1. They welcome you to your university.
The first day of college, just like the first day of high school is scary, especially because its usually completely new territory you aren't very familiar with. Your RA can the person who shows you around campus and can give you answers to any questions you have about your new home.
2. They hold events and try to make them fun.
Some people don't know this but most RA's have to have their programs and events have an educational component. Even though that can be hard depending on the event, RA's will try to make it fun and add their own ideas so that programs can be more fun for you, their residents!
3. They can get you into your room when you lock yourself out.
RA's do much more behind the scenes than you think. When you lock your keys in your room or lose them, your RA is the one who usually has to call the locksmith to replace your lock or give you a replacement key. Kind of makes them a super hero.
4. They will be a shoulder to cry on.
It's hard moving to a new place and getting adjusted to a new environment. Your RA will be the person who checks up on you when you look a little down and is always asking how your day is. They will become someone you can go to for support when you need something.
5. They will make bulletin boards/flyers.
The job of an RA is so many different things. One of those things is making bulletin boards that are educational or have to do with something going on around campus. Your RA will also put up flyers and make other programs and events on campus known to you and fellow residents.
6. They will be there in an emergency.
Usually, every dorm has an RA on duty for the evening, in case of emergencies. This could be getting ice for someone whose fallen, dealing with a loud room, or even calling an ambulance or public safety if needed.
7. They will sort your mail.
At some universities like mine, RA's double as desk assistants working the front desk of your building, sorting mail and packages. This mean they are working not only one, but two jobs.
8. They will help mediate roommate issues.
When I was a freshman, I got into a little spiff with a girl I lived down the hall from and my RA mediated it and helped us put our differences aside and be friends. They will just do their best to keep the peace.
9. They make door decorations.
Most RA's make personalized door decs for their residents and update them every so often. This is a cute touch and a way to feel welcome and know the people living around you.
10. They will eat with you when you have no one to go with.
Shout out to my first year RA who threw house dinners and every Sunday night at 6 we would all go to the cafeteria together and eat. This not only helped me get over my anxiety of being in a new place with new people but also helped me make sure I was taking care of myself.
11. They won't get you in trouble if they don't have to.
No RA in the history of RA's wants to bust their residents, they really care about them and want them to do well. This comes down to the smallest things, like the extra noise violation warning, or not writing you up for having curtains. :)
12. They become your friend.
When you meet someone who's job is to help people in a new environment and care about people they don't know, then that is a person you want to be friends with. If you become close with your RA, stay that way, they make great friends.
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10 Ways To Celebrate Christmas With Your New College Friends
Because we have to celebrate three weeks in advance, right?
In a season of mourning the dreaded finals week and wishing to be home with family, college students across the country are ready for the fall semester to be over. There's no doubt Christmas is the best time of year, and what better way to get into the spirit than planning fun activities with new college friends? Follow these 10 helpful tips to avoid the end of the semester breakdowns and get ready for the most wonderful time of the year.
Play all the music
Mariah Carey, Bing Crosby, Pentatonix, Frank Sinatra, the list goes on and on... It's time to update your Spotify playlist and sing along to the best carols known to man. Christmas music is catchy and appeals to all audiences no matter your music preference. Next time you hear "Jingle Bells" or "Let it Snow", don't bother to be shy and turn down the tunes. Sing your heart out loud and proud.
Have a movie marathon
What better way to take a study break than watching Christmas movies? The world's best Christmas icons have all come from moving pictures, and rewatching these films never gets old. Whether it be the Grinch, Frosty the snowman, Buddy the elf, or Kevin McCalister, everyone can relate to at least one holiday character. Be sure to stay up to date with Freeform's 25 Days of Christmas for all your Christmas classics.
Buy a mini tree from Target
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While going to the Christmas tree farm and picking out the perfect Fraser fir seems like a fun idea, it may not be the most practical for a college dorm room. Take a short trip to your nearest Target and you'll find artificial trees in any color your heart desires — silver, blue, pink, gold, possibly even rose gold. We all know you can't have Christmas without a tree!
Plug in the lights
It doesn't take much time or effort to decorate a dorm room as much as it does to decorate a house. Go to the Dollar Tree and stock up on discounted items to spread some holiday cheer. Coming back from class and being surrounded by twinkle lights will fix any bad day in a heartbeat.
Enjoy the Starbucks holiday collection
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What better way to spend your last dining dollars than splurging on a toasted white chocolate mocha? With temperatures below freezing and long walks to lecture, stopping by the Ferg Starbucks sure sounds like a great idea. You don't even have to spend real money!
Write cards
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The tradition of giving and receiving holiday cards never gets old. As a writer, receiving handwritten notes from family and friends warms my heart. I always look forward to the holiday season and spend an ample amount of time gathering addresses to send out cards to family members across the country.
Drink hot chocolate
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There's nothing quite like warming up with a hot cup of cocoa on a cold winter day. Grab the marshmallows, whip cream, and enjoy!
Bake cookies
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Chocolate chip. Sugar. Gingerbread. Snickerdoodle. Peanut butter. Cookies are a must. Plain and simple.
Give back with a student organization
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While in college, consider volunteering with a local club or charity that house children in your area. Some religious organizations will hold toy drives for underprivileged families in the community. Whatever you do to make a difference, know that your efforts are making an impact. It can be easy to take things for granted, especially during the holiday season. Volunteering at a soup kitchen or donating items to Operation Christmas Child is a great way to give back.
Spend time with friends
Ashley Cunigan
Whether you're minutes down the road or miles away from home, Christmas is meant to spend time with loved ones. Enjoy this holiday season with college friends and make some memories at the end of the semester. Time flies by way too fast not to be having fun. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!