It's that time again. The one time of the year when you can dress however you want and not get judged for it. Just kidding, you'll probably be judged for it, but it's Halloween and everyone is running around dressed like a goof, so why not join the party?
Coming to college I realized three things: people love holidays, people love themed parties, and people really love holidays that you can throw themed parties for. Hence why Halloween is the number one holiday for all college students. Growing up, I was never that big of a fan of Halloween and honestly I still don't understand the hype. I am now a junior in college, so I have had my chance to experience the holiday the "college way" and I have found that a normal weekend out is much more fun than Halloween weekend. Here's why...
The S.W.A.T. Teams.
I'm sorry to say it but Kent has no chill, at all. Yes, there are ton of college kids running around on Halloween night but are the S.W.A.T. teams really necessary? They walk up and down College, University, and Main Street just looking for one kid to trip or start something up to take their name down and make them go back home. Don't get me wrong, police are needed, but nothing is more intimidating or annoying than seeing 10 men dressed in their S.W.A.T. team uniforms with pepper spray walking through crowds of students dressed as animals and their favorite characters. CHILL KENT. HAVE A LITTLE FAITH IN US.
The random people.
Okay, I wouldn't call myself a "frat rat," but I am close with one fraternity and tend to go there on my nights out. On Halloween, EVERYONE goes out and you no longer know everyone in your usual go to house. I just want to go hangout and dance with my friends, but suddenly, it's not like that on this night. I hate being in a hot, sweaty, packed room because a bunch of random people are just standing around not knowing where to go (because the S.W.A.T. team outside scared them into a random house). Know where you are going before you go out. People are harsh on Halloween and will usually not let you in unless they know you or know you are coming.
The high schoolers.
Please just stay home, and enjoy high school. Especially if you're under 18. You only have four years there and soon enough you will be in college, where you can actually experience the college life. It's so easy to get lost downtown if you don't go here. Nothing ruins a night like losing your friend and worrying about where they could be. Stop trying to hangout here, at least not on Halloween. It's crazy enough without you here.
It's cold.
Halloween is infamous for being cold and having terrible weather. My freshmen year I went out as an army girl. It was raining and probably below 50 degrees but nothing was stopping me from experiencing the highly talked about Halloween. I went out in a camouflage jacket, black jeans, and boots. I woke up the next morning and had to go to urgent care because the campus clinic was so backed up. Sure enough, I had bronchitis and continued to have it on and off for the next four months. Ever since then, I bundle up and wear a jacket every time I go out. PSA: You can be something cute that shows skin, just go to Goodwill and buy a jacket or hoodie for cheap to wear over it. That way you don't have to worry about losing it or leaving it behind.
Maybe this article was a little rude, but it needed to be said. I love dressing up and going out just as much as the next person, but I would much rather do it at a different time. My friend hosted a Halloween party the weekend before actual Halloween and it was refreshing to not have to worry about the hundreds of cops and S.W.A.T. teams outside. I don't hate Halloween, I just hate the problems that come with it. Don't get me wrong, I'm still going to go out and enjoy myself, I just don't understand the hype.
