Ask the R.A. Archive

One of my professors clearly does not like me. Do I have any recourse if he gives me an unfair grade?

Is it too late for me to drop a course? I seriously want out of this one class.

I’m rooming with my best friend this year, and it’s been a disaster. How can we reach a middle ground without totally wrecking the friendship?

I hate to even admit it, but I’m homesick. I really think I want to transfer to a college closer to home. How do I tell my parents that all this was a waste of time (and money)?

Some of my friends have been talking about getting dressed up and going trick-or-treating. I think it will freak people out. Aren’t we too old for that?

I’m staying at school during fall break, and it looks like the campus is going to be a ghost town. How should I spend my days without going stir-crazy?

I’ve been single since I got to college … but I’m really diligent about practicing safe sex. Should I get checked for STDs?

What if my hometown boyfriend meets someone else at his school? I’m obsessed. Please help!

Turns out my college campus is a pretty dull place, and I don’t know how to make it more exciting. There’s nothing to do on weekends. Any ideas?

My family needs me to help pay for college, but I feel I should be focusing all my energy on schoolwork. What should I do?

The community bathroom is always disgusting. It seems like almost everyone on the hall is grossed out, but no one does anything about it. What can I do?

When should I tell my boss that I’m quitting my summer job? If I let them know too early, will I just get fired?

I’m living in an off-campus apartment instead of a dorm this year. Got any tips for adjusting to the change?

I’ve been too busy to totally unpack now that I’m back at school, and now my room is a jumbled mess. Any suggestions for getting organized?

I landed this great summer internship, and I’m excited but nervous. How do I make a good impression as an intern on my first day on the job?

My classes don’t start until early September, but I’m ready to get away from my parents now. Is it too soon for me to move back to school?

What is it like living on a freshman hall? Am I in for the shock of my life or what?

I’m going crazy dealing with rules and restrictions while I’m home. How can I get my parents to let up?

I’m not feeling as close to my old friends as I do to my friends at college. Is it normal to feel like I’m growing apart from high school friends?

I’m taking some courses over summer vacation, but they are so intense and overwhelming that I’m hardly getting a break. Any advice on how to deal?

I’m staying on campus this summer, and this place has turned into a ghost town. I don’t know what to do with myself. Any suggestions?

I know this sounds weird, but I’ve developed such a sense of responsibility that summer doesn’t have me all that stoked. Where has all the fun gone, and how do I get some of that back?

I’ve lost some weight since school ended, but now I’m flabby in some places that actually used to fill out quite nicely. How can I get my physique back -- without packing on the pounds?

Most of my friends have made their summer plans, but I don’t know what to do with myself. I need money, but I want to spend time doing something fun. How can I make that work?

I live too far away to move all of my things home for the summer. What should I do with my stuff?

Last time I went home, I just didn’t click with my high school friends like I used to. I’m kind of worried I’m going to wind up being a loner in my hometown this summer. Any suggestions?

My fall housing plans just fell through and I need a backup plan, pronto. What are my options this late in the game?

My girlfriend and I are going to be apart over summer break, and I’m freaking out that she’s going to hook up with her high school sweetheart while she’s back home. Help!

I’m graduating in just a few weeks, and I’ve had zero luck with my job search. What should I do?

Some of my friends have made plans to live at the beach for the summer, and the want me to join them. The problem is that my parents keep talking about how much they’ve missed me and can’t wait to have me home. How should I deal?

School is coming to an end, and I’m actually starting to feel depressed about it. How can I shake these end-of-school-year blues?

I’m lucky because I already landed an internship for the summer. But it’s an unpaid position, and I need to make some money to afford the commute. Any suggestions?

My school requires me to pick a major before the end of this semester, but I’m afraid I won’t want to stick with the one I choose. What should I do?

My RA wrote me up for drinking the other night. Come on, let’s get real. Everyone drinks in college, right? Why am I getting picked on?

It’s only halfway through the semester, and all I can think about is getting my classes over with. What can I do to make myself focus on the schoolwork I need to do before summer creeps up on me?

My dorm is really into NCAA March Madness. How can we hype up our spirit before the games?

I made a bunch of new year’s resolutions with good intentions, but so far I haven’t stuck to a single one. Any ideas for how I can get back on track?

I’m pretty sure this one teacher has it out for me. He just seems to be so unfair with my grades. Is there anything I can do about this?

My roommate and I keep fighting over the TV. My favorite show is on at the same time as hers, and it’s really driving a wedge between us. Help!

My roommate is really sick and I don’t want to be around her. What if she’s contagious? I feel like I should be taking care of her, but I can’t afford to catch what she has.

Valentine’s Day is just a couple of weeks away, and I’m confused because I just started hooking up with this guy. Should I give him a gift, or will that come off as too much too soon?

I had such a great winter break, and now I actually feel homesick. It’s not that I want to ditch college or anything like that. But how do I shake these icky feelings of missing home?

All I did first semester was sit in the library and study. I got really good grades, but I never really made any friends. How can I meet people this late in the game when cliques have already formed?

I had a lot of money saved at the beginning of the school year, but now my bank account is drying up. I have some holiday money, but that won’t last long. What can I do?

My first-semester grades were awful. When I was home for break, my parents were threatening to pull me out and make me go to community college. I know I really need to buckle down, but how do I deal with my parents?

