RA360: Student Identities and Populations
TL;DR
Everyone experiences the world through a unique set of circumstances, backgrounds, and beliefs. Learning more about student who hold different identities or are from different populations than yourself can helps you serve all students better.
If we attempted to cover all the possible populations, we’d be here all day. Use this as a jumping off point to think critically about a group you might serve or a shared identity that folks could bond over. Whether it becomes central to a roommate conflict or leads you to a great idea for a program, bulletin board, or door tag, knowing and celebrating who is in the room and catering to them in these ways can help your residents become closer and establish connections.
Why It Matters
Every floor meeting, roommate conflict, or casual chat in the hallway is shaped by identity both yours and your residents’. When RAs or student staff members take time to learn about the diverse populations they serve, you’re not just memorizing facts, you’re practicing empathy, cultural humility, and leadership that actually makes a difference. This understanding directly influences how you show up in your role, from day-to-day interactions to big-picture community building:
- Build inclusive communities where students feel seen, respected, and safe.
- Respond thoughtfully to conflict, mental health needs, and cultural misunderstandings.
- Create programs and initiatives that resonate with a variety of student experiences—not just the loudest voices in the room.
- Model allyship and advocacy, showing other students what it means to live out values of equity and inclusion in daily life.
Understanding identity is powerful, but applying that knowledge in your daily work as an RA or student staff member is where the real impact happens. Whether you’re leading a staff discussion, planning a bulletin board, or just reflecting on your own biases and experiences, these resources are designed to help you engage with identity in meaningful, interactive ways. These aren’t just worksheets they’re also conversation starters, perspective shifters, and opportunities for real growth.
Varying Abilities
How to Be an Anti-Ableist Ally
“Ableism is defined as discrimination or social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior. And, essentially, ableism is a set of values and beliefs about what kinds of people are normal and what kinds of people aren’t.”
First Generation Students
First-generation college students are often figuring things out as they go, with no family roadmap for college life. They might be unsure how college works, stressed about money, or balancing family expectations alongside classes. As an RA or student staff member, your support matters big time. Be a go-to person for questions, help connect them with resources like financial aid or campus groups, and remind them they belong here. Sometimes, just showing up and saying, “You’re not alone,” makes all the difference.
Student Athletes
Student athletes live a double life, balancing rigorous practice, travel, and performance with all the pressures of being a full-time student. You might have a few in your community, and it’s helpful to understand what’s on their plate.
Here are a few quick things to keep in mind:
- Tight schedules = less sleep, less flexibility, and more stress.
- Injuries + recovery aren’t just physical, they can take a mental toll, too.
- Frequent travel = missed classes and falling behind.
- Limited free time makes socializing and getting involved tough.
- Scholarships can be confusing and bring extra financial pressure.
- Identity balance: they’re not just athletes, and they may feel stuck between worlds.
Want more? Check our this article for tips on supporting the student athletes on your floor:
LGBTQIA+ Community
You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference, you just need to be intentional. LGBTQIA+ students deserve to feel safe and affirmed where they live. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Names and pronouns matter. Use the ones students share with you; no exceptions.
- Avoid assumptions. About gender, relationships, or identity. Let students define themselves.
- Visibility counts. A small rainbow sticker or inclusive language in your programs can go a long way.
- Respect privacy. Outing someone, even accidentally, can have serious consequences.
- Listen and learn. If someone shares feedback or a concern, take it seriously, and act when needed.
Every student deserves to feel like their full self in your community. Your allyship helps make that happen.
International Students
International students on college campuses face a unique set of challenges and needs that differ from your domestic residents. It can include:
- Cultural Adjustment and Social Integration
- Language Barriers
- Visa and Immigration Issues
- Academic Expectations
- Financial Concerns
- Health and Wellness Services
- Cultural Events and Community Building
- Career Development and Networking
Given these unique challenges international student residents face, how can you as an RA or student staff member support them?
You will likely do many of the same things you would do with your domestic residents, such as helping them navigate their new environment and feel welcomed in the community, but it may look a little bit different. You can offer guidance on adjusting to life in a different country, from understanding academic expectations to managing practical tasks like banking, transportation, and housing. You can also organize cultural events, social gatherings, and workshops that celebrate diversity, allowing international students to connect with others and share their cultural traditions.
Native & Indigenous Students
Native and Indigenous college students often face unique challenges that impact their success and well-being on campus. These include cultural disconnection, isolation, financial hardship, underpreparedness due to inequitable K-12 education, and systemic barriers within higher education. Many also navigate mental health concerns rooted in intergenerational trauma and experience racism or microaggressions. Despite their resilience, these students are often underserved by institutions not equipped to meet their specific needs. Understanding these challenges is essential for creating more inclusive and supportive campus environments.
Religious & Spiritual Identities
Religion and spirituality can be deeply personal, community-based-or both, and students may practice in ways that are visible, private, or somewhere in between. As student staff, it’s key to foster a space where everyone’s beliefs (or non-beliefs) are respected.
Keep in mind:
- Diverse traditions = diverse needs. Some students may need time off for religious holidays, prayer spaces, or accommodations during fasting.
- Be mindful of assumptions. Don’t guess someone’s beliefs based on appearance or background.
- Respect sacred items and practices. Whether it’s a prayer rug, food restrictions, or specific dress treat these with the same respect you’d want for your own values.
- Curiosity is good. Judgment is not. It’s okay to ask respectfully, but it’s never okay to mock or minimize a student’s beliefs.
- Interfaith and non-religious students count too. Make space for all worldviews, including agnosticism, atheism, and spiritual-but-not-religious folks.
For more ideas and tips, check out our page Inclusivity and Belonging Which is packed with ways to help every resident feel seen and valued.
Questions To Ponder:
- What kinds of backgrounds and identities do you see on your own floor or in your own community?
- Are there certain backgrounds and identities you think you need to learn more about? What’s you plan for doing that?
- How can you leverage this knowledge in support of your residents?
RA360 Outcomes:
RAs and student staff members will be able to:
- Identify the various student characteristics and identities that residents possess.
- Apply knowledge of unique student characteristics and identities to support residents and engage in inclusive daily practice.
More To Explore
RA360 is a set of resources organized around skills, topics and competencies relevant to Resident Advisors and similar related student staff positions in college and university residence halls.
