I need help being a Resident Assistant (RA)!

[AnonymousFish]

Hi, everyone!
So I just got a surprising email today: I got offered a position as an RA at my University! (That's the student who lives on the floor with you and is "in charge," gives advice and etc. )
I'm excited, but also kinda nervous honestly. I don't know what to expect...or what to do, honestly.
So my question: has anyone here been or personally known an RA? What is it like, and moreso, what should I be like?

 

[EpicGamer12]

It really depends on your university and the type of dorm you're in. This is the kinda question you should ask a supervisor (or even things you can ask before you apply). Also, most people on this forum are either not old enough to be in post-secondary or are really anti-social. Good luck on being an RA though, congrats on the position!

 

[ShinyYoshi]

I'm actually an RA at my university right now! I just finished my first year on the job and it was really wonderful! I had about 30 residents that I made door tags for, did room checks for, and was available to help with. I lived in a building of about 300 residents and I became friends with some of them after the job was over.

My best advice is to remain fair and don't play favorites with anyone. Residents talk about what goes on around the place and they'll figure out if you got someone in trouble for something but not someone else. It ruins your credibility with the other residents and they won't trust you anymore. And it's also important to follow the rules you're enforcing. If residents see you breaking rules and you turn around and try to get them in trouble for breaking that rule, they will snitch on you or try to ignore you.

Also, just be yourself! There's no point in trying to change who you are. You got offered the job, so the department probably thinks you're fit for the job. Just be friendly and prepared for someone to knock on your door at any hour of the day/night.

If you have specific questions or concerns just hit me up, I'm happy to help

 

[Pyoopi]

For my university, the RA got free housing and their own room.

I've only been in 21 and over dorms that were co-ed. 21 and over RAs were laid back individuals who warned the students to hide anything rule breaking in our closets (ex: alcohol). Or if there was a candle, they merely told us to throw that away than a fine. I've only seen one RA fine $50 my roommate because she didn't check out on time.

One of my friends was a RA for an all-girls dorm and she said she constantly dealt with roommate disagreements. So basically a peacemaker. Girls can get petty fast.

I think freshmen dorms tend to have the most drama from what I heard. Plus this is their first years living with a total stranger; so there's a lot of disagreements.
--

I've never been an RA, but I have called RAs. I called one when my roommate invited a guy to sleep over. She kept breaking the rules.

I knocked on an RAs door at 4AM after I heard the elevator panic button be pressed. A group of guys got stuck in it and were panicking. I heard it from the fourth floor, and they were stuck between 2nd and 3rd.

Both my roommate and I had a mandatory meeting with our third roommate after she had a mega meltdown while screaming obscenities when we objected to her boyfriend sleeping over. Wowie.

I'm not trying to scare you. I just want to let you know, sometimes all hell can breaks loose. And you're going to have to grab the bull by its horns!

 

[mermaidshelf]

My favorite RAs were the ones that were your friends and were understanding. I know you shouldn't let people get away with doing restricted things but the ones that nitpicked everyone were the ones that had the most rebellious suitemates haha. Don't let the power go to your head but don't let them walk all over you either. Try to find a good medium and be their friend first. Uni is difficult enough and it helps to have a sympathetic ear.

 

[AnonymousFish]

Thanks, everyone! Since I just got the news that I got the job, I'm still a little overwhelmed with it all - your replies helped a lot! Have a fantastic rest of your day.

 

[forestyne]

I read the title as 'Resident Assassin' and did a double take. Had to reread a couple of times lmao.

 

[King Dorado]

congrats AnonymousFish!

I think you have to make it clear early on that you're not going to look the other way over rules violations in exchange for cheap beer or lowgrade booze. It's got to be the good stuff if they expect a favor!

also, figure out who's really snitchy so you can have them dig up dirt for you on the Hall Director. that info could really come in handy, maybe even get you a promotion!!!