Meet Nate Gonzalez, a Residential Assistant at UC Berkeley
Nate Gonzalez, Class of 2026, has a lot of experience in the role of Residential Assistant (or RA). He previously lived in the Clark Kerr residence hall and Enclave Apartments, serving as a point of contact for residents’ questions about housing, campus, and other concerns. Most recently working as an RA for Panoramic Apartments, Nate discusses his time as an RA and shares tips for students looking to make the most of their time with their RAs, or step into the role themselves.
About Nate
What made you want to become an RA?
“I’ve always been a pretty social person, and I really enjoy getting to know people. I wanted to be an RA to help create a sense of community and be there for others, whether that’s helping them adjust to college or just being someone they can talk to. I thought it’d be a cool way to make a difference in people’s lives while also getting to know some of the cool people at UC Berkeley. I’ve been doing this since my freshman year, and I love it.”
What do you love to talk about with your residents, or a question you love to be asked by your residents?
“Honestly, I love it when residents just talk to me about regular student stuff like classes, food (especially places I haven’t been to!), weekend plans, everything like that. I’m a student too, so it’s fun to bond over shared experiences.”
The RA Experience
What’s one quality every RA should have?
“I’d say empathy. You’re working with all kinds of people, and being able to understand where someone’s coming from (even if their situation is totally different from yours) makes a huge difference. It helps you support residents in a real, meaningful way.”
What does an average shift look like?
“It really depends, some nights are super calm and quiet, and I just do rounds and talk to residents. Other nights can be a bit more eventful, whether it’s handling a situation or helping a resident with something. It kind of keeps me on my toes.”
Can you share something you’ve learned from being an RA?
“Everyone has their own story, but I’ve realized we’re not as different as we might think. Everyone wants the same core things: to feel safe, supported, and heard. That’s given me a lot of hope and helped me approach people with more empathy and openness.”
Tips for Students
What are some reasons residents can go see their RA?
“Pretty much anything, honestly. Whether it’s roommate issues, needing help finding campus resources, or just wanting to talk to someone, residents can come to us. We’re here to support them with whatever they’re going through, big or small.”
Why should students become an RA and how can they apply?
“I applied because I wanted to help create the kind of community I wish I had when I first got to college. The application process usually opens in the fall and involves a few essays, interviews, and some references. For anyone interested, I’d tell them to get involved in their hall and ask their RA for advice to get a feel for what the role is really like.”
Do you have any tips for how students can make the most out of having an RA?
“Don’t be scared of us! We’re here for more than just rules and check-ins. Come to events, stop by to say hi, and ask questions if you’re ever unsure about something. The more you engage, the more you’ll get out of the experience. We’re a resource, but also just people who want to help.”
Reva Gokhale, Class of 2027, is majoring in data science and environmental economics and policy.
Want More?
- Discover how you can find community in campus housing.
- Hear one student’s perspective on res hall living.
- Meet Megan, a Res Life Safety Coordinator.