Where to Get your Party on: a Guide to Hopkins Fraternities

Alpha Delta Phi

This is the closest that Hopkins gets to fulfilling the Animal House archetype. Composed mostly of football players and other athletes, WaWa (that's its nickname, if you haven't read the Lingo Guide yet) has the reputation of being wild. Their parties are huge, and they usually boast plenty of ladies, including some from our neighboring schools.

Alpha Epsilon Pi

As the traditionally Jewish fraternity here at Hopkins, these guys are very active in religious activities, as well as the social scene. They finally have a new house this year, so expect more big bashes from them.

Beta Theta Pi

The total membership of this fraternity is considerably less than most of the other frats' pledge classes alone. If you end up at one of their parties, let us know -- we haven't heard about any Beta shindigs recently.

Lambda Phi Epsilon

This is the Asian-interest fraternity at good old Johnny Hop. You'll definitely hear about their club nights downtown, which are held a few times per semester. Plus they host a few well-promoted parties throughout the year.

Pi Kappa Alpha

Pike is the shortest distance from campus, so you're bound to end up here more than a few times (especially if you're not a fan of late-night power walking). You should definitely drop by their Piketoberfest or Margaritaville fiestas, which always bring in huge crowds.

Sigma Phi Epsilon

The fire-engine red door on their house is impossible to miss (and if, due to poor night vision, you don't notice the door, you'll definitely see a few lingering partygoers outside). They boast numerous themed parties (including one for practically every holiday) throughout the year, most notably the Heaven and Hell bash, which is guaranteed to foster some scandalous moments. And be sure to check out Sig-Ep's Game Night for a cool, laid-back Thursday activity.

Sigma Alpha Mu

The crowds at Sammy tend to build up more and more as the evening progresses. Come here for good dance music, since the brothers often play DJ in the basement, and for the often wide selection of beverage choices.

Sigma Chi

As the newest addition to JHU Greek Life, Sigma Chi is quickly building a strong, close-knit brotherhood. The house is impressively clean (which is very commendable due to the usual nature of frat houses), and the parties boast bigger and bigger crowds as the years progress. You'll definitely hear about their bashes, since the brothers promote them like crazy.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon

SAE, located on the corner of 30th and St. Paul Streets, is a Hopkins party staple. Their Front 9/Back 9 parties are among the most talked about of the school year -- don't miss 'em. They host many other popular bashes throughout the year, so you'll definitely be there more than a few times over the upcoming semesters.

Phi Gamma Delta

More commonly known as Fiji, this fraternity consists predominantly of mostly soccer and basketball players. In recent years, they have been without an official house, but that hasn't stopped these boys from having a good time. You won't receive a plethora of flyers from these guys, with the exception of ones for their annual Islander shindig, which is held in the President's Garden in the spring.

Phi Kappa Psi

Back in the day, Bloomberg was a member of this fraternity -- we're not sure if that has anything to do with the fact that they have an absolutely amazing house. Although their place is quite a trek from campus (and in an otherwise quiet neighborhood), it's worth stopping by for a few of the Phi Psi parties. Just don't be too loud on the way in. In addition to an overall laid-back scene, these guys often have bands jamming in the basement at their fiestas. Just don't bother them at 4:20 because they might be ... um ... busy.

Delta Phi (St. Elmo's)

This non-IFC fraternity has an affinity for tuxedos and cucumber sandwiches (no, seriously, their parties are actually catered). You'll probably get a monogrammed invitation in your mailbox at some point, but don't let this fool you -- their parties can get pretty packed. Just don't forget your old prom gown or coat and tie whenever you show up.