Campus Creeps: Celebrating Halloween at BU

Need something to do on Halloween? Here’s what to do on and off campus.

By Tyler Davis

Photo by Mia Peterman

Although college students have aged out of trick-or-treating, there’s no shortage of things to do on Halloween. For many, the highly anticipated holiday is still celebrated by wearing costumes, going to theme parties, and indulging in more candy than we probably should. Around Boston and BU, there are plenty of ways to celebrate. Here are 5 ways to get your campus creeps in:

Decorate: The fastest way to get into the holiday spirit is to decorate for the occasion. Amazon, Michaels, and other craft stores have an affordable variety of creepy decorations for dorms and smaller spaces. You can also decorate right outside your dorm, with fake cobwebs for your door, mini pumpkins, or even a candy bowl, if you’re feeling generous towards your floormates.

Visit a Haunted House: While partying in Allston is a popular way to celebrate, it’s not the only thing to do. In fact, BU has haunted house events on campus; both the haunted house at South Campus, sponsored by the Japanese Student Association, and The Towers of Terror, the annual Halloween event at The Towers, will take place leading up to Halloween and are open to all BU students.

Get Outdoors: If you prefer to celebrate the autumnal aspects of Halloween, try pumpkin carving: head to a local grocery store, pick out a pumpkin, grab some carving tools, and create your masterpiece. There’s also a pumpkin carving event at the BU Beach on Oct. 25th at 7 p.m., free to BU students while supplies last. If you really want to get into the fall spirit, take a short, scenic drive to a farm just outside Boston, such as Allandale Farms in Brookline, Brooksby Farm in Peabody, or Pakeen Farm in Canton.

Have a Movie Night: If you’re looking to stay in, a movie night with roommates or friends is the perfect activity. Queue up Halloween, The Conjuring, Hocus Pocus, and other spooky movies, grab a bowl of popcorn, and enjoy.

Take a Ghost Tour: Boston is considered to be one of the most haunted cities in the country, with its colonial history and proximity to infamous Salem. BU’s Kilachand Hall is even rumored to be haunted by the ghost of former resident and playwright, Eugene O’Neill. Take a ghost tour, and visit nearby paranormal hot spots such as King's Chapel Burying Ground, the haunted Omni Parker House Hotel, and the Cutler Majestic Theater.