Work in Residence Life


We’re looking for passionate, dedicated, caring UBC students of all ages to join our vibrant team in 2023/24.

Working in Residence Life is a valuable way to build important leadership skills, help other students succeed socially and academically, and earn income during the school year.

Residence Life staff inspire communities, plan events, lend an ear when needed, and—most importantly—help create lifelong memories for residents and themselves.

The memories made and experiences had as an RA are invaluable and my time at UBC would not have been as fulfilling without it. –Tinotenda Masvikeni, Ponderosa Commons

Working as an RA has allowed me to meet some of my closest friends while learning important skills and life lessons. – Trushaan Bundhoo, Place Vanier

I’m glad that I took this opportunity as I have been able to learn so much while creating fun memories! – Shreya Diwan, Totem Park

The positive impact of being an RA is evident in the interactions and growth demonstrated by those around you. –  Alexandra Smith, Thunderbird

Working in Residence Life has been an awesome opportunity to work with great teams of diverse and interesting people. – Max Botsis, Ponderosa Commons

In Residence Life you are given the opportunity to both find and foster communities that will shape your university experience. – Sabrina Rai, tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ

Types of jobs

For 2023/24 we are hiring Residence Advisors, Senior Residence Advisors and Programme Resource Centre Advisors. Learn more about each position below.

Residence Advisor (RA)

No experience required.

Applications Open: December 9, 2022
Application Deadline: January 22, 2023

READ THE 2023/24 RA JOB DESCRIPTION
Senior Residence Advisor (SRA)

Residence work experience required.

Applications Open: December 9, 2022
Application Deadline: January 22, 2023

READ THE 2023/24 SRA JOB DESCRIPTION
Programme Resource Centre Advisor (PRCA)

Residence work experience required.

Applications Open: December 9, 2022
Application Deadline: January 22, 2023

READ THE 2023/24 PRCA JOB DESCRIPTION
Thank you!
Thank you for your interest in a position with Residence Life. The application period for positions in 2023/24 is now closed. Please check back in late 2023 to apply for a position in 2024/25.

Recruitment calendar

Applications

December 9

Applications open.

January 22

Last day to apply! (Application is open until 11:59 pm).

Late-January

All applicants notified about their status.

Interviews

Early to ⁠mid-February

New Residence Advisors.

Late-February to early-March

Senior Residence Advisors and Programme Resource Centre (PRC) Advisors.

Offers and orientation

By May 31

Hiring decisions made and candidates notified.

August 2023

Mandatory two-week job training and orientation.

New Applicants
For your application to be considered, you must complete a mandatory Residence Advisor Hiring Information Course online via Canvas. More detail in the FAQs below!

Questions?

If you have any questions, check out our Frequently Asked Questions below, take the Residence Advisor Hiring Information Course, and stop by an info table in residence.

Student Stories


Yellow, pink, and blue graphic with a photo of Tinotenda Masvikeni with the text "Meet Tinotenda"

Tinotenda Masvikeni

The memories made and experiences had as an RA are invaluable and my experience at UBC simply would not have been as fulfilling without this role.

Hi! My name is Tino and I am currently a Residence Advisor at Ponderosa Commons.

In my first year at UBC, I was having a hard time finding my confidence socially. I was very quiet and was always second-guessing myself. While living in residence, I kept seeing a group of students in bright blue crewnecks—the RAs—who exuded self-confidence and self-assuredness, and I wanted to be just like them. So, I applied to be an RA.

When I was hired, it was both very exciting—and to be honest—terrifying (but in a good way). This role helped me build self-confidence through community building and leadership, and helped me realize the strength in myself that I did not know I had. It has also given me an opportunity for professional and personal development that helped me land some awesome opportunities outside of Residence Life.

Later in my RA journey, I was asked to be a Senior RA and I was appreciative and also quite humbled—it showed me that the RLMs saw potential in me that I had not realized myself. That opportunity was the most rewarding part of my RA journey and I made close connections with my amazing team—we are still very tight-knit to this day.

Through the role of an RA, I have made long-lasting friendships, learned how to build community, and had the opportunity to watch some amazing students grow and find their confidence as they take up more and more space at UBC.

