If you are wondering what to bring to sorority recruitment or what to pack in your rush bag, you are not alone.

Every year, I see girls show up to recruitment with overstuffed tote bags full of things they never use. Then, when they need something out of their bag, they are dumping and feeling frazzled to look for a bobby pin. Plus, let’s be honest, the back is heavy.

Here is the truth:

👉 Your rush bag should be simple, strategic, and intentional.
👉 You only need items that help you look polished, feel confident, and stay present in conversations.

At the end of the day, getting a bid is about connection, not what is in your bag.

Let’s walk through exactly what you should bring (and what you don’t need).

[FREE] I want to stand out with my conversations!

First, Think About Your Campus Logistics

Before you pack anything, ask yourself:

How far apart are the sorority houses?
Will I be walking long distances or running between parties?
Will I be outside in heat, humidity, or rain?
How long are my recruitment days?
Can I go back to my dorm or apartment during breaks?
Is lunch provided?

💡 At some schools, Panhellenic provides a bag or Ziploc for you to carry between houses. Always check your campus guidelines before buying a purse.

If you are bringing a purse:

Choose a shoulder bag (backpacks can leave sweat marks on you back)
Keep it lightweight and neutral
You should be able to carry it comfortably all day

What to Put in Your Rush Bag: Touch-Up Essentials

During recruitment, you may be talking to sororities for 8–10+ hours a day. Your goal is to look the same at your last party as you did at your first.

Bring a small makeup bag with only the essentials:

Must-Have Touch-Up Items

Lipstick, lip gloss, or chapstick
Pressed powder
Oil blotting sheets (or coffee filters. Yes, they work the same!)
Hair ties or claw clip
Travel-size deodorant
Roll-on perfume
Tide to Go Stick
Mini Fan
Mini mirror

✨ Pro Tip from a Rush Coach:
Set your makeup with setting spray + primer before the day starts. It will last significantly longer in the heat and humidity. (Primer is a game-changer if you have never used one.)

Hygiene + Comfort Essentials (That Girls Always Forget)

These are the items that make the biggest difference in your confidence and comfort throughout the day.

Mints (Not Gum)

Recruitment days are long, and you may have to eat quickly between parties. You will not always have time to brush your teeth, so mints are essential.

🚫 Skip the gum. The Sorority members do not want to see you chewing during conversations.

Band-Aids (Blister Prevention = Everything)

Even if your shoes are broken in, bring Band-Aids. You will be walking (and sometimes running) between houses, and blisters can:

Distract you during conversations
Make you look uncomfortable or disengaged
Affect your confidence

When your feet hurt, it is hard to be fully present.

Hairbrush or Comb

You may start the morning with perfect hair…and by midday, humidity + rain has taken over. A quick brush-through between parties helps you:

Feel put together
Stay confident
Make a strong impression in every house

Snacks (The Most Underrated Rush Essential)

Many colleges do NOT provide meals during recruitment. You may only have 20 minutes between houses, which means you likely will not have time to grab lunch.

So yes… you need a snack.

When I was recruiting for my sorority, I would always ask PNMs, “How has your day been so far?” Sometimes they would say, “I’m so hungry.”

But here’s the truth…They were not just hungry. They were HANGRY. They complained. They seemed negative. They lacked energy. When it came time to score them, that negative first impression stuck.

Why?

Because sororities are looking for women who are:
✨ Positive
✨ Energetic
✨ Fun to be around

If your energy is off because you have not eaten, it affects how you come across. Your first impression matters.You want to show up as the best version of yourself in every single conversation.

👉 Bring a snack.

What kind of snack should you bring?
Choose something:

Small
Easy to carry
Filling

A candy bar might sound good, but you’ll crash quickly. Instead, ask yourself:
“What will keep me full the longest?” My go-to: Quest protein bars

Water (Hydration = Confidence + Energy)

During recruitment you will:

Talk all day
Walk all day
Sweat (especially during August recruitment)

Each year there are stories of girls who:

Lose their voice
Get lightheaded
Or even faint

Bring a small water bottle you can refill throughout the day. Skip the giant 64 oz jug. Bring something that fits easily in your bag.

Rain, Emergencies & Just-in-Case Items

Small Umbrella

One minute it’s sunny… the next it’s a monsoon. Protect your hair, makeup, and outfit with a compact umbrella, especially at southern schools.

Feminine Products

Trust me, just pack them. You will be glad you did, or you will be able to help out someone.

Portable Charger

Your phone is essential during recruitment:

Your schedule is on it
You may vote on it
You will take notes after conversations
You may connect with girls on Instagram

Bring a portable charger so your phone does not die mid-day.

Bonus Essentials

A Little Caffeine

The first round of recruitment is long and exhausting. You are:

On your feet all day
Talking all day
Smiling all day

By the end of the day, you might be dragging. A little caffeine can help keep your energy and personality up through your last party. Skip anything bulky or messy.

Bring something: