We’re looking for passionate, dedicated, caring UBCO students from across the residence community to join our vibrant team in 2024/25.
Working in Residence Life is a valuable way to build important leadership skills, help other students succeed socially and academically, and earn income during the school year.
Residence Life staff inspire communities, plan events, lend an ear when needed, and—most importantly—help create lifelong memories for residents and themselves.
Our RA’s answered YOUR questions about what it’s like to be a Residence Advisor! If your question wasn’t answered in this video, check out our other Q&A videos on our Instagram (@ubcoresidence) or our Frequently Asked Questions below!
Student Stories
Rohan Dilip
Hello future RAs! My name is Rohan Dilip.
Hi, my name is Rohan and I’m a Residence Advisor on the second floor of Valhalla.
Being an international student, coming to residence in a new country was initially overwhelming. However, my RAs greatly helped me adjust to life in university, and helped make my first year residence experience an unforgettable one. I decided to apply to be an RA for this very reason – so that I could help with the adjustment process of coming to a new place with tons of new faces.
Reflecting on my time as an RA, I can confidently say that I accomplished this and so much more. I was able to grow so much as a person, all while being a part of the welcoming and helpful Residence Life community. Being able to organize fun events for the residence community – ranging from smaller scale board games nights to large scale scavenger hunts – has been largely enjoyable.
With the active listening, communication, and leadership skills learned by being an RA as well as the meaningful connections formed, I feel much more prepared for life in and out of university. Similar to my first year in residence, the returning RA’s and the rest of the Residence Life team have been extremely supportive, and helped make my first year as an RA a memorable one.
Hi! My name is Amelie and I am an Residence Advisor in Skeena.
I applied to be a RA because I wanted the opportunity to push myself to connect with people and to help give others the same positive first year experience I had. Looking back, I never could have predicted how much this job would teach me, from how to build community, to conflict management, to adaptability and professionalism; the learning opportunities are endless. The skills I’ve learnt from being an RA are skills that I will be able to use throughout all aspects of my life. Additionally it’s been amazing to be a part of the RA community and having the opportunity to work with such a dedicated and diverse team. The RAs all really strive to create a positive and inclusive residence community and it’s been incredible to be a part of that.
Amelie Letvinchuk
RA, Skeena
Spandan Ghevriya
Hi! My name is Spandan and I am an Residence Advisor in Skeena.
Hi! My name is Spandan Ghevriya and I am the Senior Residence Advisor at Skeena.
I initially applied to be an RA because I wanted to help residents. While that is still true, this job has taught me things far beyond just that. The RA community is a family that I did not know I needed. The Residence Life Managers, other RAs, and residents create the most supportive and loving environment. Each day as a Residence Advisor is an opportunity for personal growth, and a chance to make a positive impact on someone’s life.
I was extremely shy coming into this role. This job has given me the opportunity to build confidence and discover my potential as a team leader. As an RA and Senior RA these past two years, I have grown professionally and as an individual in multiple ways. Empowerment, professionalism, management, decision-making, problem-solving … you will experience all.
My favourite part about being an RA is hosting large-scale events for all residents. From organizing events with your colleagues to having a great time hosting them for your residents, you get to enjoy every aspect of it! My two favourite large-scale events that I have hosted are Diwali and Knit Don’t Quit.
I am grateful to be part of an incredibly supportive and fun community. This job is close to my heart and will be one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I would highly recommend anyone to apply for an RA.
Spandan Ghevriya RA, Skeena
Zahra Alyamani
Hey! My name is Zahra and I am a Residence Advisor in Nechako.
Hi, I’m Zahra and I’m a Residence Advisor for Nechako!
I originally applied to be an RA because of the support that my own RAs provided me with in my first year of university. The idea of being a support system for incoming residents was one that stood out to me. I remembered the daunting feeling that accompanied moving away from home for the first time, an experience that many residents tend to share, and the desire for helping individuals navigate this new chapter was what compelled me to apply for the job.
Residence Life has provided me with the opportunity to work along side a diverse group of people and this has very quickly become my favorite part of the job! Whether it’s learning about the different places that my residents call home, or working on running programs with members on the team, I find this to be a truly fulfilling experience.
I have found that working in Residence Life has challenged me to use both resilience and ingenuity in conflict resolution to help support a community with varying needs. It has taught me what it means to be a leader and that the skills associated with successful leadership are multifaceted.
Overall, this incredible opportunity has played a large role in shaping the person I have become and will be a major contributing factor to the fondness that I will look back at my university experience with!”
Zahra Alyamani
RA, Nechako
Fanfei Wang
Hi! I'm Fanfei.
Hey there! My name is Fanfei Wang and I am an Residence Advisor in Similkameen (up the hill!).
I applied to become an RA to extend the caring resident community I was a part of to the new first years. I chose to work in a traditional single-connected residence because I am social and enjoy helping others. Working in these types of buildings means you must input a lot of creative ideas together with your team, because you’re the first people who create what university life is like for first-year students. As an RA, I have learned to be more sensitive to residents’ needs and tailor activities toward them. Although at first I didn’t know what to expect in the interactions I have with residents, in fact they appreciate our efforts (a resident once told me I made her feel welcomed by helping her with the laundry). The kindness you create and the unique connection you have with the residents– to help them thrive, are the most rewarding parts of the job.
