A Different Kind of Halloween

Halloween as a college student has come to mean partying, staying out late, and large crowds. Though, what about people who prefer more quiet activities? Or people who don’t like to be in loud, crowded spaces? How can they still have a fun Halloween night?

Well, three students shared how they spend their October 31 practicing self-care activities instead and wanted to let other students know if partying is not their scene, they are not alone. Here are three alternative activities you can do instead.

The first activity idea is given by Adeline Noland, second-year OWU student. Noland shared that instead of going out to parties, she prefers to stay home on Halloween night. She also likes to have a glass of apple cider and practice cleansing spells. 

Noland shared that she “isn’t a huge fan of parties and prefers a more relaxing Halloween with my favorite fall treat.”  If Noland had to recommend one additional activity for students to try, she recommended “a creative and calming activity like Halloween pumpkin carving or watching movies with friends.”

Vincent Sack, senior OWU student, offered the next self-care activity. Sack shared that his Halloween consists of watching his favorite horror movies like “Hellraiser” or “Terrifier.” Additionally, Sack enjoys passing out treats and talking to his neighbors, collectively enjoying Halloween. 

Sack chose this activity because he doesn’t enjoy dressing up or going out to parties. He much prefers to stay inside and celebrate the event away from the hectic nature of college partying.

Sack wanted other students to know, “Halloween doesn’t have to be only parties. Some of my favorite memories of Halloween were carving pumpkins then hanging out on a couch watching movies.”

Finally, Leon Bridges, sophomore at OWU, shared an interesting perspective. Bridges was raised in a religious household where Halloween was not a celebrated holiday. Instead, he would eat candy he got from his parents or classmates and watch video game playthroughs to help process the difficult time. 

Bridges shared a unique perspective of being a college student, “I think it can feel really easy to get down or discouraged on yourself because there's always something running on campus…I think if you do worry a lot about anxiety and going on outings, but also dread the religious aspect of partaking in the activities, just sitting or even doing something that is involved in your religion, like praying or something as simple as I do, like watching videos about religion, is beneficial.”

Halloween does not have to be an outing you must partake in to have fun on this holiday. Halloween has many ways to have fun while staying inside, and you don’t even have to be alone. It’s easy to invite a few friends over and spend a free night together doing anything that makes you happy!