<p>I have read on other threads that a possible way to help pay down college expenses is to become an RA after Freshman year. Are there any real life stories out there? Do RA's usually get a stipend for their room and board? Would being an RA make it difficult to also take a work study job?</p>
<p>RAs dont get stipends for room and board, they normally don’t have to pay for room and board at all. </p>
<p>I dont know about your second question.</p>
<p>Being an RA is a job that requires a lot of time commitment. You would have to ask your school whether it is possible to hold ANOTHER job (being an RA IS a job). When I was an RA, I worked part time elsewhere (back when the dinos roamed) but it was a real challenge scheduling my off site work hours.</p>
<p>BUT this is even more important. DO NOT assume that you will get an RAs job. These are very competitive with MANY more folks applying than openings available. If you aren’t going to be able to make ends meet without the RA job…you might want to reconsider this college choice. Getting an RA job should not be viewed as a sure thing.</p>
<p>As a former RA who did it for the money, I would say don’t do it just for the money. You have to sincerely want to help other people, or it will drive you crazy. That said, I did get free room (but not board) at a time when I really needed it. And the insanity that ensued was temporary!</p>
<p>My daughter is so excited to become (hopefully) an RA after freshman year. The free room and/or board is a bonus, but she sincerely wants the job.</p>
<p>A few other things to consider. One of my daughters will be an RA next year. Her University requires that they arrive early for the fall semester (training). Additionally, she is required to take a 2 hour class this fall. With the desk hours during the week and weekend “one call” hours AND the potential floor drama during the week…she thought very seriouslly about the opportunity. She is very excited…but is going into it with eyes wide open!</p>
<p>About 20 years ago they temporarily repealed the tax-exempt status on graduate student tuition waivers. With very limited options I chose to be an RA, strictly for the free room/board. I specifically requested a small dorm known for a high percentage of serious students, mostly foreign studying engineering. Most of the work involved organizing activities, settling some disputes and “shushhing” the occasional undergrad late at night. It was an interesting experience though I would not want to do it more than a year, nor in a freshman dorm.</p>
<p>At most schools that I know of, being an RA involves quite a few hours of work each week in exchange for a free (single!) room. RAs still have to pay for food. Also, there are far more applicants than available positions, so getting the job should definitely be in the “would be nice but not counting on it” category. In other words, be sure you can cover the COA even if you don’t get the RA job.</p>