Tinotenda Masvikeni (she, her, hers)
Residence Advisor, Ponderosa Commons
Fourth year undergraduate: BSc, Chemistry

LEARN MORE


Yellow, pink, and blue graphic with a photo of Trushaan Bundhoo with the text "Meet Trushaan"

Trushaan Bundhoo

Working as an RA has allowed me to meet some of my closest friends and learn important skills and life lessons. It’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss!

Hello! I’m Trushaan, a third year student in the Microbiology and Immunology program at UBC.
I joined Residence Life in my second year as an RA in Place Vanier. I had never thought about becoming an RA until my mom brought up the idea. I applied just to see what would happen and I’m glad I did!

My time as an RA has been one of the highlights of my university career so far, allowing me to forge new friendships, facilitate community building, encourage personal growth amongst residents, and be part of an extremely diverse and supportive team. It’s fostered my creativity when I’m planning events and activities and has taught me important skills and life lessons that are applicable for jobs and opportunities outside of Residence Life.

Trushaan Bundhoo
Residence Advisor, Place Vanier (Sherwood-Lett House)
Third year undergraduate, BSc, Microbiology and Immunology

LEARN MORE


Yellow, pink, and blue graphic with a photo of Alexandra Smith with the text "Meet Alexandra"

Alexandra Smith

Being an RA means being the curator of a community; the effort that you put in is evident in the interactions and growth demonstrated by those around you.

Hello! I’m Alexandra, an RA in Thunderbird. When not busy with RA-ing, you can find me hanging between trees in a hammock or down on Wreck Beach reading the class texts I’ve procrastinated. I attended primary and secondary school in the American Midwest, but was born in Ontario. I always knew that I wanted to leave the States for university—the people at UBC and within Vancouver have given me a taste of dozens of cultures and minds I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to experience.

I’m currently working toward an Interdisciplinary BA+Masters of Management dual degree and loving it. My passions range from philosophy to politics to the stars, but I’m more than happy to talk about your latest obsession. I also run a virtual debate company in the US from my room—kindly ignore the microphone, post-its, and whiteboard if you come to say hello!

As an RA, I have had the opportunity to be part of an amazing network of support available to the student body. Prior to stepping into this role, I had no idea just how many resources are available to students. Now that I am in a position to connect residents to the resources created and curated for them, I am sure to make my community aware of all that campus has to offer.

Working in an upper-year residence was daunting at first as such a young RA, but I felt well prepared after our orientation training with the team. Many of my team members returned to the role from past years of experience; I’ve been able to learn from those around me and ask questions when they come up. I am incredibly lucky to be a part of the Thunderbird, Fairview, Fraser team and Residence Life!

Alexandra (Ali) Smith (she, her, hers)
Residence Advisor, Thunderbird
Second Year Undergraduate: BA, Interdisciplinary Social Sciences and Humanities & Masters of Management
Fun Fact: I spent last May-June walking 870 km through Northern Spain on El Camino de Santiago del Norte, a pilgrimage that started in the 9th century with a path marked by seashells and yellow arrows.

LEARN MORE


Yellow, pink, and blue graphic with a photo of Max Botsis with the text "Meet Max"

Max Botsis

Working in Residence Life is a great opportunity to develop professional and people skills!

Heyo, my name is Max Botsis and I’m a Residence Advisor at Ponderosa Commons.

I first joined Residence Life in my second year as an Advisor in Totem Park. After living there during first year, I was interested in the position as it seemed to be a great platform to meet so many new people on campus. Little did I know that it would be such an impactful and eye-opening position that I would continue throughout my degree.

I have always liked working in teams, and I cherished the opportunity to join one right where I was living in student housing. I have had the opportunity to work with three great teams to do really meaningful work in the residence communities. After the very thorough training at Advisor Orientation, I felt that I was given the right set of tools to support students, my team, and to personally thrive in the role.

I have always felt supported by the teams I’ve been a part of and that has allowed me to really explore my career development. There are so many skills and ideas that I’ve learned in my journey as a Residence Advisor that will be applicable to my future career. Having been in this role for a few years, I feel prepared for anything the future throws my way and hope I can continue to make positive impacts for the UBC community and beyond!