Being an RA means you ensure residents’ well-being and safety using the resources you learned from the training and your own experience. But know that you’re never alone because you have a big team to back you up and accommodate you. The Residence Life team is a fun, close-knit and caring community.
Overall, being an RA has given me many opportunities to serve the residence-wide population, let ideas happen– whether it relates to charity, art, or culture, and has taught me the importance of teamwork.
Fanfei Wang
RA, Similkameen
Aryaman Nandyal
Hey! I'm Aryaman.
Working in Residence Life has been one of the most enjoyable and educational experiences of my life. This job has taught me many valuable skills such as critical thinking and quick decision-making, and has provided me with numerous opportunities to learn and grow. One of the most enriching aspects of working in Residence Life is meeting and interacting with people from all over the world, who come from different cultures and hold different perspectives. This surreal experience has shown me the diversity of the world and has ignited my desire to learn more about individuals and their backgrounds.
Aryaman Nandyal RA, Cascades
Daryus Ahmed
(Being an RA was) the best decision of my life. I made strong connections with my residents, met coworkers who share my common interests, and most importantly got the best opportunity to give back to the community.
As a Senior RA I can definitely say that I felt proud leading a team of such talented and great individuals. Over the course of my two years as an RA I can definitely say my favourite memories included hosting seasonal programs and going over move-in week!
Overall, I was able to improve upon skills such as leadership, conflict facilitation, and active listening, which I will carry with me throughout my professional life. Finally, I have loved being part of such an active community of people who call Monashee home. I truly do encourage you to apply to Residence Life and watch it change your life!
Daryus Ahmed
Madeleine Labonte
This job has brought me so many great opportunities and skills that I will be happy to apply to all my future endeavours. My favourite thing about being an RA is the sense of family that comes with the job. Every step of the way I feel as though I have help and guidance. As a Senior resident advisor I love being able to be the person who gives back by doing that for my RA team!
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2. If you have lived on or applied for housing at UBCO before, please ensure you use the same email address that you use with the housing application.
3. You will receive an emailed link to sign in to eRez.
Once you’ve signed in, you will see a menu on the left that says “Jobs”, click on “Job Postings” under that menu to view the current available job postings and to fill out your application
If you have any issues while trying to access the application, please contact us at residencelife.ok@ubc.ca
Can I apply if I haven't lived in residence?
Yes, we accept applications from all UBC students.
What should I include in my application?
Include all past work and volunteer experience, along with your answers to the questions in the online application. No need to include a resume or cover letter.
Do I also need to apply to live in residence?
Yes, you will need to apply to live in residence. If you are selected for a Residence Life position, you will then be guaranteed a space in residence.
Can I apply for more than one job type?
Yes, apply for each position separately if you are interested and have the relevant experience for more than one job type.
Are graduate students able to apply to be a Residence Advisor?
Yes, graduate students are welcome to apply to be Residence Advisors.
After I've applied
What is a carousel interview?
This is an interview process where a group of 8 candidates move through a set of stations together.
How flexible is my schedule during the mandatory two-week orientation in August?
The orientation is a full-time, intensive training period. It is expected that you schedule any other commitments outside of the orientation.
If hired, would I be able to choose my own residence assignment?
No.
Residence Advisors are intentionally placed throughout the Residence community to ensure that each small area Advisor team is balanced with the different strengths and characteristics needed to support diverse residence communities. Residence Life Managers will work to place you in an area that will be a successful living and working environment for you and with teammates that will complement your own strengths.
If I haven't lived in residence before, where can I find out more about the different residences?
You can find out more on our website under residences.
More about the job
If I am offered a position, will I have opportunities to take time away?
Residence Advisors are able to take a specified amount of time away during the year. All requests must be approved in advance by the Residence Life management team.
Your schedule will give you the opportunity to visit friends and family. You are required to stay in residence 5 nights per week. One of these nights will be a Friday or Saturday each week. You will be planning the schedule with your team on an ongoing basis.
Additionally, you will be required to attend Residence Life staff meetings every Monday evening.
Will I be required to work during Reading Break?
You are expected to be present for at least half of Reading Break. The schedule will be determined by your Residence Life team.
Will I be required to work during the holiday break (late-December to early-January)?
Most staff are able to take time off during the holiday break and are required to work until the last day of exams in December.
Some RAs volunteer to stay on throughout the break in residence areas that remain open during the holidays.
Where can I find more information about job expectations?
Are RAs permitted to accept other paid commitments at UBC?
Advisors may be able to take on additional employment, but must have it approved by their Residence Life Manager.
How long would my contract be?
Residence Advisors are offered 8 month contracts (late-August to late-April). However, we do hire some Residence Advisors for the summer months through a subsequent hiring process, which takes place in February.
Who can I ask if I have additional questions?
Please reach out to residencelife.ok@ubc.ca for support with any questions that you may have.