RA Role and Benefits

RA’s are typically continuing students who live in university accommodation and play a key role in supporting fellow residents. They contribute by fostering a welcoming community, organising events and activities, responding to enquiries, and assisting with tasks that ensure an inclusive and positive living environment at their accommodation site.

The Resident Assistant role is highly rewarding and offers a wide range of valuable benefits. Some of the key advantages include:

• The opportunity to develop valuable personal and professional skills while engaging in meaningful work.
• Receipt of financial compensation that is applied directly towards the rent cost of a standard room.
• Flexible working arrangements, although there are essential periods in which RAs are required to be available (such as student arrivals and RA training week), the role is designed to be flexible, allowing you to balance your responsibilities alongside your academic and social commitments.
• Regular monthly training and skill development session and continuous guidance from the Residence Life team, ensuring you feel confident and supported throughout your time in the role.

Meaningful impact RA’s have the opportunity to make a positive and lasting difference within your residential community—supporting new students as they settle in, fostering connections, and helping residents navigate their university experience.

Skill development and recognition there are extensive opportunities to develop transferable skills that will support your future career. RAs can also participate in recognised programmes such as the Edinburgh Award and Sustainability Award, offering formal recognition of your contributions and achievements.