Housing and Residence Life: Community & Engagement | Competencies & Learning | Care & Case Management | Assessment
In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, we’re joined by Alyssa Fisher, a seasoned professional in residence life with a strong understanding of resident engagement and community building. Together, we explore how RAs can recognize subtle signs of isolation and connect with residents who may be quieter or less visible in their communities while noting the importance of consistency and community building.
You've attended training, prepared for move-in, hosted welcome events, and done your best to make residents feel at home. You spend weeks learning policies, campus resources, referral processes, and community-building strategies. You prepare bulletin boards, create door decorations, and plan programs that you hope residents will enjoy. Then residents arrive. And sometimes they're not nearly... Continue Reading →
When you take on a student staff position, it is easy to focus on what comes with the role. There is the experience you will gain, the leadership skills you develop, the responsibilities you will take on, and maybe even how the position will look on your résumé. What often gets overlooked are the people... Continue Reading →
It is relatively uncommon to meet someone who works professionally in residence life who was not a student leader at some point in their academic career. They may not have been an RA, but they likely found themselves connected to an office within the realm of student support. This is likely when they learned that... Continue Reading →
In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, we explore one of the most meaningful parts of being an RA with Iyanna Williams and her experience on this topic: becoming a trusted support person for residents. Beyond programs and policy enforcement, RAs are often the first people residents turn to during moments of stress, conflict, loneliness, homesickness, or personal challenges. This conversation focuses on how RAs can navigate vulnerable conversations with empathy, professionalism, and care while also understanding their role, boundaries, and available campus resources.
If you’ve worked as a Resident Assistant or student staff member for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard them all. “Do you have a stapler?” “Can I borrow a vacuum?” “Do you know where my package is?” “My roommate locked themselves out…again.” At first glance, these questions don’t seem particularly memorable. They’re quick interactions... Continue Reading →
Whether you're a new or returning RA or Student Leader, you've probably heard how important first impressions are. Chances are, you've also heard that the first few weeks after move-in set the tone for your community. A lot of Residence Life professionals will tell you the first two, three, or four weeks are the most... Continue Reading →
When you think about preparing for a new academic year as a student staff member, your mind probably goes straight to everything you need to accomplish. Complete training. ✅ Learn your policies. ✅ Set up your community. ✅ Prepare your bulletin boards. ✅ Meet your staff team. ✅ Make sure you are ready for residents... Continue Reading →
Students in college will almost certainly face some loneliness, whether that’s when they first arrive and don’t know anyone or later in the year when they feel everyone else has connections but them. While some loneliness is expected in the residence hall, it is also something that Residence Life can help tackle. Here are my... Continue Reading →
Move-in day is arguably the most chaotic, sweat-drenched, and high-stakes day of the entire academic year. For RAs and student staff members, it’s the ultimate "go time." You’re balancing logistics, heavy boxes, and roughly a thousand questions about where the nearest trash chute is. But beyond the physical exhaustion, move-in day is where the real... Continue Reading →
Move-in is exciting, chaotic, loud and usually uncomfortably hot. As a Resident Advisor or other student leader, it's easy to feel like it’s an intense challenge, and like you need to have amazing conversations with every resident you see. First - you’re going to rock it, no matter what. Second - some of the best... Continue Reading →
It’s that time of year again. The residence halls are quiet, the air conditioning is (hopefully) blasting, and you’re probably sitting in a multipurpose room chair for the eighth hour today. RA training is a unique kind of marathon. Between the policy deep-dives, the "Behind Closed Doors" role-plays, and the endless icebreakers, it’s easy to... Continue Reading →
In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, we discuss the unique challenge that comes with the RA and student staff role: balancing being a community leader while still being a college student yourself. From navigating friendships with residents, to handling uncomfortable social situations, and from maintaining professional boundaries, to protecting your own well-being in the student staff role. Whether you’re struggling with saying “no,” figuring out how close is too close, or trying to maintain a healthy social life while on staff, this episode offers honest advice and practical strategies for maintaining balance in the residence halls.
The first car has not even pulled into the parking lot yet, but your day has already started. You have walked your floor more than once, finished setting up your door decorations, attended training sessions, and maybe even answered a few questions from anxious families passing through. Although residents have not arrived yet, your role... Continue Reading →
As a Resident Assistant (RA), you learn about resources you may not have realized existed at your institution. You learn how to recommend resources to your residents and even how to offer to go with them to the resource when you feel they need it at the moment. A topic that may not be covered... Continue Reading →
You spent time planning the program. You created the flyers, reserved the space, picked up supplies, and maybe even told your supervisor this would be the event to watch out for. Then the start time arrives, and instead of a packed room, only a handful of residents walk through the door. I’m talking five people... Continue Reading →
If you’ve chosen to serve as a student leader, aside from the financial benefit, you were likely drawn to the role because of a desire to help people. You have likely found yourself to have tips and tricks for your friends or have been willing to be a listening ear to someone in need. However,... Continue Reading →
In this episode of Roompact's RA*EdChat, we go behind the scenes of residence life to explore how strong staff relationships shape the RA experience. “Behind the Scenes: Working With Your Team” dives into collaboration, communication, and peer support, highlighting how successful communities are built not just through resident connections but through trust and teamwork among staff members. We meet with Katelyn Neeley, a community director who shares knowledge and personal experience on the topic, as well as advice for RAs.
