Dorm Resident Adviser - Is This Job for You?

The costs of college tuition are constantly rising. It is even more so if you are living in a dormitory. You are paying more money for room and board. You have decided that you would prefer to stay on campus than try to find a place off-campus. If only you had a job where your room and board was free and made extras money as well. There is a possibility if you want to be a dorm resident adviser.

If you live in a door, you will notice that there is usually a resident adviser on each floor. If you are the type of person who can deal with situations such as helping a student get back into his room if he is locked out and helping those who are not doing good in classes this might be the job for you. However, many dorm residents desire to become a dorm resident advisor so you will be competing with many to get one of the few available positions. To get the job you also have to present yourself to be the type of person who can take charge of any situation.

If you want to become a resident advisor, go to your Housing and Residence Office. If there are openings available, they will be posted on the bulletin board.

While you may be friends to many people living on your floor, you must also be able to enforce the rules of the dorm. For example, the quiet hours on the floor may be from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m. You must make sure the residents are going to keep quiet during those times. You cannot let them to continue making noise. If you present yourself as somebody that can be taken advantage of, the chances of you becoming a resident adviser are slim.

You also must be able to keep up with your classes and grades. You will be playing a teaching role to students who are falling behind in their classes.

Another consideration that is looked at during the hiring process is how active you are in your college life. If you are involved in the student government or other organization in your college, your chances are better at getting a resident advisor position than somebody who appears to be shy and withdrawn.

You will have to keep a clean profile. You cannot use illegal drugs if you are expected to counsel residents on this. You may even have to take a drug test if you apply for this position. If you have used drugs, it is best not to even apply to be a resident advisor. A positive test may prevent you from getting the position; it may even get you kicked out of the dorms.

Finally, being a dorm resident adviser takes a lot of time. While you may be enjoying the fact that your room and board will be paid for and get an hourly wage, you may have to put off going to concerts and parties. This is a job and you have to act like a professional and take on a leadership role.

If you think that you are this type of person for this coveted job, go for it! Even if you do not get the job, you can still play a major important role in your dorm. Then your chances of getting it next year are better.