Late October marks the end of midterms and the arrival of the time college students dream of: Halloweekend. It’s a party-packed mix of the sweet, surprising and terrifying. Between last-minute costume changes and festivities lurk familiar threats. If you aren’t careful, you could succumb to sleep-deprived zombification and miss important deadlines. But luckily, with a little planning, this year’s sugar rush can last until Monday with both your stomach and GPA intact.
Premeditate your costumes
Don’t risk the perfect costume vanishing into the Marino Mail Center abyss. If you’re ordering online, double-check delivery times so you don’t end up unprepared or hastily improvising a ghost costume out of an old bedsheet.
Halloween spending reached a record last year at $114.45 per person, but you don’t have to spend big to get into the spooky spirit. Keep a backup outfit ready from pieces you already own, or try simple DIYs to save the stress of a costume crisis. If in doubt, steal a friend’s backup or search for quick ideas online.
October in Boston averages around 43 degrees, so layer up. Cute tights, a little scarf or thick socks can go a long way without sacrificing the look. Since most costumes don’t have pockets, stash essentials — wallet, keys, phone and candy — in a bag that can survive the weekend’s chaos.
Beware the brews
Planning to drink? For some, the festivities can start Thursday and stretch over both weekends. Halloweekend is infamous for heavy drinking and drug uge. Don’t overdo the boo-ze night one and end up exhausted by the morning. Pace your potions, and keep a careful eye on your drinks. Skip the mystery punch, often full of sugar, to avoid an unholy hangover that kills your momentum.
Even if the candy cauldron is tempting, never drink on an empty stomach. Eat real food before and after going out, and enjoy non-alcoholic drinks throughout the night. A small meal beforehand can slow alcohol absorption and ward off the risk of waking up like a zombie. Know your limits and stick with friends, and going out is sure to be full of ghoulish fun.
Rise to the deadlines
Don’t let your grades be the scariest thing this Halloweekend, and don’t risk skipping out on the fun for homework. Scan your syllabi the week before and finish as much work as you can before Thursday. Nobody wants to get to Sunday with missing assignments looming. Preparing ahead of time will prevent a last-minute, hungover Snell Library session haunting the end of your weekend.
Rest, rest and rest
The key to surviving Halloweekend is rest. Whether you’re going out one night or three, stock up on herbal tea and electrolytes and make sure to get enough sleep. A nap or an extra hour of sleep can go a long way to keep you feeling energized and resurrect you from the previous night.
Wholesome haunts
Leaving campus offers fun beyond trick-or-treating. From colonial graveyards to decorations and events, your Halloweekend in Boston can be as cozy or spooky as you desire. A walking tour can be a wonderful way to learn about the city’s haunts and take in the foliage. Neighborhood block parties will span across streets and communities as the perfect free way to get into the holiday spirit. From concerts to a free night in the stacks of the Boston Public Library, there’s no shortage of different ways to immerse yourself in the spooky fun.
Halloweekend 2025 is creeping up fast. Whether you’re in costume, with friends or exploring the city, some planning can help you make this year’s spooky festivities unforgettable.
