When you move into college your freshman year, you’re (most likely) going to have an RA [aka resident assistant] who will help you navigate the university and college life. Now, typically, I feel as though RA’s get a bad rap because they are there to enforce rules. However, RA’s aren’t just there to scold you, so here are five reasons as to why you should befriend them:

1. They’re older than you– this means that they have been in your shoes!! Your RA has already survived their freshman year and can help you overcome any challenges you may encounter.
2. Older (Typically) means they’re wiser– By wiser I mean they can help you schedule and pick out classes, give you advice on what professors to take and/or avoid, how to deal with roommates, help you with tricky homework problems, and show you all of the amenities that your college has to offer! Also, besides school, they may have encountered a similar “life crisis” (a break up, the loss of a pet or loved one, or failure) and can help ease the pain/make wise choices.
3. It’s their job to be there– Whether or not you are in need of advice, guidance, or a helping hand they have been trained for a multitude of situations and can help you with virtually anything OR will find someone who can.
4. You may find that you have a lot in common– For example, you both like the outdoors, traveling, or anything and everything in between. Also, you both might have the same or similar majors. This means that in the future, you could be in the same classes and you’ll have someone to study/compare notes with!
5. They may become one of your best friends– First off, making new friends is a little tough, so befriending them gives you an advantage! Secondly, I can truly attest to this! My freshman year I bonded with my RA, Danielle, after hang
   ing out a few times and getting lunch together. We were inseparable! Soon after, we decided to room together the following year and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Her “senior year” and my sophomore year were filled with an abundance of laughing until our stomach hurt, crying until we couldn’t breathe, excessive pizza and dance parties, pranks, buckling down to get homework done, and being each other’s cheerleaders! She has helped me up, dusted me off, and has pushed me to be my best countless times and I would (and always will) do the same for her. Danielle has attributed to my college experience by making it fun and memorable.
   Honestly, I couldn’t have made it this far without her and I don’t want to live a life where we aren’t friends. I am beyond lucky to have had her as my RA.

See?! RA’s aren’t so bad! So everyone, putting your class standing aside, if you have an RA please take your time to get to know them or even just say “Hey wanna get food sometime?”. I pinky promise you won’t regret it!