Choose a game that will appeal to a variety of types of people. While you can and should plan games that will appeal to a specific group, such as a "World of Warcraft" marathon or three on three basketball game, you should also look for games that do not require specific skills or that have a higher cap on the number of players, such as a board game marathon or scavenger hunt.
Pick a game that encourages interaction such as Capture the Flag, Guggenheim or a rousing game of charades. If you are planning for the beginning of the year, use ice breakers that will help people get to know each other better.
Take the school schedule into account when planning your game. While a short game might be a welcome break during Finals Week, a two-hour tour de force is not the best idea.
Be considerate of dorm residents. People study and sleep at different times, and have different opinions on what constitutes acceptable amounts of noise. While you can have games at a variety of times to accommodate different schedules, plan rowdy games out of the dorm.
Be respectful of people's boundaries. You may have students who are not comfortable touching one another, have prejudices against a particular type of person or are painfully shy. Keep this in mind when giving instructions or planning activities, and allow students to get to know each other a bit before trying to push any boundaries too hard.
Keep activities within school guidelines, and avoid activities such as Beer Pong, Strip Poker or anything sexual or condoning inappropriate behavior. Check with your Resident Advisor (RA) to see if you have to fill out any paperwork or have approval to set up a game for the dorm.
Advertise using a variety of mediums. Send emails, post flyers in the common areas and halls, post a note on the Resident Advisor's door, verbally remind people and use social media that relates to the dorm such as Twitter or Facebook. Require participants to R.S.V.P. if the game requires special preparation, supplies or area, such as a water balloon toss or dinner murder mystery.
Make sure you have all the supplies you need with enough time to get any missing items, then begin setting up for the game early enough that you are set up 10 minutes before the scheduled start.