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Our Residential Leader Program

At Deakin Res, our volunteer Residential Leaders (RLs) are the heartbeat of our community. They live alongside you and are the friendly faces who welcome you in, bring people together, run epic events and make sure you feel supported every step of the way. As an RL, you’ll dive into hands-on leadership training, build strong networks and pick up skills that stick with you long after uni — all while making your time on campus unforgettable.

What role do our Residential Leaders play

Our Residential Leaders (RLs) are trained in a variety of topics that give them the skills to be effective supports for our residents. Topics include Respectful Relationships, Bystander Intervention, Mental Health and Leadership. Here is a taste of what they get up to before they commence as RL's.

Development and Training opportunities

Team building activities about respect and diversity equip them with the skills they need to help you feel at home when you arrive.

Fostering Inclusive Communities

Team building activities about respect and diversity equip them with the skills they need to help you feel at home when you arrive.

Discover the powerful impact of the Privilege Walk and the effect it had on our 2025 Residential Leaders who participated in it.

Privilege Walk

Discover the powerful impact of the Privilege Walk and the effect it had on our 2025 Residential Leaders who participated in it.

Hoping to elevate your leadership skills whilst on res. See what RL camp is all about.

Residential Leader Camp Vlog

Hoping to elevate your leadership skills whilst on res. See what RL camp is all about.

MEET YOUR RESIDENTIAL LEADERS

The legends who’ll help you settle in, find your people and make your life on campus the best it can be.

Here is some of their advice!

The best advice I can give is… Say yes to as much as you can! Go to as many Res events as possible. They helped me feel part of something bigger because. They bring together residents from all backgrounds to connect, laugh, and celebrate together.

A group of residential leaders making fun poses. They are on a field of grass with trees behind them.

Advice from our Residential Leaders

Melina, Residential Leader

If homesickness sneaks up on you, don't sit with it by yourself. Come to an event or have a chat with your RLs. Sometimes a simple conversation can be more comforting than you'd expect!

Krishna, Residential Leader

Games nights, movie nights, whatever’s on - go evenif you are tired. You can nap later, you can’t always get that crew together again.

Margie, Residential Leader

Don't wait until you feel settled to start putting yourself out there. You get settled in by actually putting yourself out there so go to the Res events, say hi to an RL, or even have a chat with your flatmates.

Don’t be afraid to go up to people and say hi!I can absolutely promise that no matter how scary it may be, it will always be worth it.Who knows? You might make a friend! (or 10!)

Savannah, Residential Leader

Let's Chat

Got a question? Our friendly team have the answers.

Our approach and frameworks

Your student experience

Enjoy thoughtfully curated activities designed to help you level up and thrive on – in every aspect of life.

Our Community Values

Our RESPECT community values help keep every student happy, healthy and safe.

Award Winning

We’re also proud to highlight that our Deakin Res team has been awarded a number of international and local awards for its student experience and facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions? We have the answers. From how to apply to what to pack, find all the answers here.

Ensure you feel happy, healthy and connected.

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