NCSSM Hall Theme Rankings 2025

By Lily Frank, Stentorian Staff Writer

We spend almost half our year on campus at NCSSM, so our RLAs and CCs work hard to make the cold halls (especially in recent days) feel more lively so that one day, we might consider NCSSM home. However, not all themes create as much joy or jealousy as others. In the following pages, I will give you my completely subjective and untrained opinion on this highly pressing matter. As was the case last year, I have removed my hall, Second Beall, to remain “neutral”…

1. 4th Bryan: Cat Cafe

The theme board is top-tier, I can only imagine how cozy 4th Bryan must be. The RLAs also go above and beyond, adding extra cat themed decorations outside of the hall for valentines day. Thank you for making the treacherous journey to physics slightly less soul-crushing. =^._.^= 

2. Ground Reynolds: Strawberry Shortcake

This theme gives off so much 2010s nostalgia, and makes for such cute decorations. Because Greynolds is tucked away it might not be one of the most frequently seen themes, but the beautiful theme boards in front of the halls make the cold space of Ground Reynolds so much warmer. 

3. 2nd East: Pokemon

I like it: relevant, infinite decoration potential, and nostalgia. The individual Pokemon cut out for the theme board shows dedication, though I feel like you are missing a few hundred Pokemon… 

4. 2nd Hill: 2HL Grand Prix

NCSSM already moves fast enough, living here would just stress me out. Unless we are talking Spec Miata. For a hall displaced in the mods this is a very solid theme, and even without a themeboard, they make up for it with creative door decks.

5. Royall: Royall’s Freezeria

I love seeing Papa Louie on my Hillgrimage journeys staring at me from Royall Lounge. A theme that is so original, that I am stunned.

6. 3rd East: Super Smash Brothers

I have no notes. Just another video game-themed hall, the main difference is this one is respectable. 

7. 3rd West: Olive Garden

Nothing says mild disappointment like family dinners at Olive Garden. The only thing missing is the smell of breadsticks; a bribe of endless pasta wouldn’t hurt. As for the decorations, the door decks are lackluster, I mean, who wants to see a low-resolution picture of Olive Garden complimentary mints?

8. 2nd Bryan: Hollywood cinema

I feel like a new variation of “movies” comes around every year and 2nd Bryan just happened to be the victim this year. That being said, they committed to the concept well enough to earn a respectable spot. Though at this point, the theme itself feels more like a reboot than a blockbuster premiere.

9. 3rd Beall: Pillow Pets

3rd Beall does a great job of turning a seemingly simple hall theme with little possibilities for decorations into a soft patchwork blanket, pillow pets, and clouds. 

10. 4th East: Ancient Greece

This theme hurts no one, and exists as a good neutral, like the plain toast of hall themes. It’s not particularly exciting or in reference to something that connects our generation, but there is no reason to complain about it.

11. Reynolds 1c2c1d: Beach Vacation

In light of the recent weather, I am craving a sunny beach. Do you think Reynolds 1c2c1d stays warmer in the winter?

12. 1st Hunt: Cars (The movie)

This is like 2nd Bryan, except “movie” is singular. 

13. 1st Beall: Tropical Rainforest

An ambitious choice, because the only thing tropical about NCSSM’s buildings is the unpredictable temperature control.

14. Reynolds 1e2e2d: Winx Club 

This is a really good concept, but when I went to check out your decorations I thought that the hall theme was “Four Seasons.” Maybe I am just not a big Winx Club fan, but I feel a lack of connection between the theme and the decorations. Not mad, just sad.

15. 1st Hill: Dune

Dune gives lots of opportunities for great decorations and is overall a very good concept. However, 1st mod currently lacks a LOT of decorations, which as a Hill resident pointed out is due to the fact that “[they] were supposed to move into Hill a month ago,” but due to the delays are still in the mods. This excuse will not keep 1st Hill off of the bottom of the leaderboard. Do better. 

16. 3rd Bryan: Bryan’s Arcade

This brings sticky floors, broken controllers, and a very sad man behind the prize counter to mind. While arcades have the potential for vibrant, nostalgic fun, this execution doesn’t give much. I pass by, unfazed, and maybe a bit sad at the thought of the sad old Bryan Arcade.

17. 4th West: Supercell games
    If the company name Supercell does not ring a bell, think Clash of Clans, Hay Day, and Brawl Stars. Just like in Clash of Clans, success here depends on how much you’re willing to invest, except instead of gems, it’s sheer willpower to live with this theme. A Second Beall resident stated, “It is odd to pick a mobile game as a hall theme.” I would have to agree. (I heard the execution was good so 4th West has been saved from last)
18. 2nd West: 2nd West sports, it’s in the game 

Uninspired. The buildup of secrecy around this theme made it seem like something big was coming. What was the reason for keeping it under wraps? It’s hard to imagine anyone was going to swoop in and steal sports as a theme.