So, it’s that time of the year, when everyone tries to decide what they want to be for… So, it’s that time of the year, when everyone tries to decide what they want to be for Halloween. Well, to be honest, I’m tired of seeing the same makeshift outfits that students just seem to throw together at the last minute. Whatever happened to putting quality time into costume decision-making?

Nowadays most people dress as weird characters instead of traditional scary ghosts and goblins. I understand that Halloween is a time to become characters you’ve always dreamed of, but where exactly do we draw the line?

While dressing up isn’t rocket science, it isn’t exactly the easiest thing to do either. So, for all of you deciding to spook your friends, follow a few of these guidelines, and before you know it, you’ll be as scary as your roommate is first thing in the morning.

1. Be creative. How many Draculas and princesses do we really need? Now I realize that many of you dress as vampires for the pure reason of being able to bite everyone all night, but let’s try to put our selfish gratifications aside. Halloween is all about fun, and in order to have fun, you must explore all possibilities.

Remember that old neighbor of yours with the weird accent and facial hair you thought was always sort of creepy? Well, now is your chance to fill his shoes. Become that neighbor who reeks of filth and sweat. If need be, ask if you can borrow some clothing of his. The point is, the more you imagine yourself as the person, the more believable you’ll become.

2. If you really can’t think of anything creative, and you must be the unoriginal witch or ghost, please make sure you at least resemble the character. I understand that many of us don’t have the finances to purchase costumes and make-up kits, but sharing a big sweatshirt with your roommate and proclaiming you’re ‘Siamese Twins’ is sheer laziness.

If you’re striving for the witch look, try spraying you hair with super-holding spray to make it stand up and have lumps. Also, try putting a few plastic bugs in your locks. Or, if you’re really daring, use a few live insects from the street.

Also, older people don’t have young beautiful skin, so if you’re trying to be an old lady, don’t just draw dark lines on your face. Throw some baby power on your skin — it will give it that dry, old effect.

Because most older people wear outdated clothing, don’t wear your finest items and proclaim you grew up in the ’40s — it’s just not believable. Try wearing worn, vintage items with holes and faded colors. And, you can even rummage through the Salvation Army or local Goodwill; your results will be very rewarding.

3. Please make sure you always use a cold cream base under your Halloween make-up. This affords easy removal and less sensitivity. No one really wants to see the character you were for Halloween the day after. A remnant of bright red make-up isn’t cute — it’s pathetic. So, let’s try to only scare our friends for one day — not two.

While this isn’t a complete list of tips and ideas for Halloween fun, it’s a start in the right direction for most of us. Just remember to be adventurous and let your creative juices flow and you’ll be fine. Have a fun and happy Halloween.