The days grow darker faster; cobwebs, witches and giant skeleton decorations begin going up, and candy bowls are beginning to appear. Seattle University students find Halloween to be a very special season; In previous years, it’s been known as one of the most social weekends on campus.

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to affect students, members from all over the Seattle community are still looking forward to the holiday. Halloween is right around the corner, and most are still hoping for a fun fright, which includes Seattle U’s on-campus events. Fall Ball is just one of the events hosted this time of year and is an annual dance planned by the Student Events and Activities Council (SEAC). This year, however, SEAC is hosting the costume party online instead of in person.

When asked about what she’d miss most about Halloween, first-year Political Science major Elizabeth St. John spoke on her neighborhood decorations.

“I’m probably going to miss going to this giant pirate ship house in my neighborhood. I would go with my friends and they would always hand out these huge candy bars,” St. John said. “To celebrate this year, I’m going to dress up with a group of my friends.”

Costumed or not, she feels safety is a prerequisite for fun. 

“I think by making sure that people follow social distancing guidelines and keep masks on, COVID-19 can be Halloween friendly,” St. John said.

Michael Leifer, another first-year pre-major, gave further insight into the holiday as an international student.

“I’m from a foreign country where Halloween isn’t that big, but one thing I really want to see this year would be massive decorations,” Leifer said. “If people leave candy out on their doorsteps then it should go alright. I think that making sure not to have big groups is the most important part. If they leave the candy bowl unattended and there are any Snickers in there, I might have to grab some.”

 Third-year Accounting major Sierra Jonas also expressed her interest in Seattle U’s Halloween events.

“I keep an eye out for events on campus through Connect SU,” Jonass said. “I’m going to be dressing up as a plague doctor this year. I thought that would be very poignant. With online events, I think Halloween can be COVID-friendly. Social distancing is really the key.”

Hannah Prouty, a first-year biology major, expanded on the difficulties of Halloween amid COVID-19.

“I won’t be celebrating anything because I don’t want to risk spreading COVID-19,” Prouty said. “I think for me, it’ll be very low-key. I’ll probably just end up watching some scary movies with friends.”

Prouty noted that she likely would not be dressing up, but encouraged others to do so safely. 

“Make sure that your costume supports a mask! I’m sure that there will be parties going on, so that will be interesting to see how that affects the school’s cases,” Prouty said. “I know [the University of Washington] is having a bunch of parties, but I also know that they have a bunch of COVID-19 cases.”

“I do think Halloween could be fine for younger kids who go trick-or-treating, make sure to wear masks, and participate in social distancing though. But parties cannot be COVID-19 friendly.” 

With students following social distancing protocols, Halloween has the potential to be COVID-19 friendly so long as parties and other large social gatherings are avoided at all costs. As the spooky season begins, split a Twix with a friend, make sure to wear your mask, keep yourself safe, and enjoy some frightful fun.