I went to university expecting to work hard and receive a degree in return, but I ended up with so much more.

Working in Residence Life is a valuable way to build important leadership skills, help other students succeed socially and academically, and earn income during the school year.

Residence Life staff inspire communities, plan events, lend an ear when needed, and—most importantly—help create lifelong memories for residents and themselves. 

To give you an idea of what working in Residence Life is all about, here’s a bit more about my experience. Plus, Nathan, Ani, and Alyssa share why they work in Residence Life.

Stephanie, 5th year, Residence Coordinator (Totem Park)

I didn’t expect to become a Residence Advisor (RA) when I first started university, but I am so glad that I did. I had all the usual reservations about applying: Is it the right job for me? How much time do I really have? Will they even hire me?

As it turned out, not only did I get hired, I loved being an RA! But I have a confession: I wasn’t an RA at UBC. I recently graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario where I was an RA for 3 years. Then I heard about an opportunity to come to UBC and work as a Residence Coordinator (sort of a Senior, Senior RA).

A couple of months after graduation I was driving across Canada, heading for UBC! Since August I’ve been a Residence Coordinator (RC) at Dene House in Totem Park, and I’ve loved every minute.

For me, it’s all about inspiration. Working in Residence Life, you are there to inspire and help guide students' lives, but many times you’ll find that your students are the ones inspiring you. How many students can say that each day during university they get to help someone learn and grow—and be equally inspired in return?

I know my university experience wouldn’t have been the same without all the amazing people I met through Residence Life: fellow RAs and RCs, student residents, and everyone else I connected with. 

Nathan, 3rd year, Senior Residence Advisor (Orchard Commons)

I live and work in Orchard Commons as a Senior RA. This is my third year living in a first-year residence and—just so I make it very clear—I don’t want to leave! I love the first-year experience.

What makes the Residence Life experience unique is the opportunity you have to get involved, to share in and impact the collective experience—while at the same time creating your own individual experience. And this is what keeps me coming back.

Plus, I am constantly reminded that the personal and professional growth that I gain from being an RA is just as vital as the academic toolkit I am building through my studies.

Ani, 4th year, Senior Residence Advisor (Marine Drive)

Residence Life has positively shaped my life in so many ways. When I moved to Vancouver for university it was my first time in Canada. During that first year at UBC, living in residence fundamentally helped me transition to a new place and culture. I felt supported and valued every step of the way.

Later, working in Residence Life provided an opportunity to give back to a community that has contributed to the strong person and student that I am today.

I consider working in Residence Life an invaluable opportunity, which I am immensely grateful for. I get to work with amazing people who are passionate and dedicated to creating healthy and inclusive communities.

Learn more about Residence Life and apply for a job today at vancouver.housing.ubc.ca/jobs. Application deadline is January 14th.