September has barely passed, you are finally getting into the rhythm of university life, and now suddenly everyone is talking about Halloween.
As a first year or prospective student you may be wondering: Do people dress up for Halloween? Do colleges organise Halloween events? Is everyone going on a night out? What if you don’t fancy going out? How do you manage Halloween when deadlines are already piling up?
Well, these were all the questions I had last year, and I wish I had someone to give me a preview into Halloween before it arrived. Read on to hear about my first year Durham Halloweek experience…
College Halloween: What to expect
Some colleges will have a Halloween formal, which is a fancy-dress custom formal dinner event, with drinks, a three-course meal and festive activities or music post-dinner. This is definitely not one to miss, so look out for when your college releases tickets for the formal, and get planning on your fancy dress outfit.
If you are part of any societies or sports, whether college-level or university-wide, Halloween week is known for fancy-dress, Halloween-inspired socials. One of my Halloween highlights was dressing up in toilet roll, trying to look like a Mummy for a Netball social!
Halloween will certainly feel different this year; celebrating with new friends and in a new city can be both daunting and exciting.
Durham nights out: Halloween edition
Many people may write Durham off for having a bad nightlife, but from my experience last year, Halloween was one of the best nights out of the entire year!
Whether you plan to go to Babs, Loft, Jimmies or perhaps Klute, I am sure you will have a great night out. Many Durham students may also plan a big night out in Newcastle, which is another fun alternative.
However, although the club can be super fun, I found that planning costumes, doing makeup and taking photos beforehand was even more memorable than the night itself. Your first Durham Halloween can also be an opportunity to socialise with people you’ve met in your first few weeks.
If you decide to go out, plan how you’ll get home, keep an eye on your belongings, go with people you trust, and check ticket and entry requirements in advance.
What if you don’t want to go out?
There is no right way to spend Halloween at university, and you definitely do not need to attend every event to make friends or feel part of Durham. In fact, you will have more fun and make more memories doing something you enjoy and feel comfortable doing.
Perhaps a Halloween film night, baking or decorating Halloween treats, going for autumn walks around Durham during the day, or having a games night with friends or flatmates may be a more enjoyable Halloween than spending the night in Babs if that isn’t your idea of fun!
During Hallo-week, it is also important to take some evenings to recharge, especially when your first few weeks at university have been busy.
Halloween Survival Guide Tips
- Plan your costume early; You don’t need an expensive outfit, but deciding what you’re wearing beforehand saves a last-minute panic. Make sure you leave time to DIY, make, or order a custom one to cut down on stress.
- Check your deadlines; work out what needs completing before Halloween so you can enjoy yourself without unnecessary pressure.
- Sort the practical stuff; Check tickets, entry rules and travel arrangements. If you’re going out, plan a safe way home.
- Make plans that suit you; Whether that’s a party, a film night or an early evening, choose something you’ll genuinely enjoy.
- The FOMO: Everyone’s photos can make it look as though the whole university is having the night of its life. Remember that social media shows only one version of the evening.
Your first Durham Halloween might involve a last-minute costume, a college social, a night out with your flatmates or simply a cosy evening in – and the variety of Halloween in Durham is what you have to look forward to!
There’s no single right way to celebrate, and you certainly don’t have to do everything to make the most of university life. Whether you’re throwing yourself into the festivities or taking a well-deserved break from the chaos of the first term, Halloween is another chance to make memories, spend time with the people you’ve met and feel a little more at home in Durham.
So… get your costume ready (or your snacks for a film night), embrace the autumn atmosphere and enjoy your first Durham Halloween!
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