Ask the R.A. Archive

I’ve been too busy to totally unpack now that I’m back at school, and now my room is a jumbled mess. Any suggestions for getting organized?

My classes don’t start until early September, but I’m ready to get away from my parents now. Is it too soon for me to move back to school?

When should I tell my boss that I’m quitting my summer job? If I let them know too early, will I just get fired?

I’m going crazy dealing with rules and restrictions while I’m home. How can I get my parents to let up?

I’m not feeling as close to my old friends as I do to my friends at college. Is it normal to feel like I’m growing apart from high school friends?

Do I have to choose my major before leaving for school or can that wait until I get settled in? I have too much to think about right now!

I’m just a few weeks into the summer, and I’m already suffering from school break boredom. Where do I sign up for the excitement plan?

I’m home for the summer and working a full-time job, and my parents have asked me to pay rent. It’s not much, but do you think that’s fair?

I’ve heard about these group tours for college students, and I’m thinking of doing one this summer. Are they good deals or total rip-offs?

I landed this great summer internship, and I’m excited but nervous. How do I make a good impression as an intern on my first day on the job?

I’m really going to miss my college friends over the summer. What are the best ways to stay in touch?

I’m really behind on my packing and thought I’d just take some of my clothes home straight from the dirty laundry hamper and just wash them later. Is that gross?

I’m dying of dining hall overload. What are some cheap and delicious ways to cook for yourself and break out of the food rut on these last days of school?

I always get myself so freaked out over finals that I’m a complete wreck! Do you have any advice to prevent stress before finals?

As it gets closer to summer, I feel less like studying. How can I keep myself motivated to study so I don’t trash my grades?

I’ve been looking for a summer job, but I haven’t been able to find anything. I think it’s because of the economy. What should I do?

I’m a female student and want to practice safe sex, but will my date think I’m “slutty” if I break out a condom? Shouldn’t the guy be responsible for having condoms, just in case?

I’m interested in writing for my school newspaper, but I don’t have any experience. Can I still contribute, or will I look like an idiot for even asking?

I have so much more stuff than I did when I moved in! Should I start hauling things home now so it’s not so overwhelming later? What can I do with stuff I don’t want?

I’m thinking about transferring to a new school, but I’m so undecided. Any advice? And when do I have to decide?

What can my friends and I do for fun after spring break now that we're all partied out?

My roommate and I got along OK last semester, but suddenly we're driving each other crazy. Should I just stick it out for the rest of the year?

I really want to get a summer job. Do I need to be thinking about that so soon?

I’m getting cabin fever in my tiny room. How can I make it feel less crowded in here?

I don't want to drink with my friends, but I still want to hang out. How can I play it cool and have fun with them without drinking?

My friends and I want to go away for spring break, but we can't afford a big vacation. Any suggestions?

Do you have any creative (read: low-budget) ideas for what to do on Valentine's Day?

When going out on a cold night, I never want to deal with my coat once I get to my destination. Any tricks you’ve seen other students use?

I made a new year’s resolution to get fit and eat more healthfully, and I’ve already fallen off my plan. Do you have any advice for how I can jump back in and stay on board?

I’m having a really hard time with the whole studying process. I can’t seem to find the time, and when I do buckle down, I can’t concentrate. What’s my problem?

My grades weren’t all that good last semester. How can I make sure I'll do better this time?

I think I might lose a little academic momentum over break. Do you have any suggestions for how to get back into the swing of things … seamlessly?

My roommate seems kind of down in the dumps, and I don’t know how to deal with it. Is there anything I can do for him?

I haven’t been feeling well lately. How do I know if I’m sick enough to miss class?

Occasionally, I notice doors left open around my building. How can I protect myself and my possessions on campus?

I’m feeling really burned out with schoolwork and totally unmotivated to get into the social scene. How can I get more pumped?

I’m working on a paper and cribbed a few lines from a book I was using as a reference. Does that count as plagiarism?

One of my professors clearly does not like me. Do I have any recourse if he gives me an unfair grade?

Is it too late for me to drop a course? I seriously want out of this one class.

I need way more space in my room. Should I loft my bed?

What am I supposed to do with myself when I’m sexiled from my room?

It seems there aren’t enough hours in the day to do my assigned reading. Any advice?

I hate my roommate! Is there any way I can move?

Do college kids dress up for Halloween, or is that lame?

What are some ways I can conserve energy at school?

I am really overwhelmed by my classes. Can I just drop one, or am I required to take a minimum number of classes?

Help! How can I combat noise in the hall when I need to study and sleep?

My first semester has been pretty rough, and I’m beginning to think this school might not be right for me. Should I consider a transfer?

I was busted for breaking a dorm rule. No one was hurt or anything like that, but it’s been alleged that I had some questionable paraphernalia. Now I think I’m in for it. How do I keep from getting into deeper trouble?

How does hooking up work in college -- does everyone just have sex?

Not only am I worried about what kind of roommate I’ll have, but I want to be a good roommate too. What makes a good roomie?

Is it best to bring more or less stuff to school? How can I decide what to bring and what to leave?

I’m considering living in a co-ed dorm. Is it hard to get used to?

When should I buy my textbooks? Is the college bookstore the best place to purchase them?

I’m on a meal plan, but am I allowed to cook in my room if I want to?

What should I do about dirty laundry when I’m at school? I’ve never even been to a laundromat.

What are some things I can’t have in my room?

What's the deal with the dining hall?

I feel like I have way too much anxiety about this, but how can I prepare for move-in day?