4H House

During my time at the University of Illinois, I am staying at the 4H House Sorority. The house was founded in 1934 for girls who have been a part of the youth program 4H and were wanting to attend U of I.
The four H's stand for: head, heart, hands and health. 4H was developed in America to educate youth and to develop their leadership skills. It is mainly an agriculture based program with clubs in most countys around the US. Kids can join from a young age and participate until they are 18. The 4H foundation holds competitions for students in all types of showing and judging, including livestock, as well as other special interest areas and runs education programs to equip students for higher education. It is a wonderful network and everyone that I have talked to about it, looks back on it fondly. It is a great initiative that really gets kids involved in not only agriculture, but installs values and skills that they can carry with them for life. If you would like to know more about the 4H Foundation then visit this website: http://www.4-h.org/ 

Mattress surfing

My room

The 4H house accepts girls from any leadership group background. There is currently 53 girls living in the house, with ages ranging from 18-22. Everyone shares rooms with 2 to 3 other girls. These rooms are for study and lounging around in. The house then has 2 dorms where everyone sleeps in bunk beds at night. Unlike other sororities, the girls in the house cook and clean on a roster system (other houses have chefs and cleaners). This not only heavily reduces the cost of living in the house, but also teaches the girls useful skills. Facilities in the house include a commercial grade kitchen, laundry, computer lab, various lounges, laundry, and gym equipment. Surprisingly with so many girls in the house it all runs fairly smoothly.

Ice Hockey game with my room mates

Themed nights - Hawaii

There is a large emphasis on education, with girls having to meet a minimum GPA to remain in the house. Social events are organised for at least once a week. Most of these are 'exchanges' with frat houses. Sororities on campus have to follow strict rules and are not allowed boys to stay over and there is no alcohol consumption allowed on the site. Fraternities however do not have these restrictions. Exchanges are often themed and everyone is encouraged to dress up and participate. They provide drinks and put on games including the stereotypical beer pong, flip cup, slap cup etc (just like in the movies!). Other social events include sporting teams with frats, sorority bake offs, and cook outs. These events are great as it allows you to meet many people from all over the US and with a variety of majors, as well as maintaining a good work/life balance. And with 50 other girls in the house, there is always someone doing something fun.

Great Fratsby themed exchange

Typical frat party

Moving in and navigating the university and classes was made so much easier living by with 50 wonderful girls who are more than happy to help you out and show you around. It is a completely different dynamic to what most of us in Australia are used to at University but I can definable see its merits, and will miss the girls when I have to leave.  -Until next time, L. Grubb