Halloween is one of the best holidays to celebrate in college. The options for costumes are limitless. You and your friends can coordinate a wicked group costume. Pumpkins are waiting to be carved and painted. This spooky holiday has something in store for everyone. But before you can step out and show us your bootiful costumes, here are a list of dos and don’ts that you should know for this scary holiday.
DO dress up
What’s Halloween without costumes? Go all out and dress up as your favorite character from your favorite show or movie. Grab your friends and dress up as a group like “The Powerpuff Girls” or “The Mystery Incorporated” from Scooby Doo. Do your best to plan your costume(s) ahead of time. You do not want to be scrambling the last minute for a costume. Most stores will be cleared out of Halloween costumes, and you’ll be stuck with a smaller selection of costumes to choose from. If you’re planning to order your costume online, you want to order it at least a week prior to Halloween so that way it gets delivered to you in time and you don’t have to pay extra for shipping.
DO budget
Don’t spend so much money on a costume that you will be wearing once. Before you go out and buy pieces for your costume, see if you already own anything in your closet that can be used for a costume. The dollar store may also be a good shopping alternative where you can find supplies to DIY your costume. If you are going to purchase your costume at a Halloween store, be sure to look out for any deals or sales that they have going on. PRO-tip, if you can visit any costume shops after November 1st, you can find costumes for next year at half the price.
DON’T forget to take photos
This tip may be an obvious one but be sure to try and capture every moment with a photo or a video. Halloween is the best chance to catch your friends in some of the cleverest and craziest costumes that you have ever seen. Taking pictures with your friends are Halloween is a perfect memory to look back and laugh at how silly you all looked on this spooky holiday. Some of the best college memories come from this holiday, so you want to make sure you don’t miss any photo opportunities.
DON’T forget to check out local and on campus events
All week long several organizations and clubs will be hosting events preparing for this holiday so be sure to check out what Halloween activities are going on campus. Along with activities on campus, find out if there are any events that the town is organizing. Check out local newsletters or check your emails for any notifications about Halloween related events. Whether you’re celebrating Halloween on or off campus, going to Halloween events will bring you closer to your community and you get to make memories with friends.
DON’T drink and drive
Regardless of the occasion or holiday, you should never drink and drive. Studies have shown that on Halloween the rate of alcohol-related accidents occurring on the night of Halloween is higher than other holidays. If you plan to drink, make sure to plan beforehand how you will get home. Ask a friend to be a designated driver if you do not want to walk home. Call a cab or use the campus shuttle if you cannot find someone to be your designated driver. If all else fails, walk home with a friend. Drinking and driving comes with terrible consequences, and you don’t want to ruin a fun Halloween with a situation that can easily be prevented.
DO stick with your group
Halloween is the one holiday that you do not want to go out alone. If you can’t go with a group of friends, do your best to go out with one friend and use the buddy system. Going out alone is scary but going out alone on Halloween night is terrifying. Don’t let a friend wonder off, especially if they don’t know where they’re going. Stay connected with the group and always make sure to let your friends know you made it home safely. By staying in a group, you’ll be sure to have more fun and prevent anyone in your party from engaging in dangerous activities or anyone getting hurt.
DO have fun!
Last but not least, do make sure to enjoy this fang-tastic holiday. Halloween is the perfect opportunity to dress up however you want and look as ridiculous as you want. Dress up as scary or silly as you want. Go out and have an amazing time with your friends. Whatever it is that you decide to do on this spooky holiday, make the most of it and enjoy every second of it.