Building Relationships
Get to know your RA
Your first point of contact with your College House leadership is your RA. Every floor, section, or hall in the College Houses has a Resident Advisor assigned to live there and serve as a resource to the residents they live with. An undergraduate RA is a sophomore, junior, or senior in one of Penn’s undergraduate schools, and a graduate RA is a graduate or professional student from one of the graduate schools at the University. This Resident Advisor has been trained by College Houses & Academic Services to serve as a resource person, advisor, counselor, and community facilitator for all the residents of their House. RAs know when and how to refer students who need specific help to appropriate University services. They can help you resolve issues or problems with a roommate or other person on your floor or hall. They can help you figure out ways to balance your academic life with all the other aspects of your Penn experience. RAs create programming in the Houses, facilitating educational, cultural, social, and recreational activities. They can also help you create events you want to see happen in your own House.
Get to know your roommates and floormates
Even in the most private communities like the high-rise apartment-style Houses, you won’t be living alone at Penn. Your House will house hundreds of other Penn students, and forming good relationships with them will make your time in College Houses an amazing experience! Your RA will arrange events and opportunities to get together with the other residents, and taking advantage of these low-key, fun events is a great way to meet your neighbors and keep life fun, friendly and smooth. And if you have an idea for a fun activity that can bring your floor, hall or section together, suggest it to your RA. You won’t regret taking the time to get to know your fellow residents and to build community, whether it’s over cookies, TV, or late-night board games.
