OScarlett

Looking for info from students who have become RAs.
1 - Does an RA get a free room, or both free room and board, or some kind of salary?
2 - When is the application period?
3 - How competitive is it? How likely are you to get your first choice of dorm?
4 - How much time is required per week for RA duties, on average?
5 - Tips for things to do freshman year if you think you want to RA sophomore year?
6 - Are there many RAs who are juniors or seniors?
7 - Any other helpful info?

Thanks!!

OSULolz

1) Yes free room and board, along with a stipend (I believe monthly). In addition, you can work as an OA up to 10 hours per week to make additional money (~$7.50 per hour, depending on min. wage)

2) January, on quarters, May change this year (source = Resident Advisors (RAs) : University Residences and Dining Services)

3) It's fairly competitive, but I know of quite a few people that became RAs. Just depends on how outgoing / fun / experienced you are.

4) I'm not 100% sure, but maybe 20-30 hours?

5) Definitely become an office assistant (OA). It's a pretty good stepping stone to becoming an RA. Also get involved within a residence hall--each one has their own council. These are great ways to become friendly with a Resident Manager (RM) or Hall Director (HD) that can make it much easier to get hired.

Links:

6) Yes

7) If you cannot file your taxes by April 15th, be sure to file for an extension.

Cheers!
(Note: I was an OA for 3 years, but never applied to be an RA)

maybell

I know two friends who became RAs their sophomore year- but I also know a few people who went through the process and were rejected, so I believe it is a somewhat competitive process. The downside of applying and then being rejected is that you have to scramble for housing later in the year- so off campus options are limited. Both of my RA friends started as OAs their freshman year, and had outgoing and friendly personalities and high campus involvement. Getting to know some of the hall directors absolutely helped, especially in getting a say in which hall you are assigned to.

The time commitment seems to fluctuate a lot, and it depends on your residents. My RA friends have had to spent several full days in preparation for each quarter (now semester), decorating their halls, arranging activities, getting to know their residents and having them sign roommate agreements, that sort of stuff. I think they mostly enjoyed their jobs- but one of them had issues with maintaining authority over residents who were bigger or older than her, or who regarded her as a friend rather than an RA. They both had to write up students who were caught drinking, and I believe both had to call 911 for students who had passed out in hall bathrooms and were unresponsive. Depending on the mix of residents in your hall, you may have to deal with students who have drug or alcohol problems, serious illnesses, problems adjusting to life away from home, and roommates who fight and can't get along. It can be a serious headache.

The savings on room and board are probably worth the amount of time you spend, but it can be very stressful work, which comes at unpredictable times. You may be able to live off campus, be frugal with groceries, and work a part-time job for around the same benefits.

OScarlett

Great info, OSULolz and Maybell. Thank you very much for taking the time to respond.