Helpful Advice from a College RA
The journey through college is not an easy one. You will face so many difficulties along the way. However, there are ways to make your college experience memorable amidst these challenges. I have served as a Residential Assistant at Hardin-Simmons University, and these seven tips, from my experience, should help make your college experience easier.
1. Make an effort to know your professors
At Hardin-Simmons University, the student-to-faculty ratio makes this easy. If you don’t go to a small school, still take advantage of the proximity to your professors. Even though their primary job is to give you an education, most of them want to get to know your story. You can approach your professor even when you don’t need help with your schoolwork or a recommendation letter.
2. Learn to communicate with your roommate
Roommate conflicts are among the most common issues students experience in a college dorm. Reasons for this could be miscommunication, inconsideration, stress, and more. If he/she does something that makes you feel uncomfortable, express your feelings to them in a polite and gentle manner. Sometimes people store negative emotions, which eventually lead to an outburst of emotions and cause the situation to escalate. If things do not get better, then you can involve your RA. Your RA is there to make sure your college dorm experience is as good as possible, so always feel free to approach them.
3. Practice self-care
The importance of prioritizing self-care cannot be overemphasized. Students are often juggling their schoolwork with jobs, sports, or other social commitments, hence why making time for yourself is crucial. Your body needs this favor. Find something you enjoy doing and relax.
4. Keep track of your commitments with a digital or physical calendar
Between class, assignments, work, and social engagements, it is easy to become overwhelmed and lose track of what you are supposed to be doing at certain times. Trust me when I say I have been there. Planning your calendar is an efficient way to ensure that this does not happen frequently. Before you make plans, check your calendar to make sure you have nothing to do at that time. This will help you avoid the embarrassment of having to cancel plans at the last minute. Whenever you make an appointment, put it in your calendar immediately to avoid forgetting.
5. Make the most of your time at college
Four years might seem like a long time at first, but time flies by so quickly. Find clubs and organizations that you have an interest in. Having a community that you can depend on and confide in is very helpful. HSU has a variety of clubs to cater to the interests of the students on campus.
6. Ask for help
When you find yourself struggling to understand a portion of your coursework, do not wait till the very last minute to get help. Reach out to your professor or make use of the tutoring services provided at your institution. At HSU, ACE is a free tutoring service that every student can access. The sooner you get help, the sooner your grades get better.
7. Your RA is there for you
They are also students like you who have gone through similar college experiences. Their job is not to get you in trouble but to point you in the right direction. If you ever have any questions, feel free to ask your RA. Even if they do not have the answers you are looking for, they can point you to someone who does.
