Halloween is a time for everyone to enjoy a bit of fun, fear (if you choose) and sweet treats. That being said, on a college campus, Halloween fun is often translated into going out, partying and staying up late. If that’s not your style — or you have a 9 a.m. class on Nov. 1 — there are still plenty of ways to get into the Halloween spirit.
Staying in: Spooky edition
With Halloween falling on a Thursday this year, plenty of people may be looking to celebrate from the comfort of their dorms. So, if you’re planning to be a homebody this Halloween, there are still plenty of ways to join in the fun.
- Need to power through some work? Add a bit of spooky fun to your late-night study session by listening to this Halloween playlist that’s perfect for setting the mood.
- Plan a Halloween movie night with your friends! Or, if you’re going solo, grab a cozy blanket and throw on a Halloween favorite. Whether you’re into the Halloween classics or horror movies, the Hustler has some picks for everyone.
- Craving a treat? Try some not-so-tricky Halloween baking recipes. From pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls to pumpkin-decorated sugar cookies, this is a sweet activity to do with friends on a study break or before a movie marathon.
- Host a Halloween themed game night with your closest friends. Think murder mystery games or Halloween themed Pictionary and Charades — this is sure to be a memorable time!
Halloween on campus
Looking to get out and about but still stay on campus? There are plenty of Halloween-themed events and treats to enjoy right here.
- Interested in a more exclusive and formal event? The Vanderbilt Programming Board is hosting a Halloween Dinner at 6 p.m. CDT on Oct. 31st at the Student Life Center. Check their Instagram for details on how to win a ticket. There is sure to be delicious food, exciting prices and fantastic entertainment.
- For those who live in residential colleges, there are plenty of seasonal floor and house events to take advantage of. Throughout the week, there will be reverse trick-or-treating floor events and Halloween-themed house events so be sure to check your local residential college’s Anchorlink.
- If you would like a hint of Halloween throughout your school day, there are a few options. Check out Suzie’s Central Library Cafe for a fun seasonal drink available this week only: a witches broom latte presented by Café con Leche. The Vanderbilt Recreation Center will also be having a celebration on Halloween complete with acai bowls starting at 4:30 p.m., themed coffees starting at 5 p.m. and trick-or-treating at the front desk all day.
- If you’re too busy on Halloween, there are plenty of events happening around campus the day before as well. On Oct. 30, enjoy pumpkin carving and painting at the community garden, conspiracy theories & spooky stories with Will Skills and more!
Around Nashville
If campus Halloween (party edition or not) is not your thing, there are still plenty of spooky spots in the surrounding Nashville area to explore.
- If you are looking for a fun night of fright, try going to a local haunted house … if you dare. Devil’s Dungeon haunted house is only an 11-minute drive from campus and has been a Nashville Halloween staple for almost 23 years. Some other options within a 25-minute drive include The Nashville Nightmare and Beast House.
- For a more picturesque and cute Halloween, spend this holiday at a local pumpkin patch. Several options are within easy reach, with Cheekwood Harvest being the closest and plenty more spooky spots just a 30-minute drive away.
- Looking to escape more than just campus this Halloween? Grab some friends and check out an escape room. Spend the night working together on something other than group projects.
- For those who love a Halloween movie marathon but want an excuse to get off campus, consider heading to a local theater. Leading up to Halloween, The Belcourt Theatre has been showing spooky films as part of their Shocktober event. Check out their last few Halloween movies before the month ends. If those films don’t suit you, I suggest going to the 15th-anniversary screening of Coraline at Regal Green Hills.
I hope this article inspired you to make Halloween your own this Thursday!
