Erin Yarwood is a Journalism senior and opinion columnist for Mustang News. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group.
With Halloween approaching, it’s important to take advantage of all the holiday offers during your college years: costume parties, dressing up with your friends and Trader Joe’s pumpkin-flavored treats.
Over the years, frightening traditions formed at Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo during the spooky season. So, while getting in the Halloween spirit, be sure to look out for these seven scariest things about Halloween at Cal Poly.
- Another year, another red brick building in shambles.
Halloweekend seems to be when the dorms face the most destruction for some weird reason. Smoke alarms, broken furniture, writing on walls and the thinnest floor tiles you’ve ever seen are everywhere. It is a truly frightening sight.
- Midterms
With Halloween falling on Week 6 of the fall quarter, Cal Poly students are in the heat of midterms. And with the enticement of two Halloweekends, some students may find it hard to find a perfect time to stay and study. Maybe you’ll get lucky and have one of those professors who wait until week 9 to give a midterm, which is an entirely different fear to worry about.
- Undercover Cops
During Halloweekend in San Luis Obispo, the cops have no hesitation in making themselves known. They seem to be everywhere at the exact time you don’t want them there.
But, at least when they’re in uniform and labeled cars, you can tell everyone to shut up and be cool. What scares the herds of “WOWies” walking the streets are the ones in unexpected black sedans. After all, what is scarier than not knowing where or who the people who will write you up are hiding?
- Double Fines
On the theme of law, we cannot forget the absolute fear that strikes in every lease-signing individual: a loud knock on the door during Halloweekend. An everyday tenant might think trick-or-treaters, but Cal Poly students know better.
Labeled “Safety Enhancement Zones” by the San Luis Obispo Police Department, these restrictions make it hard to enjoy the holiday to a college student’s furthest desire. There is nothing scarier than a $1,000 fine for your celebration.
- UCSB Students
The Gauchos are big fans of frequenting Cal Poly during the spooky season… and wreaking havoc. Responsible for dorm damages (in my personal experience), long lines downtown and minimal street parking, these students are not to be underestimated. Pro tip: while they may try to blend in as Cal Poly students, you can spot a UCSB student by their lack of empathy for the messes they’re causing.
- Parent’s Weekend
Oh good, parent’s weekend! The weekend following Halloween! What a wonderful idea! Who doesn’t want to go to brunch with your parents after a night out? Or cringe as you watch them scroll through your phone camera roll after asking to see your costumes from this year? Even better, this experience is equally scary for your parents, who now get to see exactly how you spend your weekends without their supervision.
- Men’s lack of costumes
Halloween costume creativity knows no bounds, and self-expression is celebrated during the holiday. So why must we sit through the horror of entering a room full of men wearing different jerseys? Let’s put a little effort in, boys. The bar is on the floor. I’d be impressed by a black cat at this point.
Yes, Halloween in San Luis Obispo may be filled with frights around every corner. But if you look out for these jump scares, you should be set to have a wonderful holiday season filled with candy corn and amazing pictures of you and your friends in your costumes.
