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Five Fun Ways To Get In the Halloween Spirit At Ohio State

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at OSU chapter.

Halloween is a very exciting time of the year no matter how you choose to celebrate. But it can be hard to find ways to celebrate when you’re confined to campus. That just means you need to get creative! Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of campus-friendly activities to brighten up your spooky season!

1. decorate pumpkins

Many dorms offer free pumpkins in celebration of Halloween, especially at pumpkin painting social events. But even if yours doesn’t, or if you don’t live in the dorms, buying a pumpkin from a local store can be a fun fall activity for you and your friends. You can find cheap pumpkins at Kroger and decorate them to spice up your dorm!

2. Costume shop sustainably

Although it’s easy to just order the first costume you see on Amazon, there are alternatives if you’re looking to get creative on campus. Buckeye Bargains, a thrift store located on South Campus, is open every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can find different clothing items to make your very own DIY Halloween costume! Not only is it affordable and sustainable, but according to its site, all proceeds go to women’s scholarships.

3. have a picnic on the oval

With the agonizing heat of the summer behind us, the steady 50- and 60-degree temperatures are perfect for an afternoon picnic with some friends on the Oval. Grab some food from your favorite dining hall, find a blanket and set up! Not only is the weather perfect for a picnic, but the changing colors of the leaves make for a perfect photo backdrop!

4. bake a spooky dessert

Head over to Target and find countless festive desserts that are easy and quick to make. From pumpkin bread to Halloween-themed cookies, the selections are endless! Baking is a perfect way to enjoy some time with friends (or alone) and relax. You can also turn on a classic Halloween movie to watch while you’re busy in the kitchen!

5. have a halloween movie night

One of my favorite Halloween activities is watching chilling films that get me in a spooky mood. From childhood movies like “Hocus Pocus” to classic scares like “Friday the 13th,” there are endless options for horror fanatics or those who prefer a family-friendly movie. Grab some friends and some snacks, shut the blinds and pick your favorite spooky movie! Movie nights are a great way to celebrate without the hassle of leaving the dorms.

Lizzie is a fourth-year student at The Ohio State University, where she studies English on a pre-education route with a minor in Professional Writing. She has written for various publications, including The Lantern and Columbus Jewish News. She currently works as a Professional Writing Intern at The Ohio State University Airport, where she composes articles and social media content. When she's not writing, Lizzie loves shopping, listening to music, going on walks, spending time with friends and reading.