Moving into a residence hall means meeting a lot of new people, and one of the first faces you will probably see is your Resident Assistant, better known as your RA.
Your RA is more than the person who hosts floor meetings or reminds everyone about residence hall policies. They are a student leader, a community builder, and often one of the easiest people to turn to when you are still figuring out campus life.
Your RA has been in your shoes
One of the best things about having an RA is that they are students too.
They have already experienced the first days on campus, learned their way around, navigated classes, and adjusted to living with other students. That experience can make them an incredibly useful resource when everything still feels new.
Have a question about campus? Ask your RA. Not sure where to find a resource? They can probably point you in the right direction. Need some guidance navigating a roommate situation? Your RA may be able to help with that too.
And if they do not have the answer, they can usually help connect you with someone who does.
Get involved with your residence hall community
A big part of an RA’s job is helping turn a building full of students into a community.
Throughout the semester, RAs may organize floor events, social activities, meetings, study sessions, or other opportunities for residents to connect. Especially during the first few weeks, these events are an easy way to meet people without having to figure out how to break the ice yourself.
You do not have to attend everything, but saying yes to a few activities can help your residence hall start feeling like home much faster.
Do not wait until something goes wrong to say hello
You do not need to have a problem before talking to your RA.
Introduce yourself when you move in. Stop by an event. Say hello when you pass each other in the hallway. Building that connection early can make it much easier to approach them later if you ever do need help.
Remember, your RA chose a role centered around helping other students and building community. Getting to know the people on their floor is part of what they are there to do.
They can help make the transition easier
The first few weeks of college can be exciting, but they can also feel overwhelming. You are learning a new campus, meeting new people, adjusting to a new routine, and possibly living away from home for the first time.
You do not have to figure out every part of that transition alone.
Your RA is one of several resources available to help you get comfortable, find your footing, and make the most of residence hall life.
So when move in arrives and you meet your RA, say hello. That quick introduction could be the beginning of one of the most helpful connections you make during your first weeks on campus.
And while your RA helps make your new residence hall feel a little more like home, Dorm Room Movers is here to make getting there easier with student storage, shipping, and Ship to School services built around college life.