So, you’ve officially landed the RA job. First off, congratulations! You’ve survived the interviews, the group process, and the waiting game. Now that the initial “I got the job!” high is settling, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and a sudden, slight panic about what actually happens next.
Being a Resident Assistant is one of those rare college experiences that can completely change your trajectory. It’s not just a job; it’s an immersive leadership role where you live where you work. Because it’s so unique, there’s a lot of noise out there about what an RA “should” be. If you’re looking for a way to start your journey on the right foot, here is some real-talk advice on how to navigate the transition, set your boundaries, and actually enjoy the ride.
1. Find Your “Why” Early On
Most people don’t become RAs just for the housing credit. There’s usually a deeper reason. For some, it’s because they had an incredible RA their first year who made them feel like they belonged. For others, it’s the desire to be a resource for people who might be struggling to find their place. Whatever your reason is, hold onto it. This role is about retention, not just keeping students in the building, but helping them find a reason to stay at the university. When you’re tired or dealing with a difficult situation, remembering that you’re a key part of someone else’s success story will keep you grounded.
2. Debunking the “Extrovert” Myth
There is a common misconception that to be a good RA, you have to be the loudest person on the floor, knocking on every door and high-fiving everyone in the hallway. Let’s clear that up: you do not have to be an extrovert to be successful. In fact, being an introvert can be a massive advantage in this role. Introverted RAs are often incredible at the one-on-one connections and deep, intentional conversations that actually build a community. If you aren’t the “spontaneous hallway chat” type, lean into your strengths as a planner. Schedule your coffee chats, be intentional with your one-on-ones, and use your observation skills to notice the residents who are flying under the radar. Whether you’re a social butterfly or a quiet observer, there is a place for your personality type on the team.
3. You Aren’t the “Fun Police”
Another myth that tends to scare new RAs is the idea that you’re essentially a hall-dwelling police officer. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Your job isn’t to shut down fun; it’s to create an environment where fun can happen safely. Think of yourself as a community architect. You’re setting the parameters so that everyone feels comfortable living in the space. When you have to address a policy, it’s about the community’s well-being, not about being a buzzkill. If you approach the role with the mindset of building community rather than “policing” it, your residents will see you as an ally rather than an obstacle.
4. Master the Art of the “Spoon”
Since you live where you work, the boundaries can get blurry fast. Successful RAs learn early on how to manage their energy or what some call their “spoons.” You have to be aware of how much of yourself you’re giving away. It’s okay to be honest with your supervisor and your residents about your bandwidth. If you’ve had a week full of exams and personal stress, you might have fewer “spoons” to give to a floor program. Learning to say, “This is where I’m at today,” is a vital skill. It’s better to give 100% of the energy you actually have than to try to give 120% and end up burnt out before the first month is over.
5. Build the Boss Connection
Your supervisor is your biggest resource. Before the semester even starts, try to reach out and get a feel for their supervisory style. Everyone is different. Some supervisors want constant updates, while others prefer to let you run your floor autonomously. Be open about what you need from them. If this is your first job ever, tell them! If you’re nervous about a specific part of the role, like confrontation, let them know. They are there to help you grow, and building that rapport early will make it much easier to come to them when a crisis eventually happens.
6. The Case for a “Quiet” Summer
Once you get the job, it’s tempting to head to Pinterest and start crafting 50 door decorations and three months’ worth of bulletin boards in June.
The best advice? Don’t.
First, your supervisor might have specific themes or requirements you don’t know about yet. Second, and more importantly, you need to finish your current year strong and take a real break. The RA role can be emotionally taxing, and you don’t want to show up to August training already tired from over-preparing. Use your summer to rest, explore your own hobbies, and recharge. If you start journaling or pick up a new sport over the break, that’s actually something cool you can share with your residents later.
7. Learn, Discover, and Grow
If you had to pick a mantra for your first year, let it be this: Learn, Discover, and Grow.
- Learn about the people around you and the institution you’re representing.
- Discover new things about yourself, like how you handle pressure or how you relate to people different from you.
- Grow through the challenges. There will be growing pains, and there will be nights that are harder than others, but every situation is an opportunity to become a more capable version of yourself.
You are exactly where you are meant to be. Trust the process, trust your training, and most importantly, trust yourself. You’ve got this!
