1. Blue Masking Tape
This will become your new best friend as a resident assistant. Blue masking tape is the No. 1 item used to get things stuck to walls, with no permanent damage done to the wall after it is taken off. RAs go through this tape like crazy, using multiple rolls each semester. This comes in handy when hanging up flyers, door tags, memos, et cetera and is typically the only item allowed on the walls. Make sure to bring a couple of rolls with you when you move back into college.
2. Dry Erase Markers and Pens
These will be the two most important writing utensils that you need to carry around with you. Typically, as an RA, you will need dry erase markers while on duty to mark down the duty board. All this board does is state which RA is on duty for the night. Dry erase markers tend to disappear quickly among staff, so make sure to have a few of your own. Pens are also extremely important, since you are always writing things down. Whether that be notes taken about duty, or a resident's concern with their roommate, pens will be needed on a daily basis.
3. Landline Phone
This one may sound bizarre because who really uses landline phones anymore, but they are definitely necessary for the job. You are technically a worker for the university, and most workers have a landline that they can be reached at within their office. Your room at school then becomes like your office, and a landline suitably belongs in there. This can now be used if anyone on campus needs to reach you, and they do not have your personal phone number.
4. Craft Supplies
There are plenty of times where you need to get crafty as an RA. Most schools have a resource room for RAs to get items like construction paper and markers, but it never hurts to have your own. You will typically need to make door tags for every resident, along with a bulletin board for your hallway, and many other crafting jobs are created for you to do. Therefore, keep those supplies handy as you will be using them quite often.
5. Tissues
Often, as an RA, you are going to have to deal with emotional residents. Whether they are homesick, are having a roommate conflict, or something tragic has just happened, it is important to keep tissues around. As you try to console them and combat the issue, having a nice, soft tissue to give them is helpful.
