Greek Life
Four houses, four traditions
Collegiate societies of European standing, each with its own hall, its own charitable programme and its own place in the university year.
The Houses
Societies of St. Estè
Two houses admit on demonstrated merit; two by invitation of their standing committees. All four are governed under the university's societies statute and answer to the Dean of Students.
Fraternity — Merit
House of Apollo
Per Aspera Ad Astra
Through hardship to the stars
Excellence, ambition, achievement.
St. Estè's most prestigious merit-based society for men, named for the god of light, music, athletics and prophecy. Apollo seeks members who have distinguished themselves through exceptional talent rather than privilege alone.
President · Yuzuru Watanabe
Fraternity — Invitation
House of Dionysus
Luxuria cum Honore
Luxury with honour
Legacy, influence, celebration.
An invitation-only society synonymous with the cultural and social life of St. Estè. Inspired by the god of wine, theatre and celebration, Dionysus convenes the university's most storied families, patrons and public figures.
President · Ryder Vaughn
Sorority — Merit
House of Athena
Per Scientiam Imperium
Through knowledge, command
Wisdom, excellence, leadership.
The university's premier merit-based society for women, founded on the ideals of wisdom and strategy. Athena recognises women whose accomplishments have earned distinction across the university community.
President · Paridhi Verma
Sorority — Invitation
House of Aphrodite
Per Rosas ad Regnum
Through roses to sovereignty
Elegance, culture, presence.
An invitation-only society celebrating elegance, cultural influence and public presence. Aphrodite treats charisma and sophistication as forms of leadership in their own right.
President · Hera Choi
Philanthropy
The Charity Cup
Each spring the four houses compete in a university-wide philanthropic rivalry of auctions, benefit evenings and community initiatives. Every house raises for causes aligned with its own mission, and the totals are read aloud at the closing convocation. The competition is, by long custom, taken extremely seriously.
Membership
Recruitment
Merit houses open nominations each Michaelmas term; invitation houses issue offers privately through their committees. All members must remain in good academic standing, and every house is required to publish its charitable accounts to the Dean of Students at the close of the year.