Serving as the voice of the students residing in the university residence halls, the Residence Hall Association creates an opportunity for students to get involved and have a say in their university experience. RHA establishes Hall Councils in each of the residence halls, as well as Village Councils in the apartments. Residents can run for positions on these executive boards, and each council is given a yearly budget for in-hall programing. Also, RHA coordinates larger programs on a campus-wide scale.

RHA represents all students who live on campus. The purpose of RHA shall be to provide the means by which its members may create a constructive and positive educational and social environment in which to live. RHA will strive to accomplish this purpose by coordinating, supporting and initianting individual hall councils and collective efforts in the areas of policy, leadership development and programming. RHA is the governmental voice of the residence halls and shall deal with issues of concern to these halls. It shall serve as a means of communication among its membership, the various components of the University at Buffalo, its surrounding communities, and its regional and national affiliates.