Our big fat Greek school

One of orientation's main functions is to acquaint freshmen with the realities of Princeton's social scene. They quickly recognize that despite the claims in admissions pep talks and campus tours, fraternities and sororities are an important part of Princeton's social scene.

Memo to freshmen: Although most students don't join Greek groups, those who do are often socially defined by their membership. Frats and sororities act as "feeders" for the bicker eating clubs. Prospect street is the real alpha and omega of Princeton's social scene, and if you join a frat or a sorority it will likely channel you into the club most of your older brothers or sisters call home. On the other hand, every eating club has a large number of members who are totally uninvolved in the Greek system. You don't necessarily need to rush to get into even the most selective clubs later on.

In fact, it may be smart to hold off for now. If you end up in a frat or sorority, your social future will be laid out before you, for better or worse. You haven't experienced enough of Princeton in the last few days to know what you really want. The problem with the Greek system is that it doesn't let you read the menu before ordering your social entrée.

Memo to administrators: You need to more openly acknowledge the role of Greek groups on campus. The amount of Greek presence on campus is often an important factor for high school seniors choosing a school, and it is currently almost impossible for prospective students to get an accurate idea of the important role Greek groups play at Princeton. Regardless of whether they are sanctioned as student organizations, you need to tell prospective students about these groups so they can make informed choices.

Also, steering freshmen away from excessive drinking is a good goal, but closing the Street during orientation doesn't help. Greek groups, which you effectively don't regulate, are sites of far riskier drinking than are the clubs. Don't take our word for it — have two or three glasses of the mysterious sweet punch they're serving, and tell us how you feel the next day. Drinking beer, in a supervised and reasonably public setting, is a much healthier and safer way to enjoy alcohol.

Daily Princetonian editorials are written by the Editorial & Opinion Editors, Managing Editors and Editor-In-Chief.