Power Ranking Fraternities' 'Zone Day' Virtual House Tours (2024)

Under normal circ*mstances, Penn State’s Interfraternity Council would host a “zone day” week where prospective brothers could tour fraternity houses and potentially be invited back for small in-person events.

This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, each fraternity posted a house tour on the IFC’s website to give potential brothers a virtual feel of what the houses are actually like. Spring recruitment’s zone day week took place this Monday through Thursday.

Penn State’s 37 fraternities posted their videos on the IFC’s website, so to save you the hassle of watching every single video, we power-ranked our top 10 house tours.

10. Alpha Sigma Phi

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Alpha Sigma Phi looks a little musty, but there are some exciting details here and there. Rather than a giant flatscreen TV, the house has a makeshift movie theater screen. Plus, the folks who live in the house have the creative freedom to paint and draw on their walls whatever designs they want.

9. Chi Phi

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Chi Phi is nice. There isn’t anything super special about it, but it appears comfortable. There’s also a cool spiral staircase where you can see several floors down.

8. Theta Delta Chi

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TDX isn’t anything special, but at least it isn’t musty. The natural lighting and light wood floors brighten the space up a bit. Most of all, the stone building and pillars sure are pretty against the snow.

7. Phi Kappa Sigma

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Skulls is special because it overlooks downtown State College, and the front yard is always rocking. In the video, the fraternity was sure to show that off by playing lacrosse and beer die and featuring its adorable puppy on the lawn. The DJ setup is impressive, too.

6. Tau Kappa Epsilon

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TKE is massive, yet it still filled the space. The fenced-in yard and picnic tables would make for a sweet daylong. One of the rooms has giant office tables and rolly desk chairs, which is clutch during the days of Zoom University.

In the kitchen, there are five high-top tables with four seats each. That isn’t found anywhere else and surely makes for intimate brotherly bonding. The party area lighting would definitely make for a good time, too.

5. Delta Sigma Phi

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Delta Sigma Phi is well kept. The floors and tables are clean, and the restaurant booths are a unique touch. However, I’m a bit confused by the basem*nt wall art displaying a woman and a pink elephant wearing clothes.

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4. Delta Upsilon

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DU’s house feels very honest. It’s a bunch of college kids, after all. The Delta U painted wall with the Nittany Lion logo is a perfect photo op. Inside, the house has a basketball hoop and enough area to shoot free throws. None of the couches particularly match, but at least they look clean. The bedrooms are tidy, too.

3. Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE)

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Pike filmed its video in a snowstorm, which added to the cabin vibes that the house gives off. There’s lots of dark wood, dim lighting, and leather that makes it resemble a massive Airbnb in Deep Creek or Park City. The “fortress” area, otherwise known as the backyard, has tons of string lights and benches that would make for a fun daylong.

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2. Sigma Phi Epsilon

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SigEp is the only frat house that is clean enough to bring your parents to. The red couches and shiny floors in the living room are a rare commodity in State College. SigEp also has a small balcony overlooking the street. The black walls and spray-painted gym area are an added bonus.

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1. Alpha Phi Delta

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APD’s house tour is impressive. The LED lighting throughout the entire house is badass, and the glass case built into the basem*nt bar is a nice touch. The house has ping pong tables, air hockey tables, and sturdy beer pong tables that will hold up if someone jumps on them. The glow in the dark paint throughout the hallway is trippy, and the fluffy white puppy tied the whole video together.

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Colleen Nersten

Colleen is a washed-up biology grad and former associate editor. Her legacy will live on through stories like “10 Questions With State College Sensation ‘Hot UPS Bae’”. If you’re a STEM girlie, this is your sign to take the leap of faith and learn to write. It’s pretty fun. Colleen misses the hate mail and can be reached at [emailprotected] or via LinkedIn.

Power Ranking Fraternities' 'Zone Day' Virtual House Tours (2024)

FAQs

What is the largest fraternity at Penn State? ›

The other fraternity was the Pi Kappa Alpha house, with 117 active members, which makes it the largest fraternity at Penn State.

What is a zone day fraternity? ›

Zone days are where you get a tour of the fraternity house and get to meet some brothers. If you make a good impression they'll invite you back for events next week. They are this week and check the ifc website for when each house has their zone day.

