First Year Student Experience Through the Eyes of an RA

The first year experience for a college student is very challenging in a variety of aspects.  Physically, academically, socially, mentally and spiritually, the first year student is challenged in growth every day.  When going to a massive university such as Rutgers University, there are many things the first year student must conquer, and a major resource that they should turn to is their resident assistant.  This is especially true in Demarest Hall where my friend, Mike, is a resident assistant on a first year floor.

While knowing Mike through my own first year, we experienced many of the same situations, but while interviewing him, it was very interesting to see what new insights he has learned as an RA during his sophomore year.  One of the most well known challenges facing a first year student is known as "the freshman fifteen" which is discussed here:

                                      

Although this is one of the most well known issues, as well as an important issue, it is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the challenges a first year student faces, and this idea became apparent when interviewing Mike.  One of the main themes that were discussed were the freedoms that a new college student faces.  With that freedom comes responsibility, which is an adjustment for some individuals depending on their family backgrounds.  According to Mike, the first year student faces challenges such as:

• Going to class
• Eating correctly
• Choosing their own classes
• Cleaning their rooms
• Dedicating enough study time
• Getting involved

The common theme with the aforementioned challenges is that before going to college, many of these students are aided or forced to do all of these activities by a parent/guardian or other adult.  When moving to college, this pressure is alleviated which forces the first year to tackle these challenges by themselves or find these services that they need to help them by themselves.  This can be a lot to handle, which is where a resident assistant can be a very good resource.  Mike discussed different aspects of his job that he does to assist these students.  One of these is just to be a resource for the students to come to field questions.  This is incredibly important, as he explained,  because having a friendly face to help assist you when you're stressed is vitally important.  Another aspect of the job is to try and build a community within the floor that they live.  This is also a major part of the job because the resident assistant may not be around to answer all the questions their residents may have.  Having other students in their dorm that are going through the same situation is essential, because they can learn from others mistakes and learn about their experiences as well. 

Mike explained that being a first year student is a scary, as well as exciting time, especially at such a large university.  He pointed to these helpful tips for first years:

1) Budget the correct amount of time to study, you are here for academics.

2) There are many resources at Rutgers.  If you have a problem, there is most likely an office to help you.

3) Budget your time to sleep and exercise.  Your body and mind will thank you for it.

4) Have fun! College is the best years of your life!