Applications for the role of Residence Life Assistant (RLA) are still open – this is a paid role with the University, aiming to support students living in halls and create a fun and safe environment for them.
To help you work out if being a Residence Life Assistant would be right for you, we spoke to Will, Isobel and Ella about their experience as RLAs and why they think you should get involved:
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You will help students feel supported during their time in halls
A crucial part of the RLA role is to support students who might have questions about life in halls, university life, or just need a chat.
Second year Modern Languages and Linguistics student Isobel said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as an RLA since it has given me an opportunity to meet new people and enhance their experience at halls. I have been able to provide a helping hand to those in need.”
Third year Geography student Will added: “Whilst receptionists and Residential Services are there to help with critical issues, sometimes students need another student face who’s been through their experiences and can help them pastorally; as RLAs we are a great help for ‘life’ concerns.”
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You will help create a welcoming environment in halls
Another crucial part of the role is making students feel welcome and have a good time in their halls – this is where RLAs come in.
“By running a range of events with different activities and options, we foster an inclusive atmosphere where students can feel engaged in the place where they live and find a place to make new friends or relax with a calm event,” said Will. “Sometimes at an event, attending students may be shy and need a helping hand to get talking and make friends – by taking an active part in including them, it can make them feel so much more welcome in halls than before.”
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You will have a dynamic schedule and set of activities to run
A week in the life of an RLA includes working on a variety of activities for students, with different RLAs attending to different halls sites.
“A typical week as an RLA involves two shifts: community engagement and a halls event. At our events, we set up whatever supplies the event has, distribute QR codes for checking in, chat with students as they partake in the event and ensure we remain friendly and engaging, and then pack down afterwards,” said Will.
“On a Wednesday we run an event at my halls site which generally has quite good attendance. I get to talk to many different students in this and have really formed an idea of what it is they like to do. During drop-in sessions I have had some students come and ask me questions about areas such as accommodation and societies,” said second year History student Ella.
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You will meet many new people, develop your skills, and enhance your University experience
“Being an RLA really helps to develop a sense of community and most importantly to meet new people!” said Isobel. “If you aren’t sure whether to apply, just go for it! It is such a rewarding role and you will be able to develop yourself as a person.”
“You get to meet a lot more students than you would do otherwise, gain valuable experience in running events, and generally being a friendly face for people to turn to for advice,” said Ella.
“The position of RLA is down-to-earth and engaging, and with the range of events we host, it is fun too. I encourage anyone who has lived in halls to become a Residential Life Assistant for their original halls site as it is interesting and enriching to see the place you lived in from both a staff as well as student perspective. In a way, it is giving back to the community you were once a part of,” added Will.
Watch the video below for more insights from Isobel, Ella, and Will, and apply to be a Residence Life Assistant via this Microsoft Form by Friday 12 April.