How to get into a top fraternity? ›

Be yourself, be respectful, and show a genuine interest in getting to know the members. Take the time to learn about the fraternity's values, history, and expectations for its members. Remember, rushing is a two-way process – the fraternity is also evaluating you to see if you'd be a good fit for their organization.

What is it like to live in a fraternity house? ›

Living in the house also means being involved in most things going on in the chapter. House residents live, eat and breathe their Greek organization. Being constantly surrounded by other members of your sorority or fraternity makes it hard not to become deeply invested in the chapter and fellow housemates.

Who is the strongest fraternity? ›

Here are the country's top fraternities that are popular in colleges and universities, and known for their lasting impact on the members:
  • Pi Kappa Alpha.
  • Alpha Phi Alpha.
  • Tau Kappa Epsilon.
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
  • Sigma Phi Epsilon.
  • Kappa Alpha Society.
  • Sigma Chi.
  • Lambda Sigma Upsilon.

What is the oldest fraternity at Penn State? ›

Penn's oldest fraternities – Delta Phi, Zeta Psi, Phi Kappa Sigma, and Delta Psi – were established around 1850, when the University campus occupied the west side of 9th Street, from Market Street on the north to Chestnut Street on the south.

Is it hard to join a frat at Penn State? ›

Know that the system of fraternity/sorority recruitment at Penn State is competitive. Not everyone who wants to be in a fraternity or sorority will receive a bid. Do not become too involved in the sorority and fraternity recruitment/intake process, this is your student's decision.

What fraternity is called Ice? ›

Alpha Phi Alpha
Chapters900+
Members290,000+ lifetime
NicknamesAlphas, Ice Cold Brothas, The Oldest & The Coldest, Men of Distinction
AimsManly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love For All Mankind
17 more rows

What are new frat members called? ›

Neophyte – New member of Greek Letter organization; also called a 'Neo'. This term is generally used by NPHC, NALFO, and NMGC organizations. New Member – After receiving and accepting a bid, the person becomes a new member. Formerly called a pledge, sometimes called Associate Member.

What is the most common hazing in fraternity? ›

The most common hazing behaviors included participating in a drinking game (47%); singing or chanting in public in a situation that is not a related event, game, or practice (27%); drinking large amounts of a non-alcoholic beverage (24%); drinking large amounts of alcohol to the point of getting sick or passing out (23 ...

What is the most dominant fraternity? ›

Currently, the largest fraternity by number of members is Sigma Alpha Epsilon. You can also rank frats by the number of active chapters across college campuses. Tau Kappa Epsilon holds this distinction with 290 chapters in colleges and universities.

What if you don't get a bid? ›

In the event someone doesn't get a bid, it doesn't mean their chance at being in a sorority has ended. Sometimes, women will not accept their bid or will need to drop out for some other reason.

Is it cheaper to live in a frat house or a dorm? ›

You aren't typically required to live in the fraternity house, so you may not have to pay housing costs, but these costs are often cheaper than living in on-campus dormitories. Aside from these fees, there are also the incidental costs of joining a fraternity.

Is frat life worth it? ›

If you're more reserved or plan on having a busy schedule, the obligations of Greek life might overwhelm you. However, if you're outgoing and attracted to the sense of camaraderie that comes with Greek life, joining a fraternity or sorority can benefit your time in college and beyond.

Are frat houses expensive? ›

Living in a Greek house is not usually a requirement, but just like living in the regular dorms adds to your college experience, so does living with your other fraternity or sorority members. Housing costs are going to run up your bill substantially. You'll face costs of anywhere between $1,000 to $7,000 per semester.

Is Greek life big at Penn State? ›

About 17% of Penn State students — about 8,000 people — are involved in Greek life. Nuwer said it would be wise to bring in a neutral compliance person who isn't connected with Penn State — rather than the compliance office being within Penn State.

What is the order of Omega at Penn State? ›

Order of Omega is a national Greek Leadership Honor Society that recognizes Juniors and Seniors who have exhibited and continue to exhibit exceptional leadership within the Greek community at Penn. Our members aim to push forth the positive aspects of Greek Life: character, scholarship, service, and leadership.

Is Pi Kappa Phi big? ›

With 187 active chapters and alumni groups nationwide, we are one of the top fraternities for active engagement. And we are the only national fraternity to establish and maintain its own non-profit organization. To be a true leader, you have to take the lead.

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