Join the ResLife team
ResLife Advisors play an essential role in helping students settle into halls and offer support throughout the year.
About the role
As a ResLife Advisor (RLA), you'll be the first point of contact for students living in University halls. You’ll support students and proactively help build and grow the hall community.
You’ll be responsible for a group of residents who you’ll get to know through regular meetings. RLA’s will also be part of an on-call duty rota which provides out-of-hours support (including evenings and weekends).
This is a rewarding role that offers a variety of benefits, such as:
- a free single room in a shared flat in halls;
- gaining skills and experience in effective communication, conflict resolution and safeguarding;
- working directly with students to support and enrich their experience;
- a comprehensive ResLife training programme;
- joining an active, friendly community.
The job holds voluntary worker status and is unpaid. However, as you’d need to live in halls for the role, the University will provide you with free accommodation while in post.
Running events
You'll lead one event and assist with one larger event per semester; these contribute towards your ResLife programme.
Not all events need to cater to everyone, and you can host events that target smaller groups, such as postgraduates or international students.
However, your event must fit within at least one of the Six Ways to Wellbeing:
- be active;
- be healthy;
- connect;
- give;
- learn/discover;
- take notice.
Previous events have included film nights, plant giveaways, revision brunches and pumpkin carving.
Flat visits
In addition to arranging an initial flat meeting at the beginning of the year to introduce yourself, you'll need to have regular 1-2-1 meetings with the students in your allocated flats to check up on them and make sure they're settling in well.
At times, ResLife Advisors may need to call a flat meeting to discuss an issue with all flatmates at once, for example, if there has been damage to a flat or if there are persistent kitchen cleanliness issues.
A week in the life of an RLA
Although workloads vary throughout the year, a typical week as an RLA could look like this:
Monday
Respond to an email from one of the residents struggling with exams, offer to meet with them and send information on academic support.
Tuesday
On duty from 6pm–8am, respond to callouts from residents in halls.
Wednesday
Attend a flat meeting to help create a cleaning rota.
Undertake 1-2-1 visits to check how the residents are doing.
Thursday
No duties.
Friday
While doing laundry, you meet a student in the hall who says they need help with their studies. You signpost them to relevant services and notify the RLC.
Saturday
On duty 24 hours for callouts.
Sunday
Host an event supporting student wellbeing (such as creating a relaxing space with face masks and snacks) and then clean up afterwards.
Our core values
Fairness, equality and inclusion
Promoting the inclusion of all residents in the hall community to make sure that no individual, regardless of background, nationality or religion, feels excluded.
Foster individual and social responsibility
Encouraging individuals to look after themselves and others to aid in their personal development and wellbeing.
Promote University life
Promoting University life will help residents feel more settled and aid in the development of the hall communities.
Establish and maintain the halls community
Establishing a halls community will help promote wellbeing and allow residents to feel more settled and form friendships.
Who can apply?
You’ll be passionate about improving the student experience and have a genuine interest in helping to build and grow a thriving student community in halls.
RLAs are empathetic and can remain calm while dealing with sensitive issues. You’ll also have excellent communication and listening skills and be able to work independently.
Experience in conflict resolution, teamwork and supporting others is recommended, but you can apply if you’re:
- a member of University staff;
- a postgraduate student;
- an undergraduate student who has completed three years of full-time study on the same course at the same institution, including completion of a foundation year, year abroad or industry placement;
- a mature undergraduate applicant (aged 21 or over when beginning your course) with exceptional experience may also be eligible.
Email reslife@manchester.ac.uk for further eligibility information.
Tier 4 visa
If you're on a Tier 4 visa, the ResLife Advisor role can be your only work commitment within the University except for the Graduate Teaching Assistant or Demonstrator roles, which can be undertaken for up to six hours per week. Email reslife@manchester.ac.uk for more information.
How to apply
Fill out the ResLife Advisor application form. We accept applications throughout the year and have two main intakes, one in the summer and one in January.
When applications open, you need to submit an online form answering a series of questions using the STAR model. This will be reviewed by the recruitment panel. If you’re successful at this stage, you’ll move on to our assessment centre.
What happens next?
- You'll be assessed on your suitability for the role through activities with other applicants. If you're successful, you'll be invited to the final stage, an individual interview.
- You’ll attend a short interview via Zoom or in person made up of members of the ResLife team.
- After your interview, you'll be notified if you're successful and invited to the training day. If you're unsuccessful, you'll receive feedback to help with any future opportunities.
- Once you have an offer, you’ll receive a local induction, and your move-in date will be confirmed after allocation.
- Our ResLife training days take place in person and cover everything you need to know to start your role. The dates will be confirmed closer to the time and after the recruitment process.
You must complete all training before starting your role.
