<p>Hey everybody,</p>
<p>Does anyone here have experience with apply for/being a RA? I am thinking about applying but haven't heard a lot about the position. Searches on this forum didn't yield much. If you've got stories, thoughts, concerns, suggestions, lemme have 'em!</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I have had a couple of friends who were RAs at Univ of Wisconsin. They roundly regretted their decisions. For one of my friends, it dramatically infringed upon his studies and he did poorly in his classes. It is common to have overnight shifts that are incompatible with early class times. Also, I would imagine the toll this woudl take on your social life wouldn't begin to compensate for the additional loan debt an RA position would mitigate.</p>
<p>I have some RA friends here at UNC, and their lives don't seem as depressing as belevitt described. It is true that RAs get overnight shifts, but it seems like they happen only once in a while (might not be true). The only "problem" I think of being an RA poses is having to work at weekends, or not being able to leave the campus in case something happens. I think there are more benefits than the costs. You get to use your own room, it looks good on resume, and you get paid.</p>
<p>thanks so much for the (slightly scary) responses!</p>
<p>Citymiddle,
I'm thinking of beeing an RA for next year as well.
I talked to my RA the other day about "being an RA."
Basically, you have to be back at your dorm by 2 in the morning everyday, if your not on duty. And when I mean duty, I mean on call and that's once a week. You have 12 days off. That means that you can leave the campus and do whatever you like(i.e. go home for fall break, etc) this isn't to be used for holidays( thankgiving break, christmas break).
Nevertheless, you get your own room and other great compensations! And like 200 flex bucks each semester/ $4000 anually. Also, you get your room charges down to $700 per semester.
Keep in mind, being an RA is working 24/7. My RA had no complaints and issues, so he had it easier than other RA's.</p>
<p>I am currently an RA at Western Carolina University, and I absolutely love the position! It is true that you cannot go home too much, but employers look at it as wonderful on job applications, you get paid good every month(depending on the school) and you get your own room. You have a wonderful way to connect to new people, so definitely consider applying!</p>
<p>Hi! what exactly does an RA do? And Why is it that they are not able to go home on Christmas?</p>
<p>You don't even have to be back in your room by 2 A.M., just within your community. </p>
<p>And RA's do get to leave for breaks, they just have to wait until everyone else has checked out, which isn't a big deal at all.</p>
<p>I'm also applying to be an RA, and I don't think its fair to judge the experience using the RAs of other schools. None of the RAs I have talked to regret being an RA in any way.
As for what they do:</p>
<ol>
<li>Make rounds and enforce policy. Basically try to keep residents in line.</li>
<li>Check in and check out residents. Mainly at the beginning of first semester and end of second semester, assigning keys and flex passes, assigning rooms and such.</li>
<li>Be on duty for certain events, i.e. Halloween and the Duke game.</li>
</ol>
<p>Good luck getting selected. Hopefully I'll be one with you two next year.</p>