As universities across the nation welcome students back for the fall semester, a new viral trend has emerged on social media that encapsulates the unique experiences of those involved in sororities. This phenomenon particularly captures the attention of prospective sorority recruits, sparking discussions around what are being referred to as “sorority cold rooms.”
These cold rooms, often located in the attics or basements of sorority houses, typically consist of communal sleeping areas equipped with rows of bunk beds. The temperature in these dormitory-style sleeping arrangements is maintained at a rarely fluctuating 68 degrees Fahrenheit. According to a current sorority leader from a prominent university, these setups can be likened to a large living room stripped of any traditional furnishing, save for the beds lining the walls or organized in long rows, resembling an experience similar to attending a summer camp.
The concept of “cold dorms” isn’t particularly novel; many of these sorority chapter houses were constructed decades ago with the intention of providing a shared, chilly sleeping area. Over time, as renovations have taken place, some have transitioned to more standard dormitory layouts, but the cold dorms have persisted in many institutions. Notable universities such as Florida State University, Purdue University, Indiana University, and the University of Washington have become focal points on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where students share experiences related to these cold rooms.
An interesting anecdote from a TikTok user who graduated from Florida State highlighted the “sorority sleeping porch” experience. According to her, while members had individual rooms, their presence was encouraged to be felt on the sleeping porch for various reasons, one of which was safety linked to historical events related to infamous serial killers, specifically Ted Bundy. This safety measure, albeit seemingly bizarre, sparked conversations about the relevance of such a justification, as she reflected on how tenuous the connection felt.
The TikToker revealed that despite the somewhat eerie historical reminder, the decision to sleep on the porch derived largely from its tranquil atmosphere, making it a preferred choice for many sorority members. Numerous comments sprang up beneath her video, revealing shared experiences across other campuses, with one user noting that at the University of Washington, nearly all houses had similar sleeping arrangements—except for a couple of exceptions. The shared experiences weren’t particularly flattering, as some users noted that illness seemed to circulate quickly among individuals in cold dorms, often causing dissatisfaction that contributed to some women ultimately deciding to leave their sororities.
Further commentary from other TikTok users shared similar sentiments about their experiences in cold dorms, describing the challenges of these communal living situations. One user who attended Purdue University described her sorority house as beautiful from the outside but cramped within due to the large number of sisters residing there, prompting a necessity for shared cold sleeping arrangements. Despite the somewhat gloomy description of the cold dorm atmosphere as “really dark, really cold,” she humorously recounted missing numerous morning classes due to oversleeping, emphasizing a kind of fondness for the experience.
The viral discussions surrounding these cold rooms have led to diverging opinions, with some expressing nostalgia and love for the arrangements, whereas others raised concerns about safety, especially in regards to fire regulations. Comments ranged from effusive praise about sleeping in such environments to worries about the safety of communal sleeping arrangements within sorority houses.
In conclusion, the rise of the “sorority cold room” trend documents a unique aspect of Greek life that resonates with many students, generating lively discussions online. As students settle back into their college dungeons, these experiences reflected in social media provide a window into the distinct customs and living arrangements that characterize sorority life in contemporary American colleges. Whether cherished or critiqued, the idea of cold dorms has undoubtedly woven itself into the fabric of sorority experiences in major universities nationwide.