Max Botsis (he, him, his)
Residence Advisor, Ponderosa Commons
Fifth year undergraduate: BSc, Honours Chemical Physics + Masters of Management

LEARN MORE


Yellow, pink, and blue graphic with a photo of Shreya Diwan with the text "Meet Shreya"

Shreya Diwan

I’m glad that I took this opportunity as I have been able to learn so much while creating fun memories!

Hi! I’m Shreya, a Residence Advisor at Totem Park.

My first year at UBC started during the pandemic, and I was on a different continent taking classes from home. During that time, I would often think about what it would have been like to live on campus and meet new people. When I finally did move to campus in Term 2 of my first year, I met some of my closest friends in residence. One of the biggest reasons I applied to be an RA was to be part of a supportive community that would allow me to grow as a person and create a positive space for others!

Being an RA has definitely been one of my most rewarding experiences at UBC. The connections I have made—with other Residence Advisors, the residents in my community and my Residence Life Manager—have been very meaningful. I have been able to meet so many people from different backgrounds and learn from them.

Through my role, I have learned how to provide support to others—which has also helped me support myself during tough situations. I have also been able to channel my passions into organizing fun events and hone my organizational and interpersonal skills.

Shreya Diwan (They, Them, Theirs)
Residence Advisor, Totem Park Residence (c̓əsnaʔəm House)
Third year undergraduate: BA, Mathematics

LEARN MORE


Yellow, pink, and blue graphic with a photo of Sabrina Rai with the text "Meet Sabrina"

Sabrina Rai

In Residence Life you are given the opportunity to both find and foster communities that will shape your university experience.

Hi, my name is Sabrina Rai and I am the Senior Residence Advisor at tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ.

While living in residence in my first year, I became a part of a tight knit community with my floormates. We were able to create a fun and safe community to return to each day and further build these relationships through different events and resources provided by the Residence Life community.

Hoping to create this experience for others, I applied to become an RA. I started as a Residence Advisor during the pandemic and looking back it was one of the best decisions that I have made in my time here at UBC. In the midst of COVID and university life I felt very isolated from my peers and disconnected from the university environment. However, I was able to reconnect to the university community through my Residence Life team, residents and aspects of the role that allowed me to plan events targeted at the issues both myself and other UBC students were facing during the pandemic.

Working as a Residence Advisor and now a Senior Residence Advisor has allowed me to further develop skills that can be applied to so many other professions and life events. As a live-in employee, one of the biggest challenges I have had to work on is setting healthy boundaries and maintaining a good work-life balance. Beyond that I have been able to improve my skills on project management, conflict facilitation and effective communication.

Overall, I am glad that I applied to become an RA and I would recommend it for other individuals who are interested in finding and fostering new communities. I have had the chance to work with so many wonderful people that I may not have met otherwise and am thankful for the lasting relationships that have come out of it.

Sabrina Rai (she, her, hers)
Senior Residence Advisor, tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ
Fourth-year undergraduate: BSc, Pharmacology

LEARN MORE

FAQs

Can I apply if I haven't lived in residence?
Yes, we accept applications from all UBC students.
If I haven't lived in residence before, where can I find out more about the different residences?
You can find out more on our website under residences.
I'm here on a student visa. Can I apply?
Yes. If selected for a position, you will need a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN).
What should I include in my application?
Incorporate your past work and volunteer experience into your answers in the online application.
Do I need to complete the Residence Advisor Hiring Information Course?

If you are applying for a new Residence Advisor position, you will need to complete the Residence Advisor Hiring Information Course for your application to be considered. It is mandatory for any applicant who has not previously worked in Residence Life at UBC.

TAKE THE COURSE

You can self-enroll in the course at any time prior to the deadline, but we recommend you complete the course as soon as possible, since it will answer additional questions that you may have and help you submit a higher quality application. The deadline to complete the course is January 22, 2022—the same as the application deadline.

