This is Chelsea Bourque. She is a sophomore RA (Resident Advisor) in North Hedges Hall. She runs track at MSU, her favorite color is sunshine yellow and she enjoys candlelit dinners and long walks on the beach.
Katie Chamberlin: What’s the best thing about being an RA?
Chelsea Bourque: Getting residents excited about college! Not solely the social, or solely the academic, but the whole package. Making them realize that if there was ever a time to reinvent yourself, that time is now! Freshman year has so much potential to be incredible; there are new friends and new experiences and opportunities. Being an RA means reinventing freshmen year and making it the best it can be. It’s also very special to be able to share in a time of my residents’ lives when they are developing and growing so much.
KC: What’s the hardest thing about being an RA?
CB: It’s the balance between prioritizing residents and prioritizing person stuff. I mean, I’ll always make time for my residents, but it has to be such a conscious choice because most of the time I don’t even have time for me. Time management is something you have to be awesome at as an RA, or both you and your residents will suffer. Also, if late hours aren’t your cup of tea, than being an RA is going to be difficult. But if you are really passionate about your job, then you make the time. People always say that RAs are just glorified babysitters, but really we are more like awesome parents!
KC: What sets North Hedges apart from other residence halls?
CB: The coed environment! Floor and hall activities are so much more fun! Also, the sheer size of the Hedges complex means a high concentration of residents, so there is always an active and energetic atmosphere. All those other people around means there’s rarely a dull moment or an opportunity to be bored, as long as you don’t lock yourself away in your room. J
Check out all the different living options on campus and much more HERE!
KC: What would a freshman student find surprising about living in the residence halls?
CB: The colossal population of residents. It’s an experience like no other. When have you, and for that matter, when will you ever again get the opportunity to live with so many people your age? They will be surprised about how much they have in common with other residents. It’s impossible not to make friends and find common ground in the halls.
(Disclaimer: Chelsea and I lived on the same floor of South Hedges Hall (North Hedges’ twin) and have been inseparable ever since)
KC: What do residents not know about the RA job?
CB: How much gosh darn paperwork we do for them. For every event put on in the halls, there is preplanning paperwork, post evaluation paperwork and everything in between. We have to check up on you, and even have to document when and where we see you every week! We really do care! We also attend between 8-10 hours of meetings a week and average 5 hours of sleep a night.
KC: What’s the scoop on dining hall food?
CB: Dining hall services are wonderful. And the lasagna is excellent.
-So appreciate your RA! They appreciate you!
Heyy, my name is Stephanie and I am interested in becoming a bobcat!! I have a few questions for Katie and or Chelsea. I was wondering if the freshman floor would be a good idea?, I heard that those floors can be loud and hard to studying in. Also I was wondering what the most vital object is to bring to college? I’m really excited about moving away, but at the same time, im really nervous. Thanks so much!!
Hi Stephanie!
So glad to hear you are interested in joining the MSU family. Concerning the study environment in freshmen halls, the truth is that it really depends. The bigger dorms (North and South Hedges and Roskie) are known to be louder and more social living options, while the all female dorms (Hannon and Hapner) are generally quieter. There are obviously exceptions to both of those generalizations, which is why lots of students opt to study in the library. The third floor is strictly quiet, so it’s a great place to do some distraction-free studying. Remember, that when you apply for your living option on campus, you fill out a detailed survey, where there is lots of space to indicate what qualities you want in a roommate, among them, amount of study time, and personality type. If you would prefer a roommate with similar habits concerning study environment etc, you can tell Residence Life when you apply. There are also dozens of tucked away study spots on campus ( my favorite is the 3rd floor of Gaines Hall). This is one of the most satisfying nerdy things about college life, finding that perfect study spot that only you know about!
Most vital object to bring to college: your bike. Bozeman is super flat and biking is easy and efficient!
Let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with Stephanie