Fun and College Friendly Halloween Costumes

Sophomores Jayme Lowe, Monica Lennington and Sarah Huhn. Photo by Jayme Lowe.

by Jayme Lowe

Need a quick costume for a party or to pick up a $3 Chipotle burrito? You’ve come to the right place. We have four fun and college-friendly Halloween costumes that can be pulled off almost entirely just with things found in the average dorm room. No tricks here, just treats! 

Funny and Low-Cost: Laundry Pile 

Sophomore Sarah Huhn finds another use for her laundry. Photo by Jayme Lowe.

If you want to convey those mid-semester doldrums through your Halloween costume, this idea might be for you. Impersonating a laundry pile sounds ridiculous (and it is), but it’s also sure to get you some laughs as well as being easy to put together. Use (clean!) clothes from your closet. Attach them to the clothes you’re already wearing using safety pins, clips, hair ties, etc. Once your “dirty” laundry has been artfully arranged, you can head out! And the best part is, you’ve got spare outfits along just in case.

Fast and Simple: The Classic Toga

Sophomore Monica Lennington sports a classic toga. Photo by Jayme Lowe.

This option is found in literally every dorm room (I hope so, anyway). All you need is your top bedsheet. While togas are traditionally white, but don’t worry if you have funky-colored sheets or patterned ones. You’re just a Roman with style! To wear it, simply wrap it longways around you with the open end on the side you want to tie it. Then, pull up the ends to meet over your shoulder and tie! (I also recommend wearing shorts and a t-shirt under your sheet to avoid some potentially awkward situations.)

Minimal and Nerdy: “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” 

Sophomore Jayme Lowe models her Douglas Adams inspired costume. Photo courtesy of Jayme Lowe.

This costume is for those of us who are a little bit nerdy but want to play it cool. Most “nerds” have heard of Douglas Adams’ infamous novel, “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” In this riot of a book, the galactic traveler has need of two things: a copy of the eponymous book with the words “DON’T PANIC” written on the front and a towel. For your costume, I would recommend finding yourself a good, sturdy, clean towel. Then, for your copy of the guide, I suggest using a Kindle or iPad with a case on it. Print out the words “DON’T PANIC” and tape them on the front, and you’ve got a guide to the galaxy (and a convenient distraction from awkward conversations).  

Fun with Friends: Three Blind Mice

Sophomores Jayme Lowe, Monica Lennington and Sarah Huhn as Three Blind Mice. Photo by Jayme Lowe.

For this Halloween outfit, it’s best to find two friends to help you out. One blind mouse is a bit strange. As a college student, I would put a twist on the traditional blind mice. Make them Hawaiian mice and all wear Hawaiian shirts. They could be #basic mice and wear leggings and flannels, or they could be sleepy mice and wear pajamas! The basics are all you need, and you can build from there. All three mice need dark sunglasses. For whiskers, I would recommend using eyeliner pencil or a washable black marker. As you’re blind, it would also be useful to have canes of some sort—perhaps umbrellas or yardsticks if you don’t have any canes lying around. If you want to go all out and have tails too, use a tie or scarf. You’ll be the cheesiest trick or treaters around!