Do I also need to apply to live in residence?
To be considered for a space in residence, either as a Residence Life staff member or a resident, (depending on the outcome of your job application), you need to apply to live in residence. If you are selected for a Residence Life position, you will then be guaranteed a space in residence.
What will the interview process look like this year?
If you are selected to participate in our interview process, we will contact you via email with more information. Interviews will be conducted in person on the UBC Vancouver campus.
If I'm hired, can I choose my own residence assignment?
We cannot guarantee placement in a specific residence.
If I'm hired, when will I receive an offer?
We anticipate that we will be able to begin offers to successful candidates by the end of May.
Can I have a roommate?
Residence Advisors are not permitted to have roommates. However, if you are married, your spouse is permitted to live with you. Please let us know during the interview process if you have a spouse who will be living with you, so that we can ensure you’re placed in appropriate accommodation.
If my family lives in the Lower Mainland, will I have the opportunity to return home from time to time?
Your schedule will give you the opportunity to visit friends and family from time to time. You are required to stay in residence three nights per week. One of these nights will be a Friday or Saturday each week. You will be planning the schedule with your team on an ongoing basis.

Additionally, you will be required to attend Residence Life staff meetings as follows:

  • Every Monday in September and January
  • Every second Monday for the remainder of each term.

These staff meetings begin at 7 pm and typically last one hour; they are usually followed by small team meetings.

If I am offered a position, will I have opportunities to take time away (e.g., for holidays, academic events, etc.?
Residence Advisors are able to take a specified amount of time away during the year. All requests must be approved in advance by the Residence Life management team.

For more information about vacation time, absences related to illness and examination leave, please review the Residence Advisor Letter of Agreement.

Will I be required to work during Reading Break?
You are expected to be present for scheduled in-nights (work) during Reading Break. The schedule will be determined by your Residence Life team.
Will I be required to work during the holiday break (late-December to early-January)?
Most staff are able to take time off during the holiday break and are required to work until the last day of exams in December.
Where can I find more information about job expectations?
Please refer to the applicable job description above.

Are RAs permitted to accept other paid commitments at UBC?
Advisors may be able to take on additional employment, but it cannot exceed a full-time number of paid hours per day or week at UBC.
Are there other jobs available in residence?
We recruit candidates as needed for administrative/support positions such as front desk services and housekeeping. Visit UBC Human Resources to check for vacancies and to apply. Summer housekeeping jobs are posted in January/February. UBC Food Services also recruits part-time workers as needed.
Are there jobs available at Acadia Park?
Typically, four Community Assistants are employed at Acadia Park, UBC’s student family residence. Contracts end annually on April 30 and are renewed if work performance is satisfactory. Resumés are accepted year-round at the Acadia Park Front Desk and kept on file until a position becomes vacant.
Who can I ask if I have additional questions?

New applicants: Please complete the mandatory Residence Advisor Hiring Information Course online via Canvas. If you have any remaining questions, contact information is provided at the end of the course.

Additional graduate student FAQs

In what residences are graduate student Residence Advisors placed?
Exchange, Fraser Hall, Marine Drive, Ponderosa Commons, Tallwood House, tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ and Thunderbird.
Will I be able to attend academic conferences?
You can submit requests for time away. We do our best to accommodate reasonable requests while maintaining sufficient support for your residence community.
What will my living situation be like?
Graduate student Residence Advisors are placed in studio or one-bedroom apartments.
Can I have a roommate?
Residence Advisors are not permitted to have roommates. However, if you are married or have a common-law spouse, your spouse is permitted to live with you. Please let us know during the interview process if you have a spouse who will be living with you, so that we can ensure you’re placed in appropriate accommodation.
Will the job conflict with my time in the lab?
Most responsibilities that advisors have are flexible and can be co-ordinated with academic schedules. However, there are some mandatory duties that are scheduled in the evening past 7 pm.
How long is my contract?
Residence Advisors are offered 8 month contracts (late-August to late-April). However, we do hire some Residence Advisors for the summer months through a subsequent recruitment process, which starts in February.
Where can I find more information about job expectations?
Please refer to the applicable job descriptions above.

How will being an RA be beneficial to my career?
Former graduate RAs have told us that, although they had a depth of experience in research, this role helped them enhance skills like leadership, collaboration, and community building—plus, it added a distinguishing element to their CV!
How flexible is my schedule during the mandatory two-week orientation in August?
The orientation is a full-time, intensive training period. It is recommended that you schedule any other commitments outside of the orientation.
Who can I ask if I have additional questions?

New applicants: Please complete the mandatory Residence Advisor Hiring Information Course online via Canvas. If you have any remaining questions, contact information is provided at the end of the course.