Resident assistant.
RAs are on-campus family. They’re there to talk, to answer questions, to chill with. Philip, an RA for three years at NYU, helped with everything from carrying a student’s suitcase up twenty floors during a city-wide blackout to teaching bathroom cleaning skills to first-timers. Because he—like most RAs—dreaded busting students, he showed his residents tricks for throwing school-friendly parties, such as expanding the party to additional rooms, controlling crowds and maintaining acceptable music levels.

Career guidance counselor.
Don’t wait until graduation to visit the career counselor. If job plans elude you, schedule a meeting to explore your interests verbally or take a career aptitude test to pinpoint skills and enjoyment areas. Plus, career guidance counselors have the hook-up for choice internships, industry contacts and part-time work on campus.

The party 411 guy.
At the end of a long week, you deserve downtime. Start asking now who throws the best parties and try to score an invite while in line for burgers or passing between classes. The best way to get in good? “Never show up to his party empty handed,” says Lisa. “And if you bring a side of cute girlfriends with that beer… all the better.”

photo © Ana Blazic