Hanika Saini

Meet Hanika Saini:

About Hanika

Hanika Saini is a 2nd year Applied Human Nutrition student at the University of Guelph, and is currently a Residence Assistance (RA). As an RA, Hanika supports students living on campus, acting as a mentor in her residence community. She provides her students with important information, fosters a safe and fun community environment, and helps contribute to her students’ academic and personal growth. Hanika is also a member of the Applied Human Nutrition Program Student Association. She talks about her experience as an RA, tips for first year students, and how she balances it all.

What has your experience been like as an RA so far?

“My experience as an RA has definitely been a rollercoaster. There’s some ups and downs but at the end of the day, it is a rewarding experience when you get to help the students in need.”

What is your favourite part of being an RA?

“My favourite part of being an RA is seeing my students grow, both personally, socially, and academically. In addition, I love hanging out and even having random conversations with them.”

How do you balance being an RA and completing your academics? 

“It’s tough, but I keep my calendar on hand and try my best to time block. I try to do study sessions with my students which keeps us both accountable and we can ask each other questions and even help each other out.”

Are you involved in other experiential learning on campus? If so what are they and what do you do?

I am the second year rep in the Applied Human Nutrition (AHN) Program Student Association. My role is to be a student representative for second years in AHN and to host fun events for many to join!”

What is your biggest tip for first year students?

My biggest tip for first year students is to go to office hours and ask help as soon as you need it. It can be tough at times, and I know for me personally, I felt a little intimidated to talk to my profs or TA’s. But I started taking baby steps and realized that they are also humans like us, and are not scary.”

What is the atmosphere like among all the RAs? 

The atmosphere is great. All the RA’s here are supportive and want you to succeed, and will go out of their way to help that happen.”

What is your favourite part about being on campus all the time? 

My favourite part about being on campus all the time is the easy access I have to all the great resources, events and places that Guelph has to offer!”

Is there anything else you'd like to add? 

If anyone wants to reach out to me you can! My email is hanika@uoguelph.ca and I am more than happy to answer any questions.”