Halloween. The day when little kids dress up like princesses and pirates and take over neighborhoods looking for candy, right? Well this holiday takes on a completely different meaning when you’re in college. I used to think that once you were out of elementary school, Halloween was just a thing for kids, but then I experienced my first Halloween at the University of Wyoming.  I mean, what college student doesn’t like to dress up and go out with their friends in a town that is dominated by other students? However, it is way too easy to turn this treat into a bad trick, and there are some things I wish I knew when I was a freshman.
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1. Pick Your Party Wisely Â
In my years at school, I can say without a doubt that the weekend dubbed “Halloweekend” is the craziest weekend of the school year for partying, it’s only rival being homecoming. This being said, it is also probably the weekend in which the most students are given MIPs, DUIs or are arrested. If you don’t know what happened last year, there was a great tragedy at the University of Wyoming on Halloween which involved students fighting at a party. Laramie Police know that everyone throws parties on Halloween and they get really huge. For this reason, parties are much more likely to get busted or someone to get hurt. If you are over 21, stick to the bars. If you are under 21, PLEASE stick to the smaller parties and be careful.
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2. Designate a Driver Â
Going hand in hand with parties, if you are out, make sure you have a way of getting home. SafeRide is always a great option, but they are understandably really busy on Halloween. Make a plan before you go out about where you are going and how you are getting home. This way, no one ends up driving home drunk, walking 20 blocks in the snow, or sleeping on that creepy dude’s couch.  It’s super easy, and I promise it will be worth it to have a warm, sober ride home.
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3. Be Creative Â
It’s no secret that everyone loves to dress up on Halloween. Especially being a girl, though, there are some important things to think about when picking out a costume. First, this is Wyoming so it is probably going to be freezing on Halloween. If you are going to be outside AT ALL then I would not recommend anything thin or too short.  On that same note, we know that a lot of costumes are made to show off a lot of skin. But there are so many awesome and clever ideas for much cheaper than some tiny dress you bought for 50 bucks, and I guarantee that you will get a better kind of attention with a fun and witty costume than something you are going to freeze in or fall out of. Although, if you do decide to wear something short, a good idea is to wear spandex or shorts underneath it. This will not only keep you warm, but will also keep you from accidently showing off your goods!
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4. Ditch the 6-inch Heels Â
Along the same lines as costumes, think really hard before you decide to wear heels. Seriously, you are probably going to be standing or walking quite a bit, and especially if there is alcohol involved you do not want to be in anything too tall or pointy. Personally, I would rather not get my cute heels dirty or break an ankle if it means I have to wear flats or boots.
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5. Flirt, but Not Too Hard Â
Okay, so you are probably going to find yourself at a party or bar where there are going to be at least some people you don’t know. What I have found to be true is that Halloween just happens to be a time when everyone wants to flirt. I don’t know why, maybe it’s because everyone is in a playful mood because they are in costume, or just because there are so many more people out, but chances are, you will find yourself talking to a cute guy (or girl!) on Halloween. As much as this goes for other times of the year, it seems to be more true on Halloween, and there is nothing wrong with some flirting! One thing I can probably guarantee, though, is that 9 times out of 10 that cute guy dressed up as Jake from State farm or Skater Guy isn’t looking for a girlfriend. I’m not saying that every guy you talk to wants to sleep with you, but it is good to keep in mind to stay out of a bad situation. Stick with the group you came with, plan a ride home, and never leave your drink unattended or let a stranger give you a drink. Â
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6. Have Fun! Â
This is probably the most important thing on this list. Just because it seems like everyone is going to parties and taking jell-o shots, does not mean that you have to do these things to have fun on Halloween or “Halloweekend.” Some of my best Halloween memories have been eating candy with close friends, decorating, carving or painting pumpkins, RSO Halloween parties, watching scary movies, and volunteering to hand out candy in the Union at Safe Treat. Halloween can be a fun holiday for college students and adults without having to involve alcohol or even stepping foot outside! Enjoy your Halloweekend, collegiettes!