So, you’re new to the city and not quite sure how to celebrate the holidays away from the comfort of your home yet. You’ve left the wild family traditions behind and now you have to begin making a few of your own, but how? Prepare yourself, because you’re about to engage in the finest Halloween spirit of your life.Carve a Pumpkin
First things first: You may not be ten-years-old anymore, but carving pumpkins will always hold a spot inside your soul. Whether you’re engraving an endearing RP+AK or sculpting the classic jack-o-lantern smirk, a personalized pumpkin is sure to brighten anyone’s doorstep this season.
Go to a Haunted House
Smoke machines, strobe lights, murderers hunting you through a gloomy and unfamiliar place. Haunted houses will never get old. No matter if you’re jumpy or not, the gut-wrenching attractions won’t fail to get your adrenaline racing, and besides, haunted houses are the ideal excuse to get closer to that special someone.Bake Fall Foods
Cinnamon, pumpkin swirl with ooey-gooey marshmallow crème, and apple crisp. You simply cannot go wrong with any fall baking concoctions. Throw on your chef hat and toss on the oven mitts because the next Betty Crocker is here, but don’t forget: sharing is caring (hint, hint).Have a Fall Photoshoot
Whether you’re taking adorable photos with your lover or candid pics with your besties, fall has the greatest opportunities fashion-wise. Snuggle up in your blanket scarf and cozy cardigan and get ready for a new and improved profile picture.Try Tailgate’s Cider
If you like apple cider, even the slightest bit, you absolutely HAVE to check out the Tailgate, a café on State Street, for an inviting cup of heaven. The most intriguing part is, it’s located inside a retail store! This way you’re allowed to sip and search for the hottest new trends at the same time.Go to Picnic Point
Picnic Point is truly a work of art and an amazing date spot for [almost] any couple. I only say almost because it is some heavy forestry so I would not advise a midnight hike with a blind date any time soon. However, the view of the glowing capitol across the calm waters is absolutely breath-taking and the winding trails are gorgeous. There are also fire pits open to the public for use on both sides of the path and the seemingly never-ending bus routes around campus make their rounds here as well.Decorate your Dorm/Apartment
Keeping your dorm up to date with the holiday spirit isn’t only cute AF, but also can help you destress/procrastinate that repelling essay a little longer (sorry, Professor). I suggest festive window stickers, Candy Corn Christmas Lights, and obviously a pumpkin pail jam-packed with endless amounts of caramel apple suckers. Complete your flawless fall dorm with any of the many autumn-scented room sprays from Bath & Body Works; I highly recommend Marshmallow Fireside.Go for a Walk
Autumn is known for the high-quality weather: not too hot, not too cold. Take advantage of these crisp, cool days by going for a stroll (preferably not up Bascom Hill) before the cold front billows in.
Scary Movie Marathon
There’s never really a bad time to binge-watch scary movies (unless you’re home alone and it’s 2:00 a.m., that is), but what better time to freak yourself out than during the Halloween season? So, go on ahead and curl up to a spine-tingling episode of Goosebumps with your roomies.Go Costume Shopping on State Street
There’s nothing like waking up on October 31st and trying to throw together a college-affordable costume because the group costume idea failed terribly. Don’t stress. This year, find your outfit before it’s too late. State Street has so many options you could literally be anything from Beyoncé to a slice of pizza (but honestly, is that really a stretch because they’re both perfect).
Go to Freakfest
On October 29th, Freakfest takes the streets of Madison! This is perhaps the biggest Halloween Party one will ever attend. Wear your most creative costumes and come listen to some rockin’ music while devouring some amazing food.
In all reality, the season is what you make it, so let’s make it right. Between the glorious food, gory attractions, and drop-dead gorgeous whether, it should not be too hard of a task. Fall into fall this year with no regrets; the time of your life is “just around the corner” as the Addam’s family would say.