Develop as a leader. Build community.
Become a Vanderbilt Residential Adviser
Application Opens October 5!
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100+
Student Leaders
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30+
Residence Halls
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Endless
Leadership Skills
What Resident Advisers Are Saying
Day In the Life
"Balancing academics, programming, and floor chats taught me real time-management."
– Sarah, 3rd Year HRA
Resume Gold
"The crisis management and conflict mediation training I got here secured my consulting job."
– Marcus, 2nd Year RA
Training and Move-in Teasers
"August training is long, but the team building, late-night snacks, and bonding are unmatched."
– Taylor, New RA
Application Roadmap
Step 1
Eligibility Review
Check your alignment with GPA & class status requirements.
Step 2
Attend Info Session
Join us at The Commons or upperclass halls to ask current staff questions.
Step 3
Submit Portal Apps
Upload your updated resume and answer structural prompts in the housing portal.
Step 4
Interview Phase
Participate in individual and dynamic group interview blocks.
Recruitment and Selection Dates
| Date | What's Happening |
|---|---|
| Sept. 29 – Oct. 13 | Intent to Return Form — Returning RAs |
| Oct. 5 – Nov. 8 at 11:59 PM | RA Applications Open |
| Oct. 1, 7–8 PM | Info Session — Commons 235 |
| Oct. 6, 7–8 PM | Info Session — Kissam 216 |
| Oct. 13, 12–1 PM | Info Session — Commons 235 |
| Oct. 19, 7–8 PM | Info Session — Kissam 216 |
| Oct. 29 | Virtual Info Session — Zoom |
| Nov. 10 | Spring 2027 RA Selection |
| Nov. 17 | HRA Interviews — In Person |
| December | Returning RA Selection & Offers |
| Jan. 13, 2027, 4–5 PM | HRE Social Hour — SLC |
| Jan. 30, 2027 | Super Saturday — New RA Interviews |
| Mid-February 2027 | New RA Offers Sent |
| March 23, 2027 | RA Meet & Greet (Mandatory Attendance) — Location TBD |
New RA Applicant Requirement
All new RA applicants—students who have never previously served as a Resident Adviser—are required to attend at least one RA Information Session during the recruitment period.
Attendance at an Information Session is a required step in the selection process. Applicants who do not attend an Information Session will not be eligible to move forward to the interview or hiring stage.
Multiple Information Sessions will be offered, including a virtual option, to provide applicants with opportunities to meet this requirement.
Daily Responsibilities and Activities
- Duty & Incident Support
- Community Development & Programming
- Campus Partner Collaborations & Building Relationships with Faculty in Residential Colleges
- Student Development through HRE Supervision
2026-2027 Mandatory Dates
Housing and Residential Experience may adjust required dates, responsibilities, or compensation based on departmental and university operational changes. Any changes will be communicated to the 2026–2027 RA/HRA team, along with available options.
For questions about how this role may impact your financial aid, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships.
For questions, email Selection and Training at ResidentialExperience@vanderbilt.edu. 
Please allow at least three business days for a response.Â