It’s a new home for many. It’s a new life for some. It’s a new school year for everyone.

It’s almost time to climb in bed with academia — the first time for several.

But if this year’s crop of new Iowa State students is anything like the harvest of years past, academics isn’t the only thing on the brain this fine nearly fall season.

The issue, one as old as the heavens themselves, is a collegiate path: the residence halls or a greek house.

A seemingly inconsequential decision in the grand scheme of a global community, but a pressing concern for freshmen nonetheless.

College students will grapple with the two worlds of residence halls and fraternities and sororities for eons to come.

And there really is no good advice to give those reaching for a decision, except this: Look inward.

Do what feels right. There can be no better indicator of your future happiness than your gut, so don’t discount it.

Each college realm has advantages and drawbacks.

Residence halls virtually guarantee an immediate circle of friends by reason of location and offer new students the chance to maintain at least some level of privacy. And they’re close, except for those Towers junkies, to nearly everything you need for a successful tour at Iowa State.

Residence halls are also traditionally cramped, causing new students to long for the open spaces of home.

Greek houses offer a total emersion, or trial-by-fire. New pledges have immediate contacts on campus, beyond their advisers. Those in greek houses are traditionally more involved in the high-profile campus activities and the social scenes can be inviting.

But with privilege comes responsibility, and greek houses demand much of a member’s time.

The choice is yours and yours alone. Think hard. Be decisive. Don’t chastise others for taking a different path. And once you’ve made a decision, give your home a chance. But remember that unlike a nuclear missile launch, you can always reverse course.