As most have experienced or seen, college kids take holidays, or really any reason to celebrate, to the next level. That's why instead of having one Halloween night of trick-or-treating or partying, we have four nights designated to college Halloweekend. Along with these parties comes the need for many great costumes and some tips on how to survive these festivities. Greenville, South Carolina, where the chain of clown sightings first began, is not the prime place to live around Halloween. But that can't stop us Furman Paladins from getting our party on.
1. Don't wait long to plan your costume
With the exception of one costume that I had already brought up from home, I waited literally until the Wednesday before Halloweekend to start thinking about my costumes. While some of the best costumes I have ever worn have been night-of productions, it doesn't hurt to start getting an idea of what you're going to need for your costume a couple of days prior.
2. Find balance between comfort and cleverness
If you're going to a Halloween party or some other event, keep in mind that what you wear has to pretty much stay on the whole time. While you want to look like you put effort into your creative costume, you have to make sure you can still breathe, and more importantly still be able to break out your best dance moves on the dance floor.
3. Be original
Originality is important to some, especially when living on a college campus. Yes, Pinterest may have some unique ideas, but everyone uses Pinterest when they can't think for themselves. Just realize that everyone who is either not worried about being original or last-minute planning a costume will end up in the same Pinterest costume that you have on.
4. Homemade costumes are the best
The best costume is the costume you make yourself, or even better, with friends. Don't be afraid to look dumb walking into a party wearing a cut up t-shirt with a punny trend or hashtag written in sharpie, or a trash bag that says "white trash" on it, or just slapping on an "I'm the DD" nametag. It's the one-of-a-kind costumes that are most memorable.
5. Don't spend loads of money
I should have taken my own advice before I dropped $100 on a Calvin Klein denim jacket for my group's costume on Monday night. Yes, my costume is going to be "fire" but I will be regretting this purchase when I end up never wearing it again. If you're not the person who is willing to spend money on overpriced Halloween store items, then you shouldn't buy anything. It's up to you to figure out whether a night of compliments or attention on Instagram is worth what you spend for the one night you'll wear the costume.
6. If you plan to party, be prepared
Just follow the usual party rules and guidelines. Drink water. Eat food. But not too much food. Never go anywhere alone (or the clowns will get you). Don't drive. Don't wander through the woods (or the clowns will get you). Don't hitchhike (or the clowns will get you). Just the basics. Oh yeah, and watch out for anyone in a clown mask/outfit.
7. Fast Food Run
Depending on where you live or go to school, we all have that one place we can go, no matter how late it may be, where unhealthy food somehow brings us to life. Cookout is always a yes for Furman students. A milkshake is key to survival.
8. Eat Candy
Whether you get candy from trick-or-treating or from the Halloween aisle at Walmart, everyone needs some chocolate on Halloween. Don't deprive yourself.
So if you're a college student or anyone who loves Halloween, who has gone out this weekend, or is planning on going out for Halloween, be smart and be safe and don't stress about your costume. And for real, please watch out for the clowns.
