~ Blog Posts Written By RAs for RAs ~
Chances are, if you’re reading a blog post preparing for being an RA before you have even started training, your mind is probably already in the right place. That being said, you might want to know a few tips, tricks, and strategies to help you get ready for your first year. Whether you’re looking to build a potential career, build up your resume, or somewhere in between, knowing what you are getting into is usually a good start.
Before the Semester Starts
Depending on where you will be working this year, training should be an absolute treat. Think of it like taking an accelerated class, except instead of derivatives and essays about Voltaire’s philosophy, it will be policy, incident-response tactics, and team building exercises with your new coworkers.
The best advice would be to treat it like another class, except this time you’re actually getting paid (or earning some free housing). Take notes! Ask a few questions. By showing interest in your new role, you start to open doors for yourself.
As a side tangent, also put some thought into decorating your room. Seriously, with no roommate you’re now completely in charge of your castle, so preparing with some nice decorations and maybe a nice plant or two could be a nice way to destress. Besides, what else do you plan on doing moving in a week or two early?
Relationship Building
During training, and even as the semester starts, meeting new people and creating connections will pay great dividends for you in the future. Start by making friends with the other RAs on your staff. Go grab lunch with them, or dinner before/after staff meetings. Some of them might end up becoming your close friends, and some might even pick up a shift for you when you need it most.
Another way is to drop in on your supervisor to say hello sometime, such as in between classes. Ask if there is any way you can help, or look for feedback on your work. Simple acts like this could be all the difference when looking for a job reference, or if applicable, a promotion. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to be a nice person too.
In addition to your professional relationships, start putting some thought into connecting with your residents. It might seem a little daunting, but remember they are still your peers, and you’ll be living with them for the next eight months. Make some friends, make yourself known, and try to balance your responsibilities with still being a college student.
Getting Crafty
Bulletin boards and door decs are a quintessential part of being an RA. Now obviously some people are more artistically inclined than others, so the idea of making two, maybe three boards and 20+ name tags if you’re (un)lucky might bring up varying levels of excitement. Whether or not you like the idea of pulling out the construction paper and scissors, websites such as Pinterest provide infinite ideas and well needed guidance.
Now you should be provided with all of the materials you need, but if you were planning on being a little extra creative think about what you could be doing/preparing for before you move in for the semester.
Finishing Thoughts
Being an RA is a rewarding experience, and you’ll get out what you put in. By taking the time before the job starts to prepare yourself, you not only save yourself more time in the future, but you also prepare yourself personally and professionally.
Remember too that you can always ask for help, and lean on your coworkers when you need it–especially when the semester starts to get busier. You’re a student first, so if you feel like the walls are closing in around you, reach out to your supervisor and ask for some assistance.
