Work in Residence Life

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.

Rohan Dilip
RA, Valhalla
Second-year undergraduate: BSc, Biochemistry
Hometown: Ottapalam, Kerala, India

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

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

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

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

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