By Danielle Jones Becoming an RA for the first time is an exciting time. There are many possibilities of what the future may hold and the impact one may get to have on their residents. However, returning as an RA can sometimes bring challenges. With a year or two of experience, returning may feel draining.... Continue Reading →
1 Tip For Returning RAs: Remember Why You Chose to Come Back
Returning as a Resident Advisor is a deliberate choice. Itโs a decision made after youโve already experienced late-night duty rounds, difficult conversations, paperwork, and emotional labor. No one accidentally signs up to do this job twice. Thatโs why, when the year becomes demanding, itโs essential to remember why you came back to this job in... Continue Reading →
1 Tip For Returning RAs: Itโs Okay to Ask For Help & When to Reach Out
By Kate Pilcher Returning to the RA role often comes with a quiet, unspoken pressure: you should know this by now. Youโve already navigated your way around campus, duty, rounds, roommate conflicts, crisis protocols, and the sometimes emotionally taxing labor that comes with supporting residents. Due to exposure and experience, returning RAs are frequently seen... Continue Reading →
1 Tip For Returning RAs: โLocking Inโ Instead of Burning Out โ Finding Meaning in the โSmall Stuffโ
By Erin Brown To all the returning RAs out there, welcome back and congratulations โ you made it through at least a semester of staff meetings, on call nights, bulletin boards, and programming. You worked on building community, developing yourself through 1:1s and programs, and showing up as a leader to your area. Youโre getting... Continue Reading →
1 Tip For Returning RAs: Donโt Fall for the โIโve Heard It All Beforeโ Trapย
By Molly Murray Stop me if this sounds familiar. โWhy do I have to go to training again? Iโve been an RA for years and Iโve already sat through all of this.โ Youโre not wrong. Attending RA training as a returner can feel like watching a rerun of a TV show. But hear me out,... Continue Reading →
1 Tip For Returning RAs: How To Be The Candidate Your Next Employer Seeks
During the first year of being a RA, you are typically focused on learning the role, balancing being a RA on top of school and other commitments, and building your confidence in your new position. Now that youโve learned the ropes, itโs time to start using your time as a RA to help you grow... Continue Reading →
1 Tip For Returning RAs: Reignite Your โWhyโ and Prepare for Whatโs Next
Stepping back into the Resident Assistant or student staff member role for a second (or even third) year is both a privilege and a challenge. Youโre no longer the newcomer. You bring with you experience, insight, and the unique opportunity to deepen your impact on your residents, your team, and yourself. But with familiarity can... Continue Reading →
1 Tip For Returning RAs: Be More Career-Oriented!
Itโs that time of year again! Another summer has come and gone, and if youโre reading this, youโve decided to return for another year as an RA. Whether your previous experience as an RA was a breeze or more of a maelstrom, Roompactโs bloggers are here to help! Whatโs my piece of advice, you ask?... Continue Reading →



