If there was one thing I learned during my freshman year, it was to always appreciate your Resident Advisor. In every freshman dorm around campus, you will find an RA. These people will not only be living near you, but also have all the answers. Resident Advisors act as peer leaders or mentors who live on the floor of your college dorm room. No, they are not a group of crazy people who want to get you in trouble. I found my RA to be my lifesaver.

1. They will listen to your problems at any hour of the night.
2. They will not judge you for your appearance in the morning.
3. They can give you upperclassmen advice on what to do around campus.
4. They will never get you in trouble unless you give them a reason to.
5. They are always someone to go to the dining halls with.
6. If your RA is in your class, they will always sit next to you when you are alone.
7. They have weekly/monthly socials that will bring in lots of junk food.
8. RA's will direct you when you are lost on your first day of classes.
9. They will listen to you boy/girl troubles.
10. They will encourage you to try new things and be outgoing.
11. S/he will show you how to have a good time without needing to head out to parties.
12. An RA can make you smile when you are just simply homesick.
13. They have all the emergency contacts you can think of.
14. They will edit your twenty page essay just because they care.
15. If you let them, they will become your best friend.