Halloween is a highlight of every fall semester, and this weekend should be no different. Especially with a full moon and a Saturday holiday, we have no excuse but to make this one for the books. As someone embarking on their fourth Halloweekend of college, I feel I have some authority to dictate what makes for a successful time. Here are my tips for executing Halloweekend to its fullest capacity. 

First, set your goals for the weekend. Do you want to play the most tricks? Enjoy the most treats? Make ten new friends? Go on the most side quests? Or just have an amazing time with your friends? You can have multiple goals with varied degrees of priority, but setting intentions and expectations will amplify your experience and motivate you to make the most of it. 

Next, you’ll want to have a plan. No, there does not need to be an hourly itinerary, but having a starting point, a group chat and a rough idea of where you are going will ensure no one is left out of the loop and every goal can be achieved.  

Dress in what you are comfortable in. I will never look down on someone who chooses to dress in the stereotypical revealing costumes of college Halloween. However, I know that I am going to have the most fun and feel most myself when I am not freezing. This year, my friends and I have decided to take a weirder route with costumes, including puns, niche characters or reality TV stars, or random occupations. We get more excited to wear something we think is creative or funny, while others might prioritize looking cute or dressing as something easily recognizable. No costume approach is bad, as long as it allows you to move comfortably and confidently throughout the night. 

Finally, recognize when enough is enough. Halloween can be a lot on any of us. Putting aside your FOMO and going home when you feel tapped out will always do you better than staying out when you are tired or uncomfortable. Prioritizing your health, sleep and well-being is also part of maximizing this weekend and having the most fun. If you see a friend that may have reached their limit, help them get home safe. It is easy to place high expectations on this weekend, but at the end of the day, it is just another weekend in October.  

I hope these tips are helpful, and that you have the spookiest, silliest, most fabulous Halloweekend. Remember to look out for any tricks, but also for your friends and yourself. Happy Halloween!