Fraternities, Sororities, and Independent Living Groups

MIT recognized 43 fraternities, sororities, and independent living groups (FSILGs), offering diverse opportunities for community and leadership. Among them, 25 are nationally affiliated fraternities, and three are local. There are also five local independent living groups—four co-ed and one exclusively for women. All 10 sororities are nationally affiliated, with six offering residential housing.

Most FSILGs operate off-campus residential facilities located in Boston, Brookline, or Cambridge, which are owned by their respective house corporations. Governance within the FSILG community is structured through four councils: the Interfraternity Council (IFC) oversees 25 fraternities and one sorority, the Panhellenic Association represents six sororities, the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) supports six multicultural fraternities and sororities, and the Living Group Council advocates for the five independent living groups.

The FSILG presence at MIT dates back to 1873, when the first fraternity was established. Today, approximately 34% of undergraduates are affiliated with an FSILG. These organizations foster leadership development, community engagement, and strong peer connections. Members actively participate in campus organizations, hold leadership roles, engage in athletics, and contribute to charitable and nonprofit initiatives.

Guided by core values of leadership, scholarship, citizenship, and service, each FSILG is self-governed under a shared-governance model. Chapters manage their own operations, maintenance, academic initiatives, social programming, and membership policies while shaping their own unique communities while being supported by the FSILG Office.

To support student well-being, each residential FSILG has a Graduate Resident Advisor (GRA)—a graduate student hired, trained, and supervised by MIT. GRAs serve as mentors, guides, and key liaisons between undergraduate members, alumni/ae, and the Institute.

Students have numerous opportunities to learn about FSILGs throughout the academic year. The primary recruitment period for IFC fraternities and Panhellenic sororities typically takes place in September, though many organizations host recruitment events year-round. Incoming students can explore FSILGs during Orientation and Campus Preview Weekend.

For more information, email the FSILG Office, call 617-253-4663, or visit W59-200.