Being a resident assistant (RA) is definitely one of the best jobs I have ever had. But, like most jobs, it does have its ups and downs. On the upside, I have the opportunity to help college students have the best college experience they can, educate them about the campus and life outside of the classroom, and be there for them when they need someone. On the downside though, sometimes I have to be the "bad guy" and enforce the rules that nobody wants to follow. All in all, I have gained valuable life experience from being an RA and I will gladly take any downs that come along with being an RA because I love my job. As the school year is approaching and move in is starting, here are some tips that I think will be helpful to you as you begin or continue this journey.

1. Get To Know Your RA

I can't stress this tip enough. Don't be scared of your RA just because they're an RA. Yes, they may have a position of power that could possibly get you in trouble, but they're normal students and people just like you. Last year, I was best friends with a good majority of my floor. We Snapchatted each other, hung out almost every single night, studied together, etc. and it was amazing! My floor had such a positive and fun atmosphere and I had multiple residents tell me they were glad they became friends with their RA and they never would have thought they could become so close with their RA. How you treat your RA is how they will treat you. If you are disrespectful and rude to your RA, you're going to get in a lot more trouble than you would if you were nice and respectful to your RA because you caused more trouble than needed. Like I said, RA's are normal students, just like you, and they're always looking to make more friends, so get to know them and be their friend.

2. Go To Programs

I know, programs sound lame and it seems like such a middle school thing to do, but it's a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. It's also a great way to get free food and learn valuable life lessons about how to save money, how to dress for an interview, how to create a resume or cover letter, safe sex, how to eat healthy, study tips, how to reduce stress, etc. It will also help you get on your RA's good side.

3. Don't Stay Locked In Your Dorm Room!

College is the time to shine! You're finally independent and have no rules (well aside from the dorm rules). Yes, grades are very, very important, but so are social skills. Get out there, make new friends, have the time of your life!

4. Go To Class!

I know, it's very tempting to just sleep in and have a lazy day all cuddled up in your bed watching Netflix. But, some professors include attendance in the final grade of the class. Going to class could be the difference between an A and a B, it could be the difference between making the dean's list and not making the dean's list. It may seem more appealing to skip class, but I promise in the long run those good grades will be much more appealing and going to class will be well worth it.

5. Just Follow The Rules

This tip might be the most important tip of them all. As an RA, I get pegged as the "bad guy" for busting people that are breaking the rules. But in all reality, it wasn't my fault that they knowingly broke the rules, I didn't make them break the rules. I just did my job. If you worked in a store and I came in and tried to steal a bunch of stuff would you just look the other way? No, and it wouldn't be your fault either, you were just doing your job. So don't get mad at RAs for doing their jobs when you're the one choosing to break the rules. Also, depending on the rule you're choosing to break, it could ruin your entire life. Let's go to the extreme and say you chose to smoke weed in the dorms and got caught. You now get kicked out of the dorms with NO refund, you also lose all of your scholarships and financial aid. You could also possibly be kicked out of school all together and maybe even look at jail time since smoking weed is still illegal in most states. Not to mention, it will go on your permanent record for all of your future employers to see. However, you could save yourself all of that trouble by just following the rules. RAs don't want to get you in trouble just as much as you don't want to get in trouble because that's a lot of paperwork for us and no one likes getting people in trouble, so just help everyone out and just follow the rules.

6. Respect Your Floor

Don't ruin your floor's atmosphere. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Don't be disrespectful to your floormates or roommates, don't cause drama or problems, don't be the person that makes everyone want to stay in the dorm and not be friends with their floor because they're scared of you. Just treat everyone with kindness and respect and only add positivity to your floor, no negativity. Also, RAs spend HOURS making door decorations and their bulletin boards and decorating their floors. DO NOT MESS WITH THESE. Honestly, as an RA nothing upsets me more than when I spend countless hours making door decorations and bulletin boards for you and for our floor to look nice and then people just rip them down or deface them. If you want to make your own door decs, that's fine, but don't just rip down a decoration and put nothing else up there. Just respect your floor.

7. Go To Your RA

Know that your RA is a valuable resource available to you. If you're having problems with your roommates you can go to your RA. Your RA is trained to handle roommate conflicts and be a mediator. If you're having personal problems, know that you can go to and trust your RA. As an RA, I am not allowed to tell anyone anything that you tell me (unless it is a danger to yourself or others). So you don't have to worry about your RA telling everyone your secrets or your RA judging you or anything like that. Your RA is just there to listen, be a friend, and lend a helping hand. Also, if it is a situation that your RA does not feel like they are able to give you the best help possible, they can direct you to the resources they know so you are getting the help you need. Don't be afraid to go to your RA. People view going to their RA as being a "tattle tale" or "not being able to handle their own problems," but your RA can help diffuse a situation before it becomes an even bigger problem and there is nothing wrong with asking for help so don't let those negative connotations scare you away from reaching out.

8. Have Fun And Enjoy College

College is what you make it. You have the opportunity to start fresh and new and be a completely different person if you want. If you hated high school and wanted to do things differently, now is your chance. Be the person you always wanted to be because this will be the first time they're meeting you and they can't hold your past against you. Go out, make friends, join clubs and organizations, and get involved. This is supposed to be the best time of your life, so go make the most of it!