Contact student housing at the schools you are interested in to find out if they offer a graduate assistantship. Not all schools employ graduate students in student housing.
Get information about housing assistantships and other forms of financial aid in the fall when you are sending in applications for admission. Many assistantships have application deadlines as early as December, so don't wait for an admissions decision to start looking for assistantships.
Express an interest in working with undergraduates. Most housing assistantships will require that you do some program planning with residents and with undergraduate resident assistants.
Choose to live on campus. Most housing assistantships will require that you live in a single occupancy dorm room and use housing facilities for the academic year. Living in the dorm often has great benefits such as a waiver for rent, utilities and meal plan, but may also be a challenge when you need to study.
Have some experience in campus housing. While school may not always require you to have worked as a resident assistant or other housing employee, you should have experience living in campus housing. Check with the housing office at the college or university to find out their specific qualifications.
Be prepared to be in a leadership role and instruct others. You may be required to teach a class for RA's, lead monthly seminars for the residents in your building or distribute instructional materials about college issues.
Apply directly to the housing office. Unlike traditional assistantships, housing assistantships are run through housing rather than the graduate school. You will not be assigned to a housing assistantship unless you contact housing and apply.
Ask about benefits and responsibilities included in the assistantship. Positions may vary in time commitment, pay and waivers, amenities and furnishings and responsibilities. Find out more before committing to a position.