Understanding Your RA
This article will help you get along better with your RA.
By Xavier Royer — September 18, 2023
I was never a Resident Assistant, more commonly referred to as an RA, during my time as an undergraduate. However, I did share a dorm with RA, whose girlfriend was also an RA, and so was the girl I happened to be dating at the time. So, while I was not an RA myself, the people in my social circle, those who I interacted with most, were. I got to experience university living as a normal student, but also got to see behind the curtain at the work RA's do, and how they prioritize their time and responsibilities. This article will share a bit of what I learned, and, just maybe, help you get along better with your RA.
They Are NOT Cops
With some exceptions that say more about the individual than about RA's as a whole, RA's are not out to "get" you. If you are caught breaking rules in the dorms, they are obligated to report it, and go through the necessary disciplinary process. That said, every RA I have known, across multiple universities, all share the same philosophy: they do not want to catch you. If students get caught skirting the rules (though you would NEVER, right reader?), it means the RA must do much more work.
Most RA's are less concerned with their residents breaking the rules and more concerned with residents putting them in a position where rules have to actually be enforced. Generally, if the RA cannot see, smell, or hear any shenanigans, they are not going to go out of their way to find trouble because that means more work for them. If you are caught, you are much more likely to lessen the trouble if you fess up instead of fighting with the RA or trying to hide it. One memorable story I recall my roommate telling me is of a resident who took a fully clothed shower to try and avoid getting caught with alcohol. Not only did this individual still get in trouble, but they looked ridiculous.
Attend Their Events
Though this can vary from campus to campus, most RA's oversee some amount of event programming for their residents. My various RA roommates would do things like trivia nights to get their residents out of their dorms and interacting with each other. They would also usually have a theme, like mental health or staying hydrated. Do not get me wrong, some of these events could be quite corny.
On the other hand, there was usually cookies or some other food, and it gave a good excuse to put off studying. I was always annoyed at people who felt they were too cool to swing by. Coming up with something that does not cost too much money, that college students will actually want to do, requires some creativity and confidence many people do not have. The next time your RA has an event, consider swinging by. Even if the event is underwhelming, there is likely a snack and an opportunity to learn something.
RA's Are There for You, but Be Polite
Imagine two college dorm residents having a disagreement and choosing to settle it by ruining each other's clothes, or having a consistent war over the thermostat. Now imagine that for some reason becoming your problem, and it is already easier to be sympathetic to your RA. Crap rolls downhill, and in college dorms RA's are usually at the bottom of that hill, often enjoying a nice picnic in the sunshine before having their day ruined without warning. I've heard some wild stories about residents from my RA friends, chief of which probably being the guy who took a breakup quite difficult and chose to express his emotions by launching furniture from his third-floor balcony.
RA's often find themselves having to mediate some of the pettiest disagreements, and are often seen as the bad guy by both parties. It can be a difficult job. Amazingly, most students who are drawn into the role of an RA are often quite empathetic and truly will do their best to make campus living a great experience for their residents. If students have issues with their living situation, they should absolutely contact their RA for help. But please keep in mind that RA's are people too, and have all the same stresses that you have as a student on top of their role as RA.
Finally, be polite. Try to be easy to work with, and say thank you, too. This will go a long way with your RA if you should ever need their help in the future.
Xavier Royer
I am currently a full time instructor at a William Penn University, a small private university in Iowa. I am the lone political science faculty member there. In my time teaching, I have already connected with an incredible cohort of students in ways I could never have expected. Partnering with SAGE will allow me the opportunity to help even more students across the globe navigate those tricky questions.
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