Housing and Residence Life: Community & Engagement | Competencies & Learning | Care & Case Management | Assessment
It’s that time of year again. The residence halls are quiet, the air conditioning is (hopefully) blasting, and you’re probably sitting in a multipurpose room chair for the eighth hour today. RA training is a unique kind of marathon. Between the policy deep-dives, the "Behind Closed Doors" role-plays, and the endless icebreakers, it’s easy to... Continue Reading →
In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, we discuss the unique challenge that comes with the RA and student staff role: balancing being a community leader while still being a college student yourself. From navigating friendships with residents, to handling uncomfortable social situations, and from maintaining professional boundaries, to protecting your own well-being in the student staff role. Whether you’re struggling with saying “no,” figuring out how close is too close, or trying to maintain a healthy social life while on staff, this episode offers honest advice and practical strategies for maintaining balance in the residence halls.
The first car has not even pulled into the parking lot yet, but your day has already started. You have walked your floor more than once, finished setting up your door decorations, attended training sessions, and maybe even answered a few questions from anxious families passing through. Although residents have not arrived yet, your role... Continue Reading →
As a Resident Assistant (RA), you learn about resources you may not have realized existed at your institution. You learn how to recommend resources to your residents and even how to offer to go with them to the resource when you feel they need it at the moment. A topic that may not be covered... Continue Reading →
You spent time planning the program. You created the flyers, reserved the space, picked up supplies, and maybe even told your supervisor this would be the event to watch out for. Then the start time arrives, and instead of a packed room, only a handful of residents walk through the door. I’m talking five people... Continue Reading →
If you’ve chosen to serve as a student leader, aside from the financial benefit, you were likely drawn to the role because of a desire to help people. You have likely found yourself to have tips and tricks for your friends or have been willing to be a listening ear to someone in need. However,... Continue Reading →
In this episode of Roompact's RA*EdChat, we go behind the scenes of residence life to explore how strong staff relationships shape the RA experience. “Behind the Scenes: Working With Your Team” dives into collaboration, communication, and peer support, highlighting how successful communities are built not just through resident connections but through trust and teamwork among staff members. We meet with Katelyn Neeley, a community director who shares knowledge and personal experience on the topic, as well as advice for RAs.
When you’re working in Residence Life or Housing, you’re going to interact with people you might not usually choose to hang out with in your personal life - it's part of what makes the job challenging and meaningful. Through this, one of the most common situations RAs run into is realizing they don't have a... Continue Reading →
If you've found yourself browsing job postings while preparing for summer, you're not alone. For many student staff members, summer employment in Housing and Residence Life comes with a significant benefit: housing. Depending on your institution, you may also receive a stipend, meal plan, or other compensation. Because of this, there can sometimes be an... Continue Reading →
For many student staff members, receiving golf cart access feels like a milestone. One day you're carrying supplies across campus by hand, and the next you’re behind the wheel of a university vehicle, headed to a program setup or responding to a lockout. While golf carts may not seem like a big deal at first,... Continue Reading →
Door decorations and bulletin boards are more than check-the-box tasks; they are often the first impression residents have of their community. In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat,, we sit down with a Nikki Garcia to explore how RAs can create intentional, engaging, and meaningful visuals that go beyond aesthetics. From planning timelines to interactive strategies,... Continue Reading →
You’re walking down the hall in your building when you see a group of your freshman residents “covertly” rushing a case of beer into their room. And for a second or two, a lot of RAs and student staff aren’t solely thinking about policy. They’re thinking: “Why me?”, “Why would they do that?”, and “Man,... Continue Reading →
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a time when conversations around wellness, balance, and self-care become more visible. As student staff, you likely can easily list approaches for supporting mental health. Strategies such as sleep, boundaries, exercise, connection, and mindfulness. You’ve probably discussed these in training sessions or workshops. The challenge... Continue Reading →
As a Residence Life student staff member, stepping into a summer role can feel like a completely different job. The structure of the academic year fades, and residence halls quickly fill with new faces, expectations, and a faster pace. For anyone who has not experienced summer on campus before, it can feel overwhelming at first,... Continue Reading →
On March 29, 2026, with ten seconds left on the clock, University of Connecticut (UConn) men’s basketball team was trailing Duke by three points in the Elite Eight. (If you’re not a sports person, stay with me. It’ll make sense soon). Silas Demray Jr. from UConn made one of two free throws knocking the lead... Continue Reading →
This episode of RA*Chat features insights from Tim Turner, offering advice to help RAs navigate move-out with confidence and care. From handling damage-related conversations and conducting thorough room checks to managing residents' emotions, Tim emphasizes the importance of clear communication, accomplishments, and getting support from peers and supervisors. He also shares strategies for managing stress during this busy season while still creating a positive and supportive closing experience for residents.
Consider a scenario in which you require guidance, support, or a professional recommendation from your supervisor. Despite working closely with them, you recognize that your relationship has remained largely transactional. This realization highlights the importance of intentionally developing that connection before it becomes necessary. Why This Matters It is important to acknowledge that most of... Continue Reading →
Post-spring break, hopefully you came back refreshed. Some of your residents… did not. Across campuses, the weeks leading up to finals see a surge of roommate and suitemate conflicts. There’s a tipping point as students hit their stress limit: stress builds, burnout sets in, and small issues start to feel much bigger. As an RA... Continue Reading →
