Why are American university campuses named after Greek letters?

Question

I've noticed in lots of movies set in US colleges that the student accomodation consists of many houses each associated with a set of Greek letters, such as 'Alpha Gamma Phi' What is that all about?

Answer 1

It has nothing to do with the University campus or student accommodation.

The three letters refer to the Fraternity or Sorority house - a select group of students within the University grounds. There are many such groups (known as chapters) throughout various Universities.

The terms Fraternity and Sorority come from the Latin words Frater and Soror for 'Brother' and 'Sister' respectively.

You may be able to find out more from the link I have included.

Answer 2

Some students live at their fraternities or sororities houses. Most colleges have organizations based on the Greek system (Delta Gamma, Alpha Phi) where students "rush" (essentially try out) to be a part of them. Some of these fraternities (for guys or co-ed) or sororities (for girls) specialize in certain majors, some are just for partying, some are for scholarly work or social justice or charitable causes and some are a mixture of all of those. Some of the members live in houses owned by the fraternity or sorority and those houses are usually labeled with the Greek letters that make up that organization's name.

Answer 3

I think you are mistaken -- the houses with the Greek letters are not regular student accomodations. The houses that are named with Greek letters are houses of fraternities and sororities. These are social organizations that students can join, but they are not dormitories for all students. Only members of the fraternity or sorority can live in the house. Fraternities and sororities often do have three Greek letters for a name. I'm not sure why that is.

Answer 4

The only ones named after greek letters are sororitys and fraternitys.

Answer 5

if you need an example of fraternities or sororities, watch the movie Old School, you're in for some laughs too

Answer 6

It's a feeble attempt to confuse future presidents.

Answer 7

because they are a bunch of pretentious twits, I guess they think it makes them more educated if they know at least three greek letters

Answer 8

those are fraternity and sorority houses

Answer 9

They are called frat houses.