7 Things You'll Definitely Do as an RA

There are plenty of good and bad things about being a Resident Assistant in college. Check out these seven things you'll definitely experience as an RA.

Being an RA has boundless benefits. You get to help students out, earn a bit of extra cash, and build your résumé. You promise to be kind but fair when it comes to dealing with disciplinary actions, and your Pinterest boards are bursting with program and bulletin board ideas.

No matter how prepared you think you are though, there are some things they won’t tell you up front about the job. And there are certain things you’ll experience as an RA, no matter who your residents are.

Related: 4 Reasons You Should Be an RA…and 4 Reasons You Shouldn’t

1. You’ll pass it on

Jack

You want to be available to your residents no matter what. But sometimes that’s just not possible. Whether it’s because you’re not on duty, you’re bogged under school work, or your resident just has bad timing, you’ll end up passing the buck at some point. Don’t feel badly when you do—just remember to check in with that resident later so they know you still care.

2. You’ll get TMI from your residents

Steve Harvey 

When you build a strong bond with your residents, they’re sure to open up to you. Which is great…until it isn’t. You want to be someone they can talk to, but every once in a while, they’ll drop something you don’t know what to do with. Take it as a compliment that they consider you a friend instead of the residence hall police officer! (And maybe establish some boundaries.)

3. You’ll know everything

thriller

Be prepared to be plugged in! That TMI they told you, definitely some tea. Late-night rounds will let you know who’s dating whom and which “vegetarians” are ordering wings at 2:00 am. Not to mention there’s the inevitable, “Let me tell you what __________did!” So sit tight and get ready to know all.

4. You’ll get overwhelmed

The good news: so does everyone else! The bad news: your residents’ breakdowns will probably be concurrent with yours. Don’t feel bad if you have to take a step back from RA duties and take care of yourself.

If you’re going through something rough, be honest about it. Let your residents know you want to help, but you can’t right now and send them to the proper channels. Just remember to check in so they know you’re not just blowing them off.

5. You’ll ship residents

Gif

Yup, shipping isn’t just for celebrities. You’ll notice when a pair of residents or their friends should be taking it to the next level. But don’t try to intervene on the great big circle of life. Just sit back and wait; let it happen on its own. Then when it does? Celebrate!

6. You’ll have to document students

Sam

No matter how good your residents are, there’s always going to be at least one incident. (If you’re lucky, only one!) Just keep calm, breathe, and go through the paces. When it’s over, pat yourself on the back for getting through it in one piece.

7. You’ll make some amazing friends

golden

Being an RA is a great way to meet people. You’ll find some of your best friends forever among your residents, cos, and RA family, guaranteed!

Related: The Do’s and Don’ts of Campus Life

Did we miss your favorite part of being an RA? Tweet us what you love @CollegeXpress!

Like what you’re reading?

Join the CollegeXpress community! Create a free account and we’ll notify you about new articles, scholarship deadlines, and more.

Join Now

Tags:

About Kara E. Joyce

Kara E. Joyce is an editor and writer who frequently contributes to CollegeXpress. When she isn’t hunched over editing material, you can find her powerlifting in the gym, pirouetting in a dance studio, or planning her next adventure.

 

Join our community of
over 5 million students!

CollegeXpress has everything you need to simplify your college search, get connected to schools, and find your perfect fit.

Join CollegeXpress
Kelly Nogueiro

Kelly Nogueiro

Counselor

For me, CollegeXpress has given me a valuable tool to use with my students to explore colleges easily beyond objective data. It helps me find colleges for students that fit their needs and wants that aren’t quite so black and white. It's a wealth of knowledge, and the Type-A side of me loves all the lists and the fact that I know they're coming from folks who know what they're talking about. I share it with colleagues and students alike, and it's always well received.

Joan Franklin

Joan Franklin

Counselor

I love this website and have been using it for years with my students. I originally bought products through Wintergreen Orchard House and appreciated having key facts at my fingertips when advising students. Your site is easy to access and offers a wide array of topics I need as a busy college counselor.

Laura Wallace

Laura Wallace

High School Class of 2019

My favorite part of CollegeXpress is that it features student writers so I get an inside perspective from students slightly older and farther along than me. I realize that other college websites also utilize student writers; however, I relate the most to the college writers that I read articles from on CollegeXpress.

Jessica Rinker

Jessica Rinker

Student, Fairhaven High School; CollegeXpress Student Writer

My high school counselor introduced me to CollegeXpress freshman year. It has made such a difference in high school, and I plan to continue relying on it in college. CollegeXpress is my go-to because it addresses each aspect of being a student. There are the articles you’d expect regarding college applications and financial aid, but you will also find advice on things like de-stressing and maintaining relationships while balancing a heavy course load. CollegeXpress will also keep you updated on current scholarships through e-mails each Saturday. (They don’t harass you with any product promotion like so many other sites do.) CollegeXpress is a lot like an older sibling who has already conquered the challenges you are facing. Now, they are reaching out a helpful hand. I say take it.

Alexandra Adriano

Alexandra Adriano

$2,000 Community Service Scholarship Winner, 2016

I've used CollegeXpress quite a bit as a senior, particularly for colleges and scholarships, so it's been a very big asset in that respect! I would recommend it to anyone looking to pursue a college education, especially seniors! This scholarship will help me achieve my goals in ways I couldn't have before, and I know that there are opportunities like that for everyone on the website and in the magazines!

College Matches
X

Colleges You May Be Interested In

Ohio University

Athens, OH

Stevenson University

Stevenson, MD