Whether they live in a dorm or off-campus, students are busy studying for finals during Christmastime. Supply them with tips on how to keep up their energy and nail their exams. Suggest they eat sufficient complex carbohydrates that require little preparation, such as nuts, seeds and popcorn. Remind them to avoid all-nighters, if possible, so they get adequate sleep. Throw in a few tips about efficient studying such as asking their instructors how their time is best spent, reviewing materials, and clues for remembering key points, lists and dates such as singing them to a song in their head.
At the end of each semester, highlight the important events that happened on the dorm floor or at the university in general. Include plenty of pictures featuring as many different students as you can, so that they are drawn to look at the board to find themselves in the photos. For a dorm board, talk about informative speakers you remember and fundraisers that were important. For general college happenings, students will enjoy recalling key sporting events or concerts held at the university.
Regardless of climate, winter can be a tough time for students. Typically, daylight is shorter and some will even experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a state of feeling depressed, usually due to the lack of sunlight. For others, just being cooped up due to weather in colder areas can cause them to go stir-crazy. Supply them with tips about how to beat these blues. List both indoor and outdoor activities in the community they can enjoy such as ice skating, aquariums and museums. Be sure to include information about SAD for those who feel overly depressed during this time and where they can go for help.
Students are typically hit year around with the message to party safely. They are frequently reminded of the dangers of drinking and driving, along with the legalities of underage drinking. Put a new spin on your bulletin board about partying by emphasizing the temptations that will face them when they return home for break. Emotions run high with college students when they see old friends and encounter past loves. Set up sections of your board highlighting the different scenarios they may encounter, and supply them with tips on how to handle feelings that will arise when their past meets the present.
Socializing remains a big part of college life. Making friends and feeling like they belong leads to retention and better overall scholastic success. Sharing laughs or tears over a movie is sure to help the bonding process. Create a board featuring several different Christmas movies they can enjoy when taking a study break. Give them a mix to choose from, including funny options like National Lampoon's "Christmas Vacation." Choose a sentimental classic as well such as "Miracle on 34th Street."