Halloween: Why Do College Students Love It So Much?

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In college, students look forward to certain days throughout the year, such as formals, darties and campus traditions. With busy schedules, these events provide extra motivation to work hard so they can enjoy themselves. However, the biggest celebration is typically spread out over several days: Halloween, better known at Marist University as Halloweekend. 

Many college students begin making Halloween plans as early as September, as there is constant discussion about what people are going to dress up as, where they’re going to go and what they are going to do.

What draws students to the holiday so much that they are counting down the days until they can celebrate? One aspect of Halloween that speaks to college students is its innovative and amusing nature. Especially for those who do not typically wear elaborate outfits, costumes allow for increased freedom while highlighting their creative spirit. 

As college students, we have certainly aged out of our window to trick-or-treat, but we can still get ready and take pictures to capture the festive essence of our costumes. Additionally, even something as simple as watching Halloween movies and baking cookies gets students excited for the season and is a great way to relax. 

Mia Moses ‘29 has always loved Halloween, as her mom throws annual parties where she and her sisters would dress up.

“In my town, people would hand out full-size candy bars. Then, my sisters and I would sit down and dump out all our candy to trade,” Moses said.

Moses plans on dressing up as a genie for Halloween, revisiting her favorite costume from her childhood. She loved it so much that she decided to bring it back for her costume this year, letting a piece of her childhood self shine through for a night. 

Halloween rituals in college may differ from those of our childhood, but regardless, this time of year always brings a sense of nostalgia to many students.

Brenna Zbikowski ‘29, for example, enjoys her family traditions surrounding the holiday, as it reminds her of fun times with her sister and cousins. 

“My mom would make English muffin pizzas that we only had on Halloween, so it was extra special,” Zbikowski said.  

Zbikowski’s favorite costume from her childhood was a cupcake, which she wore in kindergarten.

“It was so cute, and I had a little cherry headband,” Zbikowski said.

This year, she plans on dressing up as Indiana Jones, based on her favorite Disneyland ride. 

Overall, Halloween allows people to step out of their comfort zones, especially in college. It can be easy to conform to what is trending around campus, so Halloween provides a perfect excuse to let loose and be more expressive. 

But what students probably love most about Halloween is the opportunity to shift their focus away from school, as Halloween falls around midterms at many colleges. The holiday celebrations feel like a reward. 

Putting assignments and studying aside for a few days is a good thing every once in a while. This helps students avoid burnout by slowing the pace of academics and mentally regrouping before another long stretch of school. 

Halloween represents a time to reset and take advantage of the freedom that comes with college life, while giving students extra motivation to stay focused as the semester continues.