Peer leader: Resident advisers of Pepperdine University, Washington

Mostly resident advisers handle the mundane (such as information sources for newbies), but it’s an increasingly complex job, especially with more students with mental health problems arriving on campus. “RAs are being asked to be very cognisant of sexual assault, eating disorder or suicide issues,” says Michele Burris, associate vice-president for student affairs, Fordham University.

Universities look for leadership and mentoring qualities, self-confidence and at least a 2.5 grade point average. Usually sophomores and up are eligible. The process might start with a group interview with other RAs and residence hall directors, then continue with a one-on-one meeting with a campus administrator.

Expect to invest time in training. “Community assistants” at Connecticut return to campus three weeks early to learn about conflict resolution and dealing with alcohol. New this school year: how a posting on MySpace or Facebook can affect an RA’s image. A four-credit course in education psychology is also required.

“It can be very difficult to be an RA because it is a peer leadership role and often you are not included in what goes on on the floor,” says Gregory S. Blimling, vice-president for student affairs at Rutgers and author of the widely used guide The Resident Assistant. He warns: “You are frequently ostracised.”

Some universities require residence hall directors to meet weekly with RAs to help them deal with problems and schedules. Balancing coursework and job demands can be overwhelming, as is the weight of being a role model at all hours. That means thinking twice about drinking.

The University of Connecticut has high standards of behaviour for resident advisers, says H. Sam Miller, associate vice-president for student affairs. “A resident who violated a community standard might have to write an essay or do community service,” Miller says. An RA might also lose her job. It happens, on average, twice a year, he says. Nikki Vittore, assistant director for college housing, Stony Brook, New York, says five resident advisers in the past year were charged with violating school policy.

Resident advisers are given a private room on the house, as well as benefits each semester that increase with experience: Pace offers three free credits; Stony Brook, a $300 discount on the meal plan and priority registration; the University of Connecticut, a $2,000 stipend. Hofstra University on Long Island knocks $1,000 off board and pays a $200 stipend each semester. Fordham gives resident advisers free room and board and also waives $525 in tuition.

Some colleges are hungry for candidates; others have waiting lists. Though anyone can apply, students nominated by residence hall directors have a better shot. Pace hires more than half of the applicants. Stony Brook hires 100 new resident advisers a year, with about 50 in the wings.

Karan Devnani, a resident adviser there, sees “more pros than cons”. He ticks them off: “You learn life skills, like interacting with people, and managerial skills. You learn about being responsible.”