As an RA, hosting programs that build community is a big part of your role. However, simply having a program and asking people to come isn’t enough to build human connections. The goal of programming isn’t just to check off an RA requirement; it’s to support students, foster community, and create a sense of well-being in the residence hall. This goal can be tricky to reach if you have never hosted a program before, don’t feel adequately trained on how to help students feel a sense of belonging, struggle with social awkwardness or anxiety, or have residents who seem uninterested in attending events in the hall. Despite some of these challenges, there are strategies to have very impactful programs that help residents feel more connected to the community and keep them wanting more programs to build off of that sense of connection!
There are many reasons you may be nervous to host a program. Maybe you struggle to make conversation with strangers, have had unsuccessful attendance at programs in the past, or are worried residents may not have fun at your program. Know that you are in the RA role for a reason, and with some experience, your nerves should start to settle down. Also know that you are not alone! Oftentimes, residents are nervous to come to programs because they are not sure if they will know anyone there, or if anyone will talk to them. A great first step to easing some nervous tension is to show up to your own program early. This way, you will be all set up and ready to go by the time the first resident shows up. You won’t feel rushed or scrambled trying to set up an event and make conversation with residents at the same time. Setting up and being at a program early allows you to have a calmer and organized start to what will be an amazing event.
After you have shown up early and have the event all set up, residents should start to come by. When welcoming residents to a program, it’s important to stay off of your phone and laptop, and limit any distractions that make you seem closed off to conversation. Oftentimes, in new and potentially awkward social situations, people (myself included) use technology as a social safety net. Looking at a phone makes you appear busy and like you have others to talk to. This is not the best look when welcoming residents into a program that you are hosting. Students are coming to programs to make friends and have someone to talk with. An RA being distracted by technology at the start of the program sets the tone that even the RA is not interested in building connections with attendees. Even if other residents are constantly on their phones, it is important as a host to show that your full attention is on the event and helping residents have a great time!
A great conversation starter can occur when residents are checking into the program. Instead of asking students to write down their name for attendance, intentionally ask students for their first and last name so you know who is coming to your program. This is an exceptionally great strategy if you haven’t met a resident before, or if you can’t remember a resident’s name but know you have met them. You can ask residents for their name again, or ask them how to spell their name so you have it recorded correctly for your attendance. After asking for their name, you may not know how to continue making conversation. One of my favorite tips for starting a conversation is to start by being kind. You can compliment an item you see with them: a phone case, water bottle, bag, key chain, to try and learn a little bit more about them and their personality. If you don’t know someone well, I recommend avoiding compliments on physical appearance. This is for two reasons: 1.) It can make others uncomfortable; 2.) It does not help you build conversation and get to know someone better, like a compliment about an item does. Another way to make conversation that leads to more connection is to think and talk about things you all have in common. Naturally, there will be many differences in majors, upbringings, and interests. However, you all are in classes studying something, have relatively the same walk or route to classes, eat similar foods in the dining hall, and probably have more commonalities than what you may assume. Asking for names, being kind, and finding commonalities are just the starting block on how to make sure your program helps attendees feel connected.
Once the conversations get rolling, it’s important as an RA hosting the program to not just lead the event, but also participate. If you are standing over others and observing, but not actively engaging in the event, it may come off as you seeming “too cool” or “uninterested” in spending time with your residents. This may not be a tone you are trying to intentionally set, but it is important that your residents see you wanting to get to know them. At an event, you should encourage people to sit or come by you. Sometimes, people want to come to the event, but may only know the RA’s name. Because of this, it is important that you are very inviting and approachable. You should also be facilitating introductions between residents. Please, don’t just stand to the side and hope residents will interact with one another, but rather be the peer leader at the program and say, “Hey (name), do you know (other name)? They also live in our hall.” This breaks an awkward barrier for residents wanting to meet others, but not knowing how to initiate the conversation. Implementing these strategies can take your events to the next level and have a strong impact on residents feeling a sense of community.
Transparently, attendance can be hit and miss for programming happening in the hall. It is always important to reflect on your programs and learn from what went well and what can be improved upon. Sometimes, the advertising and promotion for an event could be better, and other times you will try your absolute best to get strong attendance at a program, and it just won’t work out the way you hoped. Although this is disheartening, I am a firm believer that if even just one resident comes to a program, it can be a very positive and connective experience. If only one resident comes to a program, try not to make it weird or uncomfortable by mentioning that you wish more people came. Instead, mention how great it is that they did come! Although a big goal of programming is to give residents opportunities to make friends, a one-on-one interaction with a resident and an RA can make a resident feel seen and know that someone in the community cares and is looking out for them. Only having one, or a few residents at a program can help you get to know people exceptionally well, and is an opportunity for you to share personalized college and life advice!
Other events may have several attendees. This is amazing work, and you should be proud of yourself for promoting an enticing event so well! You have already laid a great foundation for helping residents cultivate their relationships with one another. To continue the wonderful work and momentum you have, ask residents what they would like to see at future programs, or what could be offered to keep them coming back! Residents will tell you the ins and outs of what they like to do, what food they like (and do not like to see) at programs, and often have incredibly creative ideas that will help the community thrive. At the end of an event, always thank everyone for coming, and say that you hope to see them around. This adds a positive end to what was hopefully already a successful event.
Programming is one of the best and most interactive ways RAs can assist with building community amongst residents. With a strong start, conversation flow, and end to the program, residents will have a fun time and want to attend more events in the hall. RAs can have a tremendous influence on residents getting to know one another, feeling a sense of belonging in their new homes, and building connections. Hopefully, by implementing all, or at least a few, of these strategies, your programs will help you positively implement the influence you have.
Carley Eichhorn (she/her) is currently a Hall Director at the University of Michigan. In 2021, she graduated from Central Michigan University with undergraduate experience as an RA and a tour guide. In 2022, she graduated with her master’s degree from Oklahoma State University, where she served in the Residential Life department as an Assistant Residential Community Educator and a Social Media and Communications Intern. With two degrees in Communications, Carley loves to write and chit-chat, but also has a passion for reading, hiking, playing water polo, and taking naps with her cat, Obi.
