Firstly, open door contests were great. They really did foster community, and encouraged floormates to mingle. Personally, I loved having my door open, to be able to talk to people as they went by. Also, from an R.A.’s perspective, they were a very easy community builder to do, and surprisingly effective.

Secondly, if you want to entice a group of college kids to do something, offer pizza. It was amazing the effect free food had on community event turnout.

It doesn’t just work with college kids, either. Pizza is a nigh universal motivational tool.