<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>Right now I'm trying to make the decision of working as an RA for 23-25 hours a week in return for housing at a brand new apartment complex. I worked similar hours last semester while going to school full time and it was extremely stressful so I'm not sure if it's a good idea. I'm just worried about money this semester so not worrying about having to pay for housing would be a burden off my shoulders. Any advice?</p>
<p>In my opinion, free housing makes any part time job worth it, especially if you live in an area where housing is expensive (and even more so if you get a salary/stipend in addition to housing). I would do it, especially if it would be a stretch to pay for housing otherwise. There’s something to be said for not having to worry about paying rent every month.</p>
<p>That having been said, being an RA can be very time-intensive, depending on the school you go to and what is expected of you. I know at my school there are RAs who rarely do anything (other than hang out with residents or man the phone for a couple hours), but this likely varies from school to school. You might want to consider what the responsibilities would be during those 23-25 hours. It might be things like being “on duty,” where you really don’t have to do anything unless someone needs you, and at least in my experience, RAs would mostly do homework or hang out during this time, unless they got a call. You might have to plan and host activities for your residents, which can be as time-consuming or as not time-consuming as you want them to be. You might have to do patrols or something, which my RAs would do during school events to check on things after hours. You might consider asking current RAs what the time-commitment is like, but if you can manage it, free housing is well worth it.</p>
<p>Being an RA is tough but managable =) My old RA was in a frat and he still managed to his job well. Free housing is definitely great and I don’t think you can work an outside or on campus job since being an RA is a job itself! Try your best to find time to study and you’ll do fine!</p>
<p>If you have a really good floor, you won’t have to do much since your residents will be able to take care of themselves without trouble at all.</p>