It is almost that time of year again, when you can dress up as whoever, or whatever, you want to be. Whether that’s a bottle of ketchup, a vampire, or even Lady Gaga; Halloween is the perfect time to be anything but yourself.
As a kid, Halloween meant walking around the neighborhood, knocking door-to-door and chanting “Trick-or-Treat” in hopes of receiving tons of candy. However in college, Halloween takes a slightly different meaning.
On UNC’s beloved campus, Halloween is anticipated all year long. It is no longer a night of collecting candy, though they are certain to be giving some out in the Pit and the Student Union. Rather, our Halloween is characterized by the closing of Franklin Street, the costumes, and the costume parties.
To make sure that you have a night to remember, while also staying safe, here are a couple of tips from Her Campus Chapel Hill.
1. Stay close to your friends.
It isn’t safe to walk alone anywhere, especially in the dark. Make sure you have a friend walking with you at all times. Also, it is best if you charge your phone right before heading out. If an emergency were to happen, you won’t have to worry about a dead phone and can easily call 911 for help, or 962-8100 the DPS non-emergency number.
2. Do not carry anything that can be confused as a weapon.
Back in the day it was okay to bring a plastic gun or sword. However, times are getting rough and it is just best to leave those toys at home. Police, especially on Franklin Street, will be on the lookout and will not hesitate to arrest a person in possession of these fake weapons. These plastic guns, although not real, seem real and could pose a threat to the public’s safety.
3. Watch what goes in your drink.
If you are heading to that awesome party you heard about, this step is probably the most important to pay attention to. Date-rape is a very serious and real problem. Watching what goes in your drink can prevent ingestion of these drugs. If you can, make your drinks yourself. That way, you can be aware of exactly what kind of alcohol and how much of it goes into your drink. Also, never leave your cup somewhere unattended because someone could have slipped something in when you weren’t looking. If you do lose sight of your cup, just get another drink. Lastly, never accept drinks that are handed to you and if you do decide to drink, have a bottle of water with you to keep yourself hydrated.
4. Make sure you have a safe ride back home.
If you do decide to drink, it is better to take the bus or call a taxi. Never drive under the influence because not only are you putting your life at risk, but you are also putting the lives of the pedestrians at risk. Be aware that some of the bus routes have shifted for Halloween night including the P2P. Here is the link to view the changes for the bus routes.
It is also recommended to download the Lyft app. You can request a ride by a community driver for a low and affordable price to take you back to your residence hall, apartment, or house.
5. Trust your gut.
If at any point in the night you feel that you have arrived somewhere sketchy, trust your gut and get out. Go somewhere else with your group of friends! If you also feel like you have had too much to drink, it is best to just call it a night. Trust your instinct in these types of situations.
Have a fun and safe Halloween! HCXO!