AMHERST﹣Each year, the University of Massachusetts hosts an infamous Halloweekend. From pumpkin decorating at the dining commons to trick-or-treating in Northeast Residential Area, they do it all. 

“No matter what you enjoy doing, there is something for everybody,” said Wei Cai, who works as the Secretary of Public Relations and Recruitment for UMass’ Student Government Association. 

UMass has plenty of Halloween activities planned this year. Cai’s favorite event is the annual Northeast Residential Area Trick-or-Treating. 

“It’s a great way for students who are international and have never seen or experienced Halloween. For them to be immersed in that kind of culture – the experiences are very rewarding,” he said. 

In addition to the events at Northeast, the dining commons will entertain students with pumpkin decorating, fortune-telling and classic Halloween music to set the mood. Many residential halls will have costume contests as well, so make sure you have your best costume picked out! The little things matter too. “A lot of professors are celebrating by either letting their students have the day off or bringing candy to class,” added Cai.  

The festivities continue off-campus as well. In the downtown area, High Horse will host live Halloween music and the Jones Library will be showing a Halloween fright film. 

New Policy 

With the hustle and bustle of this year’s scary season, it’s important to keep everybody safe and organized. With that in mind, UMass’ guest policy has changed: beginning Friday, November 1 at 4 p.m. and continuing through Sunday, November 3 at 8 a.m., each resident is allowed a total of four guests, two of which may be non-UMass visitors. 

When asked about the guest policy, Cai mentioned that many students may not agree with its restrictions, but that it is more important to keep things organized so everyone can enjoy their weekend.

“I believe the guest policy was very much thought out; with UMass’ experience on the administrative end, they have a lot of insight, so I think it is a very informed policy on their part,” Cai said. 

Residence hall security and Residential Education play a large role in the formation of such rules. They put immense effort into keeping the campus safe. 

“These rules are put in place to better manage the flow of traffic and be better informed as to who is in each building and what is going on,” Cai said. 

Why you should celebrate Halloween at UMass

With midterms and homework, it’s important to take a break and destress. Halloween is a great way to have fun. 

“The programming that is put on is very respectful of the fact that people have homework, and that they have to go to classes and work on Friday,” said Cai. Even though Halloween falls on a weekday this year, doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy some candy. 

“Definitely have a lot of safe fun and embrace the culture from both the experience of events from the school and other surrounding areas; you only get to celebrate Halloween at college four times,” Cai added. 

When asked what his plans are for Halloween, Cai said laughingly, “I have work at 9 a.m. on Friday, so it’s gonna be a short night, but I think my friends and I will go watch a movie and have dinner.” 

Overall, everyone should make the most out of Halloweekend and eat as much candy as possible. When asked what his favorite candy is, Cai said Twix. 

So whether you’re a Twix lover, or more of a Skittles person, hopefully you’re able to eat your favorite sweets this Halloween and rewatch some classic scary movies! 

Email Bella at [email protected].