7 spine-chilling ways to decorate your uni home this Halloween

Happy Halloween month! If you're like me, you'll agree that it's the most wonderful time of the year, and for many of us, the first real festive milestone since starting university. Congrats on making it this far! Whether you've just started studying or you're back for another year, here are some fun ways to spice up your dorm this Halloween.

1. Window decor

Is there anything better than coming home from a long day of learning and seeing some adorably spooky decor in your dorm window? Normally, festive lights are saved for Christmas, but the warmth they can provide on an otherwise dull walk home is unmatched. Throw a small pumpkin or a bat decal in the window, and bam! An easy festive window that'll make everyone jealous.

2. Your own art

Inktober is an increasingly popular trend where a prompt list (or sometimes multiple prompt lists) is published online to give a rough guide to artists. The general rule is that you complete one prompt a day, and the official drawing must be completed in ink. While this challenge is usually just a fun way to improve on a skill and do something creative, it can also be used as decoration! Rip some pages out of a sketch book and slap them on a pinboard or use some Blu-Tack to make a fun collage on what would otherwise be a blank wall. Then let your creativity run wild!

3. Autumnal vibes

If the spooky side of Halloween isn't really your thing, but you LOVE seasonal decor, why not consider something warm and cosy this year? A small string of autumn leaves above your desk or some uncarved pumpkins in your window can do a lot to bring the warm colours and crisp autumn atmosphere indoors. Brew yourself some hot chocolate and enjoy your aesthetically pleasing, Pinterest-ready room. You've earned it!

4. Blood, guts, and gore

If you, like me, are excited about this holiday and all its ghoulish connotations, then this one's for you! If you want to give your housemates and friends a fun jumpscare this season, pick up some fake blood decals and, after they've all gone to sleep, quietly place them in and around your hall. A bloody handprint here, a scrawled 'Save Me!' note there, and you can sit back and watch the madness unfold. (Or at least some tiny frights.) If you want to take it even further you can put some fake blood in the kitchen or some other non-carpeted area. Just remember to clean it up after Halloween!

5. Creepy clothes

You'd be amazed at what you can do with the clothes you already have. A little imagination and some DIY can make bits of your everyday outfits into AMAZING Halloween decorations. Whether it's hanging a battle jacket like a poster or using your heaviest pair of boots as a bookend on your shelf, you can save some cash and decorate your space with things you already have! 

6. Pumpkin carving

The penultimate tip and an absolute classic - scooping out some insides and carving a face in the empty void you've left behind...good times. Many people have never carved a pumpkin before. If that's you, you can either wing it, on your own or get the help of a friend or housemate to slice up a poor innocent gourd. You can then throw this butchered face into your window for a fun spooky experience for your neighbours or slap it on your desk for the seasonal vibes. Once you're done with the carving, you can even toast the pumpkin seeds and roast the insides for some yummy seasonal snacks.

Tip: many student rooms don't allow open flames, so, if you want to decorate with candles this season, try electric ones. They last much longer, aren't a fire hazard, and -bonus points- they're often cheaper too! 

7. Have a Creepy Craft Day

This is great whether you know your housemates very well or have barely talked to them. Get some cheap art supplies, paper, and a flat surface, and all of you can make your dorm decorations together. This allows a fun bonding experience, some practically free decor, and (hopefully) a happy memory you can repeat every year with your friends! It also works as an effective icebreaker if you haven't had a chance to really hang out since Freshers' Week. Set the tone with some jack-o-lantern jams and get decorating. 

Happy Halloween! Enjoy your fun, festive decorating this year...but don't forget to throw out your pumpkins on November 1st!

If you're still stumped for the perfect Halloween costume, here are 2023's top budget-friendly outfit ideas.