The Ultimate University Halloween Bucket List

13 Oct 2025

Luke Williams

We’re rapidly approaching the middle of October, and for students, this means that spooky season is already in full swing. Halloween is a fantastic excuse to throw off your usual routine and bond with some of your flatmates or course pals while soaking up some eerie autumnal vibes. Our ultimate Halloween bucket list is designed to help you make memories and enjoy every bit of one of the university’s golden months.

The Ultimate University Halloween Bucket List

Transform Your Space into a Haunted Haven

If you’re wondering how to decorate your student room for Halloween, the first thing to consider is whether you want to buy the décor or DIY. Either way, you don’t need a huge budget or an interior design qualification. A few glowing string lights, fake cobwebs, hanging bats, and pumpkins can go a long way in creating your spooky sanctuary. Try:

  • Group DIY nights where you all decorate together.
  • Swapping decorations with your neighbours each year.
  • Using recycled materials to create rustic vibes.

It’s a great way to connect and immerse yourself in the Halloween world. If the rest of your flat gets in the mood too, it creates an atmospheric aura that you can switch up for a festive theme afterwards.

Host a Mega Scary Film Marathon

Not everyone enjoys scary movies, but watching them with a group can be just as entertaining as it is eerie. Grab some popcorn and drinks, and prepare a list of your favourite relaxing films. Whether you prefer being a Ghostbuster or a demon slayer, there’s a spooky film for everyone to enjoy. For an extra spooky atmosphere, dim the lights and use battery powered tealights to create a candlelit experience.

Try mixing genres for inclusivity:

  • Classics: Ghostbusters, Hocus Pocus, Scream
  • Thriller: Get Out, Halloween
  • International: Train to Busan, Ringu
  • Spooky Laughs: Scary Movie, Rocky Horror Picture Show

Don’t forget to add some themed snacks for an even more immersive night. We’re talking Monster Munch, ghost cakes, or a ‘blood’ punch (cranberry juice and soda).

Bonus tip: Use a spinner to randomise your film selection and see where the night takes you.

Go on a Local Ghost Tour

Many UK cities are considered haunted and are therefore rich in ghostly lore. Whether it’s cobbled streets or wartime heritage, these tours combine chilling tales with fascinating local history.

If there’s nothing nearby, simply create your own spooky walk:

  • In Nottingham: Explore the Galleries of Justice (now the National Justice Museum) and the Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem pub.
  • In Sheffield: Visit ‘Cain’ at the National Emergency Services Museum, a prisoner said to throw objects when people enter his old cell.
  • In Leeds: The town hall is said to be home to the ghost of Mary Blythe, a woman who threw herself from the clock tower in 1876. Legend suggests the clock doesn’t chime at midnight so as not to wake her spirit.

Explore more of the UK’s best Ghost Tours and how much they cost.

Ghost Tours are a great Halloween experience

Dress Up Whenever You Want

You don’t need to wait for an invitation. Sometimes, the best costume creations happen when there’s no pressure to impress, and it’s up to you and your flatmates to decide what the occasion is. Plus, group costumes look great on social media.

Here are a few ideas: 

  • Stranger Things crew (just in time for the final season).
  • Meme characters.
  • Assemble The Avengers in your kitchen.
  • Scooby Doo and the Mystery Incorporated gang.

Have a Pumpkin Carving Night

Pumpkin carving is Halloween’s fun alternative to painting and enjoying prosecco. Whether you’re attending a class or doing it at home, it’s a spooky craft that enhances your space beautifully.

If you enjoy a bit of competition, consider hosting a carving contest! You might be surprised to discover hidden talents among your friends. Additionally, you can use the leftovers to make soups or a delicious pumpkin pie.

Try a Halloween Bake Off

If you love pumpkin pie, the next step is to elevate your baking with a showdown of deliciousness. If pumpkin isn’t your favourite, you can also try baking classic treats with a Halloween twist. Some of the spookiest treats include:

  • Witches’ finger biscuits.
  • Red velvet ‘brain’ cupcakes.
  • Ghostly meringues.

If baking isn’t your forte, try bringing a board special. Everyone brings a board filled with spooky snacks.

Explore More Halloween Nights

Halloween is a time for local events, whether you’re new to your city or simply love the spooky season. Look out for:

  • Costumed club nights.
  • Halloween craft fairs and markets.
  • Haunted specials in restaurants and bars.
  • Themed pub quizzes or karaoke nights.

You can explore more of what your city offers students on our dedicated location pages. This is ideal if you’re still searching for student accommodation or planning a last-minute night out across the UK.

Explore more Halloween delights

Make This October Unforgettable

You don’t need to spend loads or even travel far from campus to feel the magic of Halloween. The real fun comes from spontaneous moments, carving pumpkins, laughing at a ghost costume, or screaming your way through a scary film marathon.

So, slime up your life, get the group chat buzzing, and start ticking things off your Halloween bucket list.