Should I be getting ready for next semester while I’m on break -- buying textbooks, reading ahead?

My job requires me to work over the holidays, but my dorm is closed for students. If I don’t stay, I’ll lose my job. What should I do?

I didn't do so hot on my final exams. How can I make sure I do better next semester?

I totally blew this one class I really needed, and I’m worried about how it’s going to affect my GPA. Is it possible to negotiate a final grade with my professor? Like, maybe get extra credit or a do-over?

My parents give me a monthly allowance, but it’s not much. What’s the best way to go about getting a part-time job?

My roommate and I used to be close until she met this guy. Now she spends most of her time with him -- in our room! How can I reclaim my space and (hopefully!) get my friend back?

I’ve been focusing on academics, but now that I’m settled, I want to get involved in some campus activities. Where do I start?

Do I have to choose my major before leaving for school or can that wait until I get settled in? I have too much to think about right now!

I’m just a few weeks into the summer, and I’m already suffering from school break boredom. Where do I sign up for the excitement plan?

I’m home for the summer and working a full-time job, and my parents have asked me to pay rent. It’s not much, but do you think that’s fair?

I’ve heard about these group tours for college students, and I’m thinking of doing one this summer. Are they good deals or total rip-offs?

I’m really going to miss my college friends over the summer. What are the best ways to stay in touch?

I’m really behind on my packing and thought I’d just take some of my clothes home straight from the dirty laundry hamper and just wash them later. Is that gross?

I’m dying of dining hall overload. What are some cheap and delicious ways to cook for yourself and break out of the food rut on these last days of school?

I always get myself so freaked out over finals that I’m a complete wreck! Do you have any advice to prevent stress before finals?

As it gets closer to summer, I feel less like studying. How can I keep myself motivated to study so I don’t trash my grades?

I’ve been looking for a summer job, but I haven’t been able to find anything. I think it’s because of the economy. What should I do?

I’m a female student and want to practice safe sex, but will my date think I’m “slutty” if I break out a condom? Shouldn’t the guy be responsible for having condoms, just in case?

I’m interested in writing for my school newspaper, but I don’t have any experience. Can I still contribute, or will I look like an idiot for even asking?

I have so much more stuff than I did when I moved in! Should I start hauling things home now so it’s not so overwhelming later? What can I do with stuff I don’t want?

I’m thinking about transferring to a new school, but I’m so undecided. Any advice? And when do I have to decide?

What can my friends and I do for fun after spring break now that we're all partied out?

My roommate and I got along OK last semester, but suddenly we're driving each other crazy. Should I just stick it out for the rest of the year?

I really want to get a summer job. Do I need to be thinking about that so soon?

I’m getting cabin fever in my tiny room. How can I make it feel less crowded in here?

I don't want to drink with my friends, but I still want to hang out. How can I play it cool and have fun with them without drinking?

My friends and I want to go away for spring break, but we can't afford a big vacation. Any suggestions?

Do you have any creative (read: low-budget) ideas for what to do on Valentine's Day?

When going out on a cold night, I never want to deal with my coat once I get to my destination. Any tricks you’ve seen other students use?

I made a new year’s resolution to get fit and eat more healthfully, and I’ve already fallen off my plan. Do you have any advice for how I can jump back in and stay on board?

I’m having a really hard time with the whole studying process. I can’t seem to find the time, and when I do buckle down, I can’t concentrate. What’s my problem?

My grades weren’t all that good last semester. How can I make sure I'll do better this time?

I think I might lose a little academic momentum over break. Do you have any suggestions for how to get back into the swing of things … seamlessly?

My roommate seems kind of down in the dumps, and I don’t know how to deal with it. Is there anything I can do for him?

I haven’t been feeling well lately. How do I know if I’m sick enough to miss class?

Occasionally, I notice doors left open around my building. How can I protect myself and my possessions on campus?

I’m feeling really burned out with schoolwork and totally unmotivated to get into the social scene. How can I get more pumped?

I need way more space in my room. Should I loft my bed?

What am I supposed to do with myself when I’m sexiled from my room?

It seems there aren’t enough hours in the day to do my assigned reading. Any advice?

I hate my roommate! Is there any way I can move?

Do college kids dress up for Halloween, or is that lame?

What are some ways I can conserve energy at school?

I am really overwhelmed by my classes. Can I just drop one, or am I required to take a minimum number of classes?

Help! How can I combat noise in the hall when I need to study and sleep?

My first semester has been pretty rough, and I’m beginning to think this school might not be right for me. Should I consider a transfer?

I was busted for breaking a dorm rule. No one was hurt or anything like that, but it’s been alleged that I had some questionable paraphernalia. Now I think I’m in for it. How do I keep from getting into deeper trouble?

How does hooking up work in college -- does everyone just have sex?

Not only am I worried about what kind of roommate I’ll have, but I want to be a good roommate too. What makes a good roomie?

Is it best to bring more or less stuff to school? How can I decide what to bring and what to leave?

I’m considering living in a co-ed dorm. Is it hard to get used to?

When should I buy my textbooks? Is the college bookstore the best place to purchase them?

I’m on a meal plan, but am I allowed to cook in my room if I want to?

What should I do about dirty laundry when I’m at school? I’ve never even been to a laundromat.

What are some things I can’t have in my room?

What's the deal with the dining hall?