The college experience looks a little different to everyone. For some, commuting to and from classes – either from your own home, or living with parents or another relative – is the most practical. For others, especially those going to a college or university away from their hometown, on-campus housing can be the best choice. While moving into a residence hall is an exciting milestone, it’s also important to know where you can get help when you need it. From the person who unlocks your room when you forget your key to someone who can help you resolve a roommate conflict, there’s a whole support system built into campus housing. Here are some key roles you should know before moving in.

Resident Advisor (RA)

Your RA is a fellow student who lives in your building and acts as a peer mentor, campus resource, and community builder. RAs are trained to handle a variety of situations, from breaking the ice among residents on your floor, to helping to mediate roommate disagreements. They’re also likely the first person you’ll talk to if you have questions about campus life.

RAs also help enforce residence hall rules, ensure safety protocols are followed, and can help respond to minor incidents. Think of your RA as a bridge between students and the Housing and Residence Life professional staff – they are meant to be approachable and have likely been in your shoes at some point.

Director of Housing or Residence Hall Director

This person is a professional staff member who oversees residence halls and supervises the RAs. They’re responsible for managing the buildings, supporting student wellbeing, and stepping in when more serious issues arise.

If you have an ongoing problem, such as unresolved roommate tension or repeated noise complaints, this is a good person to contact. You can usually reach them through email or by setting up an appointment through the Office of Housing and Residence Life.

Public Safety

Many colleges and universities have their own public safety teams or even campus police. These staff members are typically available 24/7 and are responsible for ensuring the safety of students and the university community. They also plan for crisis situations, run fire drills in the residence halls, and are a key contact in a medical crisis or other emergency situations. You can contact public safety through the phone number provided by your school – be sure to save this in your phone!

Final thoughts: When in doubt, your RA is often a good place to start. They’ll either help you directly or they can connect you to the right person. College can feel overwhelming at first, but you’re not alone. Your campus housing team is there to make your transition smoother, safer, and a lot more fun.

Are you ready to #MakeItMore? Set up a campus visit at thomasmore.edu/come-and-see/. You can also check out our updated virtual tour of campus HERE, which includes a look inside Murphy Hall, one of Thomas More’s residence halls.