Kaitohutohu Wharenoho | Resident Advisers

A Resident Adviser (RA) lives in our University Accommodation and serves as a student staff member, leader and resource person for students living in accommodation.

The position requires being a representative of the University and a facilitator for a positive residential experience. RAs are required to be full time enrolled students of the University of Auckland.

Positions are available in our Halls of Residence (Halls) and our University Flats and Apartments (Residences).

We encourage you to explore the Accommodation section of our website to find out more about the University of Auckland’s unique communities and accommodation.

When applying, you’ll be given the option to indicate your preference for a position in a hall or residence. Please note that in some cases we may offer you a position in an area that was not a preference.  

Serves as a resource to kainoho | residents 

• Engages proactively with all students in your assigned accommodation. Is approachable and receptive.
  
• Exhibits knowledge of campus services
• Communicates and promotes the core values and policies of Accommodation, the wider Campus Environment division and the University of Auckland.
• Knows, abides and enforces all rules and regulations of the University residences as outlined in the Residential Rules and Resident Handbooks, in addition to the University's Code of Conduct. 
• Develop informative resources, noticeboards and digital communications to support students. 

Develops community 

• Creates an environment where the needs and concerns of diverse populations of students are appreciated.
  
• Promotes and supports an environment that is conducive to academic and social development.
  
• Collaborates on, supports and attends residential activities and events.

Provides support to residents

• Assists students with academic, personal and social concerns, and refers residents to appropriate residential staff and support services when necessary.
  
• Assists with mediation and crisis situations. 
• Works with appropriate accommodation staff to resolve maintenance issues and safety concerns.  
• Assist in emergency situations and refer up to professional on-call staff.

Benefits 

• Hourly salary: $29
• Costs covered for certification trainings valued at $500-700 per person, such as the Red Cross Comprehensive First Aid Training, Life Keepers Suicide Prevention training, and more! 
• RA's develop the following competencies during the year which enhance their personal, academic and career success: Administrative skills, Community development, Interpersonal relationship building, Public speaking, Leadership development, Problem-solving, Teamwork and Time management.

Review the Kaitohutohu Wharenoho | Resident Adviser position description

Applications for 2027 will open soon and must be submitted online.

To apply to be a Resident Adviser, applicants must submit a:

• Cover letter
• CV with at least two referees
• Unofficial academic transcript in one document

When you apply for the position, you authorise accommodation to check your enrolment information with the University. 

Applications open in early July 2026.

All applications are reviewed by our panel of Resident Managers, Resident Coordinators and Residential Experience Officers. If you are taken through to the next stage, the recruitment process will include: 

• Individual behaviour-based interview with two members of the accommodation team
• Group interview involving other candidates, observed by accommodation team members
• Reference checking with at least two references (character and work-related)

Contract dates are to be finalised; however, you can expect to commence employment around the 3 February 2027 at 8.30am. RAs will commit to two weeks of full-time training starting from this date. There will also be online training components that will need to be completed before this date. 

Employment ends around 21 November for Halls of Residence RAs and 4 December 2026 for Self-Catered Residence RAs. 

If candidates cannot commit to these dates they must let us know in their application or interview.

We encourage you to visit Career Development and Employment Services (CDES) for support in preparing your application. CDES can also help you prepare for an interview as well. Check MyCDES for their sessions.

Who can apply to become a Residential Adviser?

Full-time students of UoA. Typically, students in good academic standing, with strong communication skills, a commitment to helping others and the ability to live in student accommodation.

How do I apply and what is the selection process?

Applications are submitted online. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview comprising an individual panel interview and a group interview. Interviews will take place over a 2–3-week period. After all interviews are completed, the hiring managers (Resident Managers) come together for a selection day, during which all interview scores are reviewed and each residence team's selections are made.

What skills or qualities are you looking for?

We’re looking for approachable, responsible and empathetic students who demonstrate leadership, teamwork, cultural awareness and problem-solving abilities.

What kind of training will I receive?

All RAs complete a full-time, comprehensive training period covering topics such as well-being support, emergency procedures and community engagement. This will span from 3-18 February 2027. Other certifications include Comprehensive First Aid Training through Red Cross and Le Va Suicide Prevention online modules. There is also a mid-year refresher training day.

What does a typical RA shift look like?

A typical RA shift varies but generally involves being a visible and approachable presence in your residence. You might check in with residents, respond to questions or concerns and help create a positive community atmosphere. During shifts, you’ll be available to handle incidents, support student wellbeing and follow up on any issues that arise. Shifts also include completing rounds of the building, administrative tasks (like logging reports) and supporting or attending events.

No two shifts are exactly the same, but each one plays a key role in helping residents feel safe, supported, and connected.

What support do RAs receive?

RAs are supported by the Head of Operations, Resident Manager, Resident Coordinator and their fellow RA team members. Ongoing training and check-ins are provided throughout the year. RAs can receive staff support, such as access to EAP, as well as all student support services.

Can I balance the RA role with my studies?

Yes. The role is designed to complement your studies. Many students successfully balance the RA role alongside their academic commitments. RAs are expected to manage their time, schedules and priorities, and communicate these with their managers when needed.

Can I choose which residence I work/live in?

Placements are usually determined based on operational needs, though preferences may be considered where possible.

How does the RA role support my future career?

Being an RA helps develop valuable transferable skills such as leadership, communication, crisis response, teamwork and event planning, which are highly regarded by employers.

What kinds of situations might I need to respond to?

RAs may support residents with homesickness, conflict between flatmates, wellbeing concerns, academic stress or general questions about university life.

What happens if I need support in a difficult situation?

RAs are never expected to handle serious situations alone. You’ll have access to professional staff and clear escalation processes to ensure residents and RAs are supported.

What makes a strong application?

Strong applications clearly demonstrate your motivation, ability to support others, examples of teamwork or leadership and alignment with the values of the residential community.