Advice from an RA

Posted by on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 · 2 Comments 

While trading ‘college memories’ with close friends I quickly realized a common theme surrounding these accounts—the dorms. Here endless hallways and rooms are haunted by the scent of stale Pop-Tarts and Hot Pockets while fluorescent lights burn late into the night. There is a continuous hum of activity that envelops the entire building, punctuated by moments of chaos and laughter. This rambunctious environment has become an integral part of ‘the college experience,’ which past students often reminisce.

For the past three years I have lived and worked in the dorms, the last two years spent as a Resident Advisor a.k.a. ‘R.A.’ During that time, I worked with over 200 college freshman, an experience that has taught me much more than I could have ever imagined. For you college-bound folks, here are some helpful tips that will enhance your own dorm experiences:

Avoid Lone Ranger Syndrome
Arriving at an unfamiliar location full of new people can be exciting and daunting at the same time. After your parents drive away and you stare at the boxes stacked on your bunk feelings of panic begin to set in. Questions race through your mind: Am I going to get along with my roommate? Will I meet any interesting people? Did I forget my toothbrush? Your instinct may be to lock the door and never come out of your room. If this is the case—don’t do it.

During your first week of school, make an effort to introduce yourself and get to know the people living around you. Remember: you are not alone. It’s better to have someone to ‘compare notes’ with when it comes to adjusting to your new collegiate lifestyle. This is your best opportunity before the academic year begins and everyone begins to get involved in other activities (and school, of course).

You’re not nagging, you’re expressing your needs
In regards to roommate relations, there is a cardinal rule to live by: make your expectations known from day one. Most university housing organizations require all residents to fill out a ‘Roommate Agreement Form’ at the start of the school year in the hopes of prompting a conversation between roomies about their living habits in order to prevent conflict down the road. Most people speed through this paperwork and never discuss important details like: Are you a night owl? How will you share the space in the mini fridge? How often will you vacuum?

These questions may seem petty and unimportant, but after awhile they will matter. And when your frustration over these little issues is leaving you at your wits end, make them known. It’s all a matter of delivery. Instead of saying “Hey! Move your crap off the floor!” You could say “I fell in the dark on my way back to bed last night. I would appreciate you moving your laundry off the floor. Thanks.”

It’s not a suggestion, it’s policy
Know the basic rules and regulations before moving in or at least during the first week of school. Hot boxing your room so you can use your hookah indoors is not sticking it to the man, it’s a fire hazard. You will save yourself a lot of trouble and stress if you choose to observe the rules.

Study Space > Dorm Space
While hanging out with your friends, attending parties and enjoying your newfound freedom may rank high on your to-do list… try not to overlook your title of ‘student.’ You’re here to learn, build upon your past knowledge and ultimately, earn a degree. Studying in the dorms doesn’t work for everyone.

Aside from sharing your room you are more likely to be easily distracted by other people who may not be studying. Take time to explore the campus and find a place that benefits your study needs. The library is often the best location if you’re looking for a quiet, isolated area.

Don’t Burn the Popcorn
During finals week I (along with the rest of the building) was awakened at 2 a.m. by the fire alarm. One of the residents burned a bag of popcorn in the microwave and chose to throw the smoldering wreck down the trash chute—setting off the smoke detector on the main level of the building. We had to evacuate everyone and wait for the fire department to check every room. And it was raining at the time.

Moral of the story: Be considerate. Your actions affect not only your roommates but everyone living around you. If you discover a broken showerhead or puke in the elevator after a long night, please tell someone. Embarrassment or fears of ‘getting in trouble’ aside, there will be someone coming in after you who will appreciate it. Second moral of the story: watch your popcorn while it’s in the microwave. Please.

If anyone else has any crazy/scary/embarrassing dorm stories, please post them below.

Mikaela Reilly
Davis, California

The author is a college senior and former resident advisor at the University of California, Davis. She is studying English and Art Studio and will be a teaching intern in Washington, DC this spring.

Category: College Life, Guest Contributions · Tags: , , ,

  • https://RauMachine.com LisaRau

    After a long, 6-week winter break as a college freshman in the dorms, I returned to my closet-sized haven, expecting everything to have remained as I left it. (My roommate had since unofficially moved into her boyfriend's dorm room, much to the delight of HIS roommate.) As I strolled down the 12-inch pathway toward my refrigerator to see if I had any leftover ice from the month before, I was hit with a pungent wall of rotting stench. I recoiled and jumped back in horror, as I slowly recalled a memo I'd tossed on the floor 6 weeks earlier: “Attention dorm residents. All rooms are subject to entry and search to ensure ALL appliances are unplugged during winter break. We apologize for any inconvenience. Happy holidays!”

    Unspeakably-colored mold had festered and expanded from the fridge compartment all the way up to the freezer box, solidifying into a dark and gooey, fridge-compartment-irreverent substance. The sandwhich that once was, and the styrofoam container that once was, no longer were. It was like a biological manifestation of demon possession. A tiny, evil ecosystem of sorts.

    Long story short: A hairdryer, many bottles of bleach, the entire dorm floor stock of paper towels and a gas mask later, I resumed use of my dorm fridge.

    Lesson learned: Good grief, read those dorm announcemets, even if 9 out of 10 of them are a friendly reminder to use your sharing skills. Thanks, kindergarden.

  • https://RauMachine.com LisaRau

    After a long, 6-week winter break as a college freshman in the dorms, I returned to my closet-sized haven, expecting everything to have remained as I left it. (My roommate had since unofficially moved into her boyfriend's dorm room, much to the delight of HIS roommate.) As I strolled down the 12-inch pathway toward my refrigerator to see if I had any leftover ice from the month before, I was hit with a pungent wall of rotting stench. I recoiled and jumped back in horror, as I slowly recalled a memo I'd tossed on the floor 6 weeks earlier: “Attention dorm residents. All rooms are subject to entry and search to ensure ALL appliances are unplugged during winter break. We apologize for any inconvenience. Happy holidays!”

    Unspeakably-colored mold had festered and expanded from the fridge compartment all the way up to the freezer box, solidifying into a dark and gooey, fridge-compartment-irreverent substance. The sandwhich that once was, and the styrofoam container that once was, no longer were. It was like a biological manifestation of demon possession. A tiny, evil ecosystem of sorts.

    Long story short: A hairdryer, many bottles of bleach, the entire dorm floor stock of paper towels and a gas mask later, I resumed use of my dorm fridge.

    Lesson learned: Good grief, read those dorm announcemets, even if 9 out of 10 of them are a friendly reminder to use your sharing skills. Thanks, kindergarden.

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