Halloween is one of the most exciting times on college campuses, especially at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Students look forward to the pranks, frat parties, costumes, spooky movies and scary tales of the campus ghost, Isabella.
Decorated dorms, packed parties and nights with friends create unforgettable memories, and the best way to ensure those moments remain memorable is to put safety first.
The Eta Omicron chapter of Theta Chi throws its annual ΘXtoberfest on Oct. 31. “We do a handful of things to maintain safety. We keep track of all attendees by getting their student ID numbers, move furniture to prevent tripping and always request an officer for every party we throw,” Connor Benoit, a junior electrical engineering major, said.
Staying safe on Halloween is a team effort. It’s about looking out for your friends and making sure no one gets left behind. Getting home safely matters just as much as partying and having fun.
You should always think ahead when planning to drink, as responsible choices begin long before drinking.
Always make sure you have a designated driver or other safe form of transportation, and never put yourself or your friends in danger by getting behind the wheel if under the influence. Planning ahead ensures that everyone can have a good night and get home safely.
“Don’t drink or smoke under the influence,” Angel Maradiaga, a senior hospitality, management and tourism major, said. “It’s just not worth it.”
Little choices make a big difference when it comes to partying. “Some advice I would give would be to go with friends or people you know and never take a drink from someone you don’t,” Wesley Harrell, NSU police captain, said.
Even when the night seems fun and harmless, if you feel as though something is off, it’s important to not ignore it.
“Pay attention to the reputation of the host of the Halloween parties you’re attending and always trust your intuition,” Benoit said.
Having fun and partying should never be a problem—it’s part of the college experience. However, having fun still comes with responsibilities and the need for good decision-making. Planning ahead, looking out for your friends and trusting your intuition are all things students should keep in mind to make Halloween weekend safe and memorable.
