As we further get into fall, the spooky season begins! Halloween is one of my favorite times of year – especially on an HBCU campus. This year at Hampton, Halloween falls a week after Homecoming! This should be an exciting time for all students as there are nearly two weeks of partying and being with friends. Whether you love to go out on Halloween or cuddle in bed for a scary movie, there’s something for everyone! Here’s some general advice I would give for spending your Halloween at an HBCU!
Be creative!
The number one piece of advice I would give is to be creative! My favorite part about Halloween is picking out my costume. At our HBCUs, we know fashion is a top-tier priority. This means going above and beyond your comfort zone! Halloween is the one time of year when we can express ourselves outside of our normal day-to-day wear. While it’s fun and easier to buy a premade costume, I recommend checking out what’s in your closet for pieces first. After this, buy pieces you need to match. Some of my favorite costumes I’ve seen from been from items people have For specific costumes, check out affordable stores like the local beauty supplies for basics or accessories. For those who need a last-minute costume, I recommend checking sites such as Spirit Halloween, Fashion Nova, or DollsKill. Don’t be afraid to be different and adventurous with your costume
Have A Spooky Girl’s Night In
Now for those who want to celebrate Halloween have a spooky girl’s night! Binge-watch your favorite Halloween movies, play games, and indulge in your favorite treats! For added fun, have you and your friends dressed up in costumes or spooky PJs! You could also decorate mini pumpkins or make spooky cocktails. My friends and I met up and watched Halloween movies and baked cookies. This is a fun and intimate way to spend Halloween with friends!
Attend A Halloween Party
Costume parties are a must! Parties are the ultimate way to celebrate Halloween at your HBCU. Typically there is one large party that will be hosted with smaller ones throughout the weekend. There are often two types of Halloween parties: themed and a general costume. Themed parties are thrown with the idea of guests all wearing costumes that match a certain aesthetic. I have seen themes ranging from decades to Playboy. These parties tend to be fun since partygoers are all matching. Picking out a costume may also be easier! For general Halloween parties, don’t be afraid to be different and adventurous with your costume! This is your time to shine!
Check Out On-Campus Activities
Embrace traditions held on campus! While it is fun to venture off-campus for an event, there may be fun activities on campus. You might find a Halloween movie marathon, pumpkin decorating, or a spooky fashion show! Many colleges may throw Halloween parties or host haunted houses. These events are often cheaper than paying for an off-campus party. My favorite Hampton Halloween tradition is the haunted house hosted by the architecture students at Bemis! This is an immersive experience that I go to every year with friends! Each year, the house has a different spooky theme that is scarier than before. Be sure to check out events hosted on campus for spooky Halloween activities!
Explore your College Town
Be sure to explore your college town for fun fall or Halloween activities! Many college towns offer pumpkin patches or Halloween attractions open throughout October. Be on the lookout for fall festivals that you can attend! At night, some festivals may offer haunted attractions such as mazes and haunted houses. One of my favorite activities is visiting a fall fair with friends and taking pictures! Near Hampton’s Campus, King’s Dominion and Busch Gardens both offer Halloween park experiences. Check out this list of Halloween activities in Hampton!
Prioritize Your Safety
Safety is a must! If you’re headed out, be with friends and people you trust. Go to parties and events hosted by students or well-known organizations. If you do attend a party, make sure you are going and leaving with the same people! Be sure to go with a friend if you need to run to the restroom or step outside. Make sure to watch your drinks and other items you may bring out. For those who plan to indulge in drinking, be sure to have a designated driver or a ride on standby!
Halloween is the best time of year to party and hang out with friends! Be sure to enjoy yourself and have fun. Step out of your comfort zone and try something new! Still, remember to be aware of your surroundings and have friends. Have a fun and safe Halloween!