It is a good idea to change the bulletin board regularly to keep the display new and interesting. Basing your bulletin boards theme on the season is an effective way to do this. For example, around Halloween have a spooky black and orange board that features information on school Halloween events, costume ideas or even pictures of classic movie monsters. In the winter, feature a board that includes pictures from favorite holiday movies or facts about the holidays for different faiths.
The bulletin board can be a unique way for students to get to know each other. For example, post a question at the top of the board and leave space for every dorm resident to answer it. Possible questions include favorite food, favorite vacation destination, most treasured possession, best friend information, favorite subject, or student major. Hang markers around the board for students to include their own information and sign their names. This allows the students to find other dorm mates based on shared interests and beliefs.
An easy bulletin board display is one that relies on the contributions of everyone living in the hall. For example, post a subject somewhere on the board and have residents include an item to share. More than just a list of favorite things, students can provide magazine clippings, pictures, ticket stubs, poems and other memorabilia that they want to share with the group. Like the elementary school practice of show and tell, it is a way for residents to express something about themselves.
One of the most important functions of the bulletin board is to provide useful information to the residents. Post a list of upcoming events, contact information for those organizing it and a signup sheet for anyone who wants to get involved. Change this board frequently by adding photos from previous events that you collect or residents contribute. This will help establish a sense of community in the dorm hall.