Love it or hate it, Residence Life is a huge part of college campuses. If you've lived on campus you've probably interacted with some member of Residence Life - a resident advisor (RA), a housing director, or even the person sitting at the front desk that checks you out your spare key when you inevitably lock yourself out of your dorm room.

Residence life is a great job opportunity on campus and can often save you room and board fees, but that's about all that people know about. Having worked as an RA for a while now (this is my third semester on top of a summer term and winter break term) I’m here to shine some light on what you might not know about life as an advisor.

1. It’s more than door decs and programming.

When I first applied to work as an RA, I legitimately thought that all the job involved was being in the residence halls more and making door decs in return for free housing. I was wrong. Being an RA involves trainings, workshops, staff meetings, making door decs, putting up bulletin boards, enforcing hall policies, planning and putting on programs, paperwork, and of course being on call in the halls to respond to any situation you could think of - from parties in dorm rooms to burnt popcorn setting off fire alarms. As an RA, you see it all.

2. Pinterest will be your new best friend.

If it isn't already, Pinterest will be your go-to for everything in Res Life. Need ideas for this months door decs? Pinterest. Need ideas for bulletin boards? Pinterest. Need ideas for your monthly programs? Recipes for microwave meals after a long night on call? Inspirational quotes to share with your residents? Pinterest is truly God's gift to RAs.

3. Your sleep schedule will be whack.

Working as an RA often means late nights on call or at the desk. Even if your last round (walking your assigned hall periodically to ensure a safe environment) is at midnight, who's to say what you'll see on that round that could keep you out of bed for another two or three hours? Plus, when you're on duty your phone could ring at any time. Nothing will take your 8 hours away faster than a resident locking themselves out of their room at 4 in the morning. However, the late nights often make for the best study sessions, and many RAs keep good grades because of it.

4. Your residents will see you as either their best friend or their worst enemy.

Some residents will see you as their personal counselor, tutor, a parent... and will come to you for everything. Which can get overwhelming because you're also a college student dealing with your own issues. Others will see you only as someone out to get them when they break policies. The best place to be with a resident is somewhere in the middle, where they know you're someone they can come to when they need to, but also respect that you're there to provide a safe living environment for all residents.

5. It's not a part-time job.

Most people don't see behind the scenes. Residents often know that you have on-call rounds and put on events, but they don't see the hours of work you put into your door decs and bulletin boards or the time you spend in staff training, meetings, leadership development, and in nurturing your hall's environment. Being an RA is a full-time job, but...

6. It is so worth it.

The friends you make - whether fellow RAs, residents, your supervisors - are friends that will last you a lifetime. Bonding through long nights on call, lack of sleep, planning events, venting after a rough week or failed program creates relationships stronger than any other you'll find on campus. Finding your niche in college can be difficult, but working in Res Life can enrich your college experience more than you could ever imagine.