Lately, it feels like journaling has become super popular again. You might see it all over social media. People using journals to set goals, save memories, or even just collect stickers and random scraps from their day (shoutout to junk journaling fans!). Maybe it’s time to try out a new habit. One that could seriously help you as an RA or student staff member. Journaling isn’t just a creative hobby. It can actually make your work as an RA easier and more meaningful. Over the past few months, I tried keeping a “work journal” specifically for my RA role. Here’s what I learned:
Why bother journaling as an RA?
Set healthy boundaries with work.
Sometimes after a long day, a rough interaction with a resident can take over your whole evening. Journaling about it helps you process your feelings without letting work stuff live rent-free in your brain (or take over your conversations with friends).
Stay organized with your projects.
Whether it’s planning programs, tracking bulletin boards, or managing roommate conflicts, having a record of what you’ve done (and when) is a huge help when things get busy.
Keep important info in one place.
A journal (physical or digital) is private and safe. It’s your personal space to keep notes, ideas, and reminders, without worrying about losing files or breaking any confidentiality rules.
Understand your own rhythms.
Tracking when you feel most productive (or most tired) during the week can help you plan your tasks better. Maybe you’re better at bulletin board brainstorming in the mornings, or maybe tough conversations go smoother in the afternoons. Knowing this about yourself is a game-changer.
What should you put in an RA work journal?
- Weekly productivity graphs: Highlight which hours you feel most energized and which ones are tougher.
- Habit trackers: Keep up with habits you want to build, like checking in with a different resident every day or taking time to de-stress.
- Meeting notes: Summarize your one-on-ones, staff meetings, or committee updates.
- Program ideas and reflections: Brainstorm and then reflect on how events went.
- To-do lists: Never forget a bulletin board again!
- Workday highlights: Write about memorable interactions or accomplishments. It can be helpful later for resumes or job interviews.
- Inspirational quotes: A little motivation never hurts.
- Feelings about work: Be real with yourself. It’s okay to write the highs and the lows.
What I learned from journaling
It helped me enjoy my personal time more.
Separating my RA stuff into a work journal meant my personal journal stayed focused on my actual life outside of work.
It boosted my memory.
If I remembered something random during rounds, writing it down immediately helped me follow through later.
Perfection isn’t the goal.
At first, I wanted my journal to be “Pinterest perfect” with neat handwriting, pretty designs. But I realized it’s way more important to use the journal than to make it look pretty.
Start simple. Don’t fall into the stationery trap.
It’s tempting to spend $$$ on fancy journals and pens, but honestly, any notebook or app will do. Save your money!
Having everything in one place = less stress.
No more digging through emails or sticky notes. Everything is right there when I need it.
Ready to try it? Here are a few ways to start:
- Use what you already have. Try free online templates or just grab a cheap notebook.
- Consider a planner with extra space. Some options like the Hobonichi Weeks have calendars plus tons of notes pages (but start with a simple notebook if you’re new).
- Try dot grid notebooks. They’re flexible and inexpensive, perfect for creating your own layouts.
- Look at Etsy or Notion templates. If you prefer digital, Notion is free and very customizable.
- Invest in a good pen and maybe a stencil. Especially if you like tracking habits or drawing simple charts.
Whether you’re brand new to journaling or just looking for new ideas, I hope this inspires you to give it a shot. Journaling can be an awesome tool to make your RA experience more organized, more intentional, and a lot less stressful. Plus, it’s a great way to capture memories from what will probably be one of the most memorable years of your life.
You’ve got this!
Adapted from Write that Down, Write that Down! Journaling for Success in Student Affairs
