Here’s how to prepare this year

If you’re currently living in the University of London’s Intercollegiate Halls and are contemplating applying for a Resident Advisor (RA) role next year, there are ways to demonstrate your aptitude and motivation now. Success as an RA requires leadership, empathy, and initiative. Here’s an overview of what RAs do, what we look for in candidates, and how you can bolster your application this year.

What does a Resident Advisor do? 🏡

Resident Advisors are integral to the Residential Life team, fostering community, supporting student wellbeing, and upholding hall regulations. RAs live alongside residents and assist the Warden in:

• Pastoral support: 💬 Offering a listening ear and signposting to appropriate resources for residents dealing with personal or academic challenges.
• Community building: 🎉 Organising events and activities to encourage social interaction and inclusivity.
• Conflict resolution: 🤝 Mediating disputes between residents.
• Emergency response: 🚨 Acting as first responders in emergencies, whether medical, mental health, safety-related, or interpersonal.
• Rule enforcement: 📜 Upholding the rules outlined in the halls' Licence Agreements and Handbook, reporting any violations to the Warden, and helping to investigate alleged student misconduct.

What makes an exceptional RA? 🌟

The most effective Resident Advisors embody the values and vision of the Residential Life team, acting as community leaders and problem-solvers who shape the university experience for their peers. Key qualities include:

• Kindness and integrity: RAs create a safe and welcoming environment by treating everyone with respect and honesty. They approach each interaction with empathy, understanding, and fairness.
• Teamwork and belonging: Great RAs work collaboratively with the Warden, fellow RAs, and residents to foster a vibrant, inclusive community. They value every resident’s contribution to making the hall feel like home.
• Proactivity and engagement: They take initiative to address challenges, organise events, and build connections. This includes being visible and approachable, so residents know they have a reliable point of contact.
• Problem-solving mindset: Exceptional RAs focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. They ask themselves, How can I make this place better? How can I help our residents thrive?.
• Growth and leadership: RAs view their role as a chance for personal and professional development. They embrace opportunities to learn, sharpen their skills, and become catalysts for positive change in their communities.

The best RAs are not just team players – they are architects of a thriving, respectful, and compassionate hall culture.

Demonstrating your potential this year 🛠️

Here’s how you can start building a track record that supports your RA application:

Engage in community life 👫

• Actively participate in hall events and encourage others to join.
• Volunteer to help organise social, educational, or cultural activities, collaborating with your Warden and current RAs to gain insight into event planning.
• Suggest new ideas for community-building initiatives, and help to make these happen.

Support fellow residents 🤲

• Offer informal support to peers who seem stressed or homesick.
• Familiarise yourself with wellbeing resources and refer others to them when appropriate.
• Collaborate with RAs to support their events and learn how they build community.

Organise and host events 🎨

• Take the lead on hosting inclusive events such as movie nights 🎥, study sessions 📚, or celebrations of cultural diversity 🌍.
• If you are trained as a Mental Health Ambassador, organise workshops that are part of this programme to support residents' wellbeing.
• Seek advice and support from your Warden and RAs to understand what has worked well in the past and to gain access to resources like common spaces or budgeting guidance.
• Highlight your creativity by proposing unique activities aligned with residents' interests, such as themed dinners 🍽️, sports tournaments ⚽, or sustainability workshops 🌱.

Take advantage of training opportunities 🎓

• Look After Your Mate workshop: Sign up for the next available workshop, likely in early March for University Mental Health Day, to develop skills for supporting friends and peers effectively.
• Participate in leadership roles in student organisations or volunteer activities outside halls.
• Attend other workshops or training in areas like mental health awareness, conflict resolution, or event planning.

Demonstrate responsibility 🧹

• Comply with hall rules and encourage others to do the same.
• Maintain positive relationships with hall staff and fellow residents by being considerate and responsible in shared spaces.

Proactively solve problems 🔧

• Volunteer to mediate or assist in resolving small disputes among residents.
• Suggest improvements to hall processes, such as recycling initiatives or activity scheduling, and help to implement any changes that are agreed.

Keep a record of your contributions 📸

• Document the events you’ve contributed to or any informal support you’ve provided to peers.
• Reflect on situations where you took initiative or demonstrated leadership; these will be valuable examples for your application and interview.

What to highlight in your application and interview 📝

When the time comes to apply, emphasise:

• Leadership experiences: 🏅 Discuss your involvement in organising activities or mentoring peers.
• Problem-solving skills: 🛠️ Share specific examples of how you managed conflicts or challenges.
• Community engagement: 🤝 Highlight your contributions to fostering a sense of belonging in halls.
• Skill development: 📚 Mention any relevant training or workshops attended.

By taking steps this year to actively contribute to hall life, particularly through event planning, wellbeing initiatives, and collaboration, you’ll build a strong foundation for your RA application and demonstrate that you’re ready to take on this vital role in Residential Life. 🎓