Poll staff, former residents, friends and classmates about their college experiences. A good place to start is a Facebook message to all of your friends asking "What one thing do you wish you knew when you started college?" or "What is your advice to incoming freshmen?"
Post a similar poll in the staff area of your building. This allows the staff members to reply anonymously.
Meet with on-campus organizations such as the health clinic, student groups and religious organizations. Ask members what issues students usually face during their first semesters.
Talk to your residents. Address their questions directly.
Compile the input and develop a list of frequently asked questions. Make sure that your list covers dorm life basics as well as general classroom information, local attractions and how to deal with homesickness. This list should be specific to your college or university. If there are any gaps in the information you received, go back to your sources and ask more direct questions.
Cover the bulletin board with a single color paper. Most residence halls have bulletin board sized paper available to staff. Check with your administrator.
Separate the board into sections. Use separate sections for information about: dorm life, classroom experiences, public transit, roommate relationships, homesickness and so on. Don't use more than four sections or the board will look disorganized. Add and take away sections as the year progresses.
Use the small paper to cut out paper letters to make titles for each section.
Mount your tips on colored paper in a font large enough to be read as students walk past.
Add some flair to generate interest in the information. This could include cartoons, magazine clippings, photos and information collected from on-campus organizations.