What Are The Benefits of Being A Resident Advisor (RA)?

Should I become an RA? What are the benefits to becoming an RA? Becoming an RA is a decision that many people will think about in their educational careers. It is an important and vital role to take on, which requires some thought and consideration. The job is requires about 20 hours a week, but the job is rewarding when you put the time and effort in. You get to interact with residents everyday and you have the ability to guide them through their educational journey.

What is a Resident Advisor (RA)?

A Resident Advisor (RA) is a trained peer leader who lives in the resident hall and they work to promote community building by hosting events and being a tangible resource to the residents. An RA’s tasks can include planning community building events, reporting important information about residents, as well as working the Community Center desk. RA’s are integral for the function of dorms. They serve as the liaison between the building supervisor and the residents. They work to make sure every resident feels comfortable and welcome on campus.

Room + Board and Amenities are Covered

For compensation, RA’s get free Room and Board. That is worth about $13,000 USD, according to the housing website. By becoming an RA, you will be paid in a Single Room and in an unlimited meal plan. This is different than an hourly wage because you are paid in housing and food, rather than a paycheck. This is so you have the ability to eat with your residents and you can have your own room for down time during the job. The bathroom amenities are all taken care of by facilities.

Professional Skill Set

When you are an RA, you have the opportunity to build on your professional skill set. There are many administrative tasks that RA’s need to complete on a daily basis. They can range from completing bulletin boards in the halls to completing tasks at the Community Center. As an RA, you need to work at the Community Center Desk and those tasks include checking in mail, sending emails, answering calls, and answering any questions residents have.

You Work Where You Live

Everything you work on as an RA is usually in your residential building, which makes everything convenient and accessible. You do not need to travel far because everything is in your residential building usually. This allows for you to work directly from home and allows you to direct more time to your residents.

Make a Difference in the Resident’s Lives

As cliche as it sounds, as an RA, the residents look up to you for academic and life advice. You serve as their peer and as their immediate resource. The unique aspect of being an RA is that you are a student as well. You have been in your resident’s shoes before and can understand what they’re going through. Other academic advisors and supervisors cannot provide that connection. Make the most of your position and do your best to help each resident when possible. It is a rewarding position and you’ll look back fondly on the experiences you shared with your residents :)

How to Apply

On the Housing Website, the application will be posted around October/November for the upcoming school year. The application process can be competitive, but do not let that deter you from applying. Sometimes there are sporadic openings, like currently the application re-opened for people to apply for this upcoming Fall.

Written by Tiana Huang 

Undergraduate Student

Resident Adviser

DEI Intern, International Center