A survival Guide for University students

Greetings my ghouls and ghoul-ettes! It is that glorious time of year when it's socially acceptable to eat your weight in sweets, pretend you're someone (or something) else for a night, and scare your flatmates just for the fun of it. If you’re at Coventry University and wondering how to make the most of this spooky season, fear not (well, maybe fear a little) – I’ve got you covered.

Here’s how you can turn your Halloween in Coventry into the most frightfully fun time of the year. Whether you’re into ghost stories, costume parties, or just eating candy until your teeth hurt, these tips will make sure you have a fang-tastic time.

1. Get Your Costume Game On Point

First things first: the costume. Whether you're going all-out with a DIY masterpiece or grabbing something last-minute from the nearest shop, you need a costume that will *slay* (pun intended). The good news? Coventry has plenty of options for both.

- Feeling crafty? Hit up the local fabric stores or even a charity shop for something you can throw together. A bit of face paint, some ripped clothes, and boom—you’re a zombie.

- Feeling lazy? No judgment! Head to Primark or check out the Halloween sections at supermarkets. Worst case, wrap yourself in toilet paper and go as a mummy. (Bonus: If your student house runs out of TP, you’ve got backup!)

Remember: puns are welcome. Dress up as a "Cereal Killer" (a box of cereal + fake blood), or show up as "Netflix and Chills" (think cozy clothes, a remote, and an icy stare). The goal is to amuse your friends, not scare them away!

2. Spooky Flat Decorations

What’s Halloween without turning your student flat into a haunted house? Now, I’m not saying you need to go full-on cobwebs-from-the-ceiling level of decorating (although that *would* be cool), but adding a bit of Halloween flair will definitely up the festive vibe.

- Pumpkins: Carve them, paint them, or just leave them sitting around like creepy orange bowling balls. Pro tip: If carving seems like too much work (it is), grab a marker and draw a face on your pumpkin. It’s quicker and way less messy.

- Fairy lights: But make them spooky. Swap out your usual twinkly lights for orange or purple ones. Insta-worthy? Absolutely.

- DIY Ghosts: Take an old bedsheet, cut out eye holes, and throw it over random objects in your flat. Instant ghosts! (Just don’t forget which one is your laundry pile.)

3. Trick-or-Treat… for Students

Let’s face it: you’re probably too old to go knocking on doors for sweets (unless you want to scare your neighbors in a totally different way). But that doesn’t mean you can’t bring trick-or-treating to your flat.

Host a potluck candy exchange with your friends or flatmates. Everyone brings a bag of their favorite Halloween sweets, and you swap them around. This way, you get a variety of treats, and it’s like trick-or-treating without leaving the house. Plus, no one judges you for eating a whole bag of Haribo in one sitting.

And, of course, don’t forget to stock up on snacks and sweets for yourself. Whether you’re binge-watching horror movies or need fuel for a night out, Halloween treats are basically required.

4. Coventry’s Spooky Spots: Dare You Explore?

Coventry might not scream "spooky," but it’s got its fair share of haunted history and eerie locations that are perfect for setting the mood.

- St. Mary’s Guildhall: Said to be haunted by the ghost of Mary Queen of Scots herself! If you feel a chill down your spine while exploring the medieval halls, it might not just be Coventry’s October weather.

- Coventry Cathedral Ruins: By day, it’s a beautiful, solemn reminder of history. By night… well, you tell me. The ruins give off a seriously eerie vibe after dark, making it the perfect spot for a late-night ghost story session (just don’t go alone!).

- Local ghost walks: Check if there’s a ghost walk happening during Halloween week. You’ll get a tour of Coventry’s spookiest spots while hearing all about the creepy history you never knew existed.

5. The Ultimate Halloween Party (a.k.a. Excuses to Wear Your Costume)

You didn’t buy or make that costume just to sit at home, right? Luckily, Coventry’s student nightlife is ready to deliver the Halloween party of your dreams (or nightmares). Every bar, club, and student union will likely have something going on during Halloween week. Keep an eye out for events at Kasbah, Empire, or Samoan Joe's —they’re bound to have some costume contests, spooky drink specials, and playlists that will have you dancing until dawn (zombie-style).

Pro tip: Group costumes are always a hit. Assemble your squad and go as the cast of Stranger Things, a bunch of skeletons, or—if you’re really low on ideas—a team of Hogwarts students. Seriously, slap on some glasses and a wand, and you’re golden.

6. Halloween Movie Marathon

If the party scene isn’t your thing, never fear—Halloween is the perfect excuse to curl up with a blanket, a bowl of popcorn, and some classic horror films. Whether you’re into spooky-but-not-too-scary or full-on scream-fests, there’s something for everyone:

- Hocus Pocus (For the nostalgia and laughs)

- The Conjuring (For a good scare)

- Halloween (Because, duh)

- The Addams Family (Because they’re basically Halloween goals)

- Coraline (For some Tim Burton-esque chills)

And if you’re really brave, invite your friends over, turn off all the lights, and watch something extra terrifying. Or, you know, just laugh your way through the bad CGI of early 2000s horror films.

7. Halloween Shenanigans (a.k.a. The Pranks)

No Halloween is complete without a little harmless mischief, right? Now, I’m not saying you should definitely scare your flatmates when they least expect it… but it could be fun. Here are a few easy pranks to keep the Halloween spirit alive:

- Hide plastic spiders in unexpected places (e.g., in the shower, on their pillow, inside their shoes).

- Sneak up behind someone while wearing a scary mask and casually ask, "What’s for dinner?"

- Play spooky sound effects in the hallway late at night, then act like you didn’t hear anything. Bonus points if you can keep a straight face.

Disclaimer: Know your audience. Don’t give your flatmates nightmares or anything… unless they deserve it. ;)

Final Thoughts

Whether you're dancing the night away in costume, scaring yourself silly with horror movies, or eating way too many sweets, Halloween at Coventry University is all about having fun with your friends. So grab your pumpkin, dust off your favorite spooky playlist, and prepare for a Halloween full of memories (and maybe a few scares).

Because at the end of the day, Halloween is the one time of year where it's okay to be a little.....strange 🎃👻