They’re the ones who spend their nights awake in the bathroom caring for sick residents. They can be found on every floor of every residence hall, the doors of their rooms distinguishable by several glittery signs monogrammed with their names. They are resident advisers.

The University of Illinois website describes an RA as a person who “serves as a role model and resource person in assisting students in their education, personal growth, and sense of belonging and safety,” but not all RAs fit the bill. Some students apply for the position only to receive the perks — free room, board and food and a monthly stipend of $100 — without realizing the responsibility that comes with the position.

Resident advisers are expected to stay in their dorm room almost every night, attend weekly meetings and plan floor activities. They must be greatly accessible to students and are responsible for informing student of fire and storm procedures, as well as being knowledgeable enough to answer residents’ general questions.

But being an RA is more than just following a set of technical rules.

Jeff Foote, freshman in DGS, said he thinks a good RA, like his, falls somewhere in between a recluse and an overly social parent figure. Foote said the best RAs are personable, relaxed and understanding.

“I think a good RA is someone who you can go to when you need them but doesn’t go overboard planning events,” Foote said.

Elliott Moy, sophomore in DGS and RA in Babcock Hall, agrees. He said a lot of RAs overstep their boundaries.

“I think a lot of people try to be the boss. I’m just friends with my guys,” Moy said.

Instead of independently planning floor activities and expecting his residents to attend, Moy said he prefers to let them plan events themselves. Moy goes with the flow and attends. He also added that RAs should be organized with good time management skills.

Moy said it’s difficult to know what one should be prepared for as an RA, and experience is the best teacher.

“There’s no rulebook for this job,” Moy saod. “You kind of have to be prepared for everything because bad things are going to happen.”

Lara Robeznieks, junior in LAS and RA in Saunders Hall, also advocated preparation for the unforeseen.

“You have to be ready to play a lot of different roles as an RA, like sometimes you have to be the nurturing mother feature, sometimes you’re an authority figure, and sometimes you’re a friend,” Robeznieks said. “You have to be there to deal with anything your residents need you for.”

Robeznieks said, finally, that an RA should be open, enthusiastic and passionate about their position and realize the effect they can have on their residents.

“A lot of people come into college not knowing anyone, and they usually keep the friendships that they make in the first few days of their freshman year,” Robeznieks said. “I love that I’m able to help people do that.”

Bailey can be reached at bebryan2@ dailyillini.com.