When it comes to holiday celebrations, few events on U.S. college campuses are embraced with as much enthusiasm as Halloween — infamously known as Halloweekend. For students, this is not just a holiday; it is a coming-of-age celebration. Streets decked out in orange and black, these campuses transform into playgrounds for turbulent get-togethers, sugary cavities and creative costumes.
October 31st landing on a weekend is every college student’s dream — an uninterrupted block of time to indulge in the spooky spirit. But what happens when Halloween falls midweek? Suddenly, both weekends are locked in a tug-of-war, each in rivalry for the title of “official” Halloweekend. Do you celebrate Halloweekend on only one of these weekends… or maybe both? It is a predicament that throws the college party calendar into chaos, leaving students scrambling to decide when the true festivities should kick off.
Celebrating Halloweekend just once during October makes a lot of sense for college students, especially when you consider the costs associated with the holiday. Halloween can quickly become an expensive endeavor, as students often find themselves navigating a range of expenses—from costumes to decorations and parties. According to Hiranmayi Srinivasan, an Associate Editor for Investopedia, the average shopper is expected to spend around $36.84 on a Halloween costume this year, marking a 9.2% increase from 2022. With many students opting to purchase multiple Halloween costumes to wear throughout the week, the money being spent on just one singular weekend only increases more. Doing this for not one, but two weekends would be a pretty hefty investment unless the costumes from the weekend prior are going to be recycled for the weekend after.
That being said, limiting Halloween celebrations to a short two to three day period can stifle the joy of creating lasting memories and meeting new people, which are integral to the college experience. Embracing a balance between academic responsibilities and social activities allows students to engage fully in the festivities, enriching their narratives with stories they will cherish for years.
Another key point to consider is that spreading Halloweekend across two weekends gives students the flexibility to choose the best time for themselves. With a packed schedule of activities and events, students can decide which weekend aligns better with their academic workload and personal commitments.
Halloweekend is more than just another holiday for college students; it is a chance to celebrate, connect and create long-lasting memories. Whether it is packed into one weekend or spread out over two, the excitement of Halloween brings everyone together in a fun and lively atmosphere. By allowing students to choose when to celebrate, they can balance their studies and still enjoy all the festivities. So, as Halloween approaches, let us embrace the spooky spirit and make the most of this special time in college—it is an experience that will be remembered long after graduation.