The College House System at Penn

Penn’s housing system is unique in that different year levels are assigned to different dorms. Freshmen typically live in specific houses designed to build community among first-year students, while upperclassmen and graduate students live in other dorms with different styles of programming and expectations. Harnwell is a mixed-year dorm, mostly housing sophomores and juniors, making it a dynamic space that balances the energy of younger students with the maturity of upperclassmen.

Each College House runs its own set of programs. Harnwell has different themed program communities for some specific floors, and I am responsible for the International Program Community (IPC). This means that in addition to general RA duties, I plan events specifically geared towards international students and fostering cross-cultural exchanges. I’m currently planning a trip to Washington, D.C., which is one of the larger outings for my community this year.

The Role of a Graduate Residential Advisor

As a GRA, I organize weekly activities for my floor, ranging from casual study breaks (where I bring snacks and provide a space for my residents to unwind) to larger events like museum visits. These events create an opportunity for students to connect with one another outside of the academic setting and build a sense of community within Harnwell.

However, beyond programming, the core of an RA’s job is providing support for residents. This can mean anything from helping with roommate conflicts, guiding students to campus resources, or simply being a trusted presence in the dorm. There are times when students face academic stress, homesickness, personal struggles, or even emergencies, and as an RA, you need to be someone who can hold space for them, offer guidance, and sometimes just listen.

RAs also have on-duty shifts throughout the semester. A few nights per semester, I am responsible for the well-being of the dorm from 5 PM to 9 AM the following morning. This means handling, noise complaints, emergencies, or any issues that arise until house staff arrive in the morning. While most nights are quiet, there are always moments when something unexpected happens, and being able to stay calm under pressure is key.

Application Process & What to Expect

Becoming an RA at Penn requires a lengthy application process, and spots fill up on a rolling basis. The moment you have your Penn email, you should go to Workday and apply if you’re interested. The main things you’ll need:

• A Statement of Purpose – This should highlight why you want to be an RA, your leadership skills, and how you plan to contribute to the community.
• A Recommendation Letter – This letter should specifically speak to your ability to mentor, support, and lead residents in a dorm setting.
• CV/Resume
• If selected you will Interview with House Directors

Once accepted, you should be prepared for intensive training. All RAs and GRAs arrive in early August for about 10/12 days of training, covering everything from conflict resolution to crisis response. There’s also a shorter winter training before the spring semester, and you cannot leave your dorm before the official end of your contract in May.

Find further information here. The application deadline for graduate students this year is April 4, 2025.

Living Situation as an RA

Your living arrangement as an RA depends on which dorm you’re assigned to. In some freshman dorms, RAs share bathrooms and kitchens with residents. In Harnwell, I have a private studio apartment, which is a huge perk, though in other dorms, RAs may receive a one-bedroom apartment. While free housing is a major benefit, it’s important to weigh that against the time commitment and the living arrangement.

Unionization & Compensation

Penn is one of the few universities in the U.S. with an RA union. Thanks to their recent efforts, RAs and GRAs now receive a small stipend with some meal swipes and a couple hundred dollars in dining dollars in addition to free housing. Please remember that these compensations will not cover all of your groceries or meals. This unionization also means we are recognized as actual employees with rights, which is a big improvement from previous years when RAs were only compensated with free housing.

The Challenges & Rewards of Being an RA

Being an RA is not just a job; it’s a lifestyle. You have to be available for your residents at all times and be willing to step up when needed. You’re balancing programming, duty nights, personal check-ins, and emergency responses, all while managing your own academic and social life. It requires a lot of empathy, patience, and resilience.

That being said, the community aspect is incredible. Some of my closest friends at Penn are fellow Harnwell GRAs, and having a support system outside of my academic program has been invaluable. If you’re someone who enjoys building relationships, supporting others, and fostering community, being a GRA might be the perfect fit for you.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Graduate Residential Advisor at Harnwell College House has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my time at Penn. While it is a major time commitment, it comes with free housing, a small stipend, and—most importantly—a chance to impact the student experience in a meaningful way.If you’re interested, apply early, be prepared for a competitive process, and make sure you’re truly passionate about community-building. It’s a role that demands a lot but gives back just as much in friendships, experiences, and personal growth.