Fellow I-House residents visiting my room for the resident trick or treat (2012)

Lions and Tigers and Golden Bears aren’t the only creatures that are lurking around campus these days. Halloween is just around the corner and as each day passes, more and more pumpkins appear on the doorsteps of residences all over Berkeley, including I-House. Most of the world does not celebrate Halloween with mega doses of high fructose corn syrup as we do in the United States; but never fear, I-House is here to guarantee that you have access to all the classic (albeit commercialized and sugar coma-inducing) Halloween traditions shared by American students everywhere: pumpkin carving, a Halloween party, and even trick-or-treating for residents. All you have to do is find a costume and join in the fun.

While finding the perfect costume can be one of the most difficult parts of Halloween, it’s a chance for you to be creative and it can also lead to one of the most memorable experiences of your time in Berkeley.

Check your closet

The first step to choosing the perfect Halloween costume is to get inspired. When you are on a college student budget, it’s probably best to see if you can use what you already have. If you don’t know what you want to be yet, there might be something in your closet calling your name (other than the Boogey Man). If you do already have a costume idea in mind, your closet can be a great place to start looking for basics. There’s no need to buy something that you already have.

Hipster Esmeralda

My first year at Cal, I found inspiration from my glasses, a maxi-skirt, and “Hipster Disney Princess- the Musical.” I decided to go extra on the hipster and be Hipster Esmeralda- the gypsy princess from Disney’s animated version of the Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996). Lucky for me, I was able to find everything I needed in my closet.

Thrift Stores and Consignment Shops

If you still find yourself in need of inspiration and/or essential pieces for your costume. Check out one of Berkeley’s many thrift stores and consignment shops within walking distance of campus for some cheap baubles and threads. After all, one man’s trash is another man’s Halloween costume.

Costume Shops

If it’s the day of your Halloween Party or Trick-or-Treat excursion, there are a number of costume shops around Berkeley, including Party Heaven on Bancroft. There you can purchase pre-made costumes or last-minute accessories to top off your get up.

Get in Character

Betty Boop

Once you have your outfit in order, its time to don your costume, apply any last minute touches using face paint or make up, and think of some key quotes or character traits that will really sell your costume.

Last year, I decided to dress up as Betty Boop. Since I had cut off all my hair a couple months earlier, and once again had everything I needed for the costume in my repertoire, all I needed to do was perfect my “boop-oop-a-doop” and go.

Have a Happy Halloween!

No matter what you plan on doing once in your costume, remember to stay safe, take pictures, and have fun!