Opening the residence halls each year is one of the most exciting (and stressful) times for student staff. It sets the tone for the entire year, making those first few days and weeks critical for building trust, community, and a sense of belonging. You have an incredible opportunity to create a welcoming environment that feels a little like magic to your residents. But how do you make that magic happen?
Disney is renowned for creating MAGIC. Disney’s approach centers around four key priorities: safety, courtesy, show, and efficiency. When you weave these principles into your work, you can create memorable, meaningful experiences for your residents from the very start. Here’s what you can learn from the house of the mouse…
Safety First
Before anything else, you must ensure that your residents feel physically and emotionally safe. A community that feels unsafe will never fully thrive.
- Walk your floor and check for any potential safety hazards, like broken furniture or propped-open doors.
- Learn emergency procedures and make sure your residents are familiar with them too.
- Be a visible and approachable presence so residents know they can come to you if they have concerns.
Courtesy Counts
Every interaction you have with residents matters, especially at the beginning of the year when they’re forming their first impressions of their new home.
- Greet residents warmly by name whenever possible.
- Practice active listening when residents share their questions or concerns.
- Celebrate important moments in your residents’ lives, like birthdays, achievements, or even just surviving the first week of classes.
The Importance of “Show”
In the Disney world, “show” refers to the idea that every environment is part of a performance meant to create an immersive experience. As an RA, your floor is your stage.
- Take pride in how your floor looks. Decorate bulletin boards and doors in a way that feels intentional and welcoming.
- Help maintain a positive, inclusive atmosphere in common spaces.
- Lead by example — your attitude and energy will set the tone for your entire community.
Efficiency Enhances Experience
Residents appreciate when things run smoothly, especially during the busy opening weeks.
- Communicate clearly and often about important dates, events, and policies.
- Be organized with your administrative tasks like key handouts, move-in paperwork, and programming.
- Anticipate common questions and have answers or resources ready to go.
Creating Magical Moments
Finally, go beyond the basics and look for small ways to make your residents’ experience special.
- Leave notes of encouragement for residents who seem stressed or overwhelmed.
- Plan small surprises, like treats during the first week or personalized welcome messages.
- Be genuinely curious about your residents’ stories and backgrounds. Recognizing and celebrating their individuality builds a stronger community.
Opening can feel overwhelming, but remember: your effort, energy, and attention to the small details make a huge difference. By focusing on safety, courtesy, show, and efficiency (and by adding a few magical touches of your own) you can create an environment where residents feel at home from day one.
You are the magic. Let’s get ready to open strong.
Adapted from: Creating Opening Magic Based on Lessons from the House of Mouse
