil blotting sheets, a water bottle, a clean snack, a mini body spray, tissues, and Band-Aids in case you get those inevitable blisters.
Along with packing your tote bag, a few simple habits can help you feel prepared and confident throughout the week. During recruitment, remember to:
Double-check your schedule and arrive at least 30 minutes early for each round.
Know where each chapter house is located (check the back of Girl Talk, or use your Apple/Google Maps!).
Wear comfortable shoes and check the weather each morning.
Take notes after each house while conversations are still fresh.
Charge your phone and bring a portable charger.
Lay out your outfit and pack your bag the night before.
Be realistic about how much time you’ll need each morning to get ready and travel to the row without having to rush.
Being prepared doesn't mean planning every moment perfectly, but it allows you to feel confident, stay present, and enjoy the experience!
Tip #3: Know Your Values
Before the week begins, take some time to think about what you truly want from your college experience and future sisterhood. It’s so important to remember what values you hold closest to your heart before you get swept up in the excitement of new experiences on campus. What qualities, friendships, involvement opportunities, and community are most important to you?
During recruitment, focus less on what you think you should be looking for and more on how each chapter makes you feel. Pay attention to the conversations you have, the connections you make, and where you feel most comfortable being yourself. Remember, recruitment is values-based, and every PNM's journey will look different. Keep an open mind, trust your own conversations, and think about where you can see yourself growing and building meaningful relationships.
And remember: it's okay to have many different thoughts and opinions each round! It's completely normal to feel nervous, and every PNM's experience will look different. Try not to overthink every conversation or compare your journey to someone else's. Take a deep breath and remember recruitment is a process, not a competition. Most importantly, stay true to yourself and enjoy every moment!
If you ever feel overwhelmed, refer back to LSU Panhellenic's Girl Talk resources and the FIVE core values you circled. They can help remind you what recruitment is truly about!
After each house, ask yourself:
“Did I feel comfortable being myself?”
“Could I see myself growing here?”
“Did I feel a genuine connection?”
Write down three words after each house describing how you felt. Those first impressions can be incredibly helpful later in the week.
Tip #4: Branch out, and don’t be afraid to ask for help!
One of the best parts of recruitment is meeting so many incredible women throughout the entire Panhellenic community! Since everyone is sharing the recruitment experience, the girl standing next to you in line may be feeling exactly like you do at that moment. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself first! Whether you're waiting for your next party, walking the row, or grabbing a treat from the vendors, take the opportunity to start a conversation. Though it can be draining to meet so many people at once, believe us, it’s worth it to make an effort to talk to the women around you! Spend time with your Gamma Chi group, eat with different people, and step outside your comfort zone this week. Some of these conversations may become your favorite memories of the week!
And remember, you never have to navigate recruitment week alone. Your Gamma Chi is there to answer questions, offer reassurance, or simply listen when you need someone to talk to. Panhellenic Executive members are also available throughout the week to support you. If you're confused, overwhelmed, overheated, or not feeling well, don't hesitate to tell someone! It's completely normal to feel emotional, anxious, homesick, or overwhelmed during recruitment, so give yourself grace and talk to someone you trust. Whether you need a quick question answered, a moment to regroup, or simply a friendly face, there is always someone ready to support you. The best thing you can do is be honest about what you need!
Tip #5: Be honest, & remember why you’re here!
Be honest with the chapters you visit and yourself. Let your personality shine, focus on genuine conversations, and remember that recruitment isn't about becoming the person you think a chapter wants to meet; it's about finding a community where you feel comfortable being yourself.
Don't let rumors, stereotypes, or someone else's opinions shape your experience. Give every chapter a genuine chance and allow yourself to be surprised. Recruitment is a two-way process: you're getting to know the chapters, and they're getting to know you.
Every PNM's recruitment journey is different, and that's what makes the experience so special. You may experience excitement, uncertainty, or even disappointment throughout the week, but remember that one moment or one invitation does not define your worth. Keep showing up with an open mind and a positive attitude while giving yourself a lot of grace. Sometimes, the chapter you least expect may end up feeling the most like home.
Don't spend recruitment week worrying about where you'll end up; spend it enjoying the people you meet and the memories you make along the way. Take each day at a time, trust the process, stay present, and enjoy the experience! Your sisterhood is waiting for you, and they can't wait to welcome you home!
with love,
LSU Panhellenic
Written by Saniya Heron, Isabella Amato, and Analyse David
