The Residential Advisor is a student who is always on hand to help with any concerns or problems you may have, as well as organising social events where you can get to know your fellow students! We caught up with Charlotte to find out more about her and what she does as Residential Advisor.
Where do you originally come from? Why did you decide you wanted to live in accommodation?
“I come from a town called Kidsgrove in Stoke-on-Trent. I had always known I had wanted to live in accommodation to gain some independence but absolutely fell in love when I visited Mardol House (we also have the new build The Tannery now). The rooms are all en-suite and the shared kitchens have plenty of space, there was an immediate homely feel. I knew on the Open Day that UCS would be the place for me and that I would be spending my three years in accommodation.”
How have you found living in accommodation?
“I am probably slightly biased being Residential Advisor, but I could not have wished for a better three years in accommodation. On move in day you meet the Residential Advisor and the Concierge Team who are lovely. The concierge will go out of their way to help you with any queries or problems or even if you are just feeling homesick and need a chat. I made friends with all my flat mates on day one of Freshers’ Week and even though we have moved into different houses and such we all still talk and meet up; I have made lifelong friendships. It really does feel like a family away from home.”
Why did you decide to become Residential Advisor?
“I decided I wanted to become Residential Advisor for a few reasons. Firstly, I had a great first year myself so wanted to give back to the university and felt this was a way that I would be able to give the best of myself to the role. I also wanted to find a way to be able to help students that could be going through similar issues to the ones that I went through in first year. First year has a lot of growing up involved and there are times when you just want to talk to someone your own age and being able to be the person that is there to support the students is a real privilege.”
What does your role as Residential Advisor entail?
“My role is mainly ensuring that any problems students have are signposted to the correct services. I occasionally attend incidents with concierge which could be wellbeing related or a building upkeep issue where concierge must enter a student’s room. I have my phone on loud 24/7 so if a student needs to contact me whether it be to just have a chat, or they have a concern they need raising I am usually able to attend straight away. I also run an event per term, which is usually taken with input from the students.”
What is your favourite thing about being Residential Advisor?
“My favourite thing about being Residential Advisor is seeing students grow from the first day where they move in, to the last day of the year. I can see friendships grow within accommodation and I also get to see the students transition from young adults to adults.”
What are some of your highlights from your time in accommodation?
“My favourite time in accommodation was when I organised an Easter-themed event with the students in the building. It was a great bonding activity for the students, and I got to see them make and build new friendships with people in the building that they had not met before that event. It was great fun for everyone involved and the students were great sports in getting involved with the events.”
What advice would you give to new students moving into accommodation for the first time?
“Bring a clothes horse! Washing clothes is expensive without having to pay for drying as well. Also, do not have the idea that you are moving into a hotel, you will have to clean up after yourself. Kitchen cleanliness domestics are probably the thing I have to deal with the most! Most importantly though, be yourself and have fun!”
For more information relating to our partnership accommodation, please visit our accommodation page or contact us by email at enquiries@ucshrewsbury.ac.uk.
