Ghouls Just Want to Have Fun: Discover the Essentials for a Hauntingly Good Time!

Autumn has arrived, and with it comes the excitement of Halloween! As uni students, it's the perfect time to embrace the spooky season by decorating your room, crafting DIY costumes, or enjoying local autumnal walks

Hauntingly good room décor

Autumn is all about cozy vibes, and your room should reflect that! You don’t need to spend a lot to give your space a seasonal touch. Here are a few budget-friendly ideas:

Cheap Duvet Covers

Look for affordable duvet covers online or in local stores. Retailers such as Asda Home, B&M and Next offer covers under £20 that give your bed a seasonal feel without costing a fortune. Opt for plain colours or subtle patterns like leaves or pumpkins, which can be used throughout autumn, not just for Halloween.

Throw Blankets

Nothing screams autumn like a chunky knit or fleece throw blanket. You can usually find these for under £10 at retailers such as Matalan and Dunelm. Drape one over the edge of your bed or on a chair to add instant coziness.

A bedroom showing Autumnal themed bedding and decor

Layering

If you can’t afford new bedding, try layering a plain white duvet with a few accent pillows or blankets in autumn shades. It’s a cost-effective way to make your bed look more seasonal. These can be found in The Range and Asda Home.

Lighting for Ambience

Fairy lights and battery-operated candles add a cozy or spooky atmosphere, perfect for Halloween and autumn alike. You can find budget friendly lights in most pound and bargain shops!

Final Tips

Embrace the budget-friendly mindset! With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can transform your room decor into a seasonal retreat that’s both cozy and inviting without breaking the bank.

Boo-tiful DIY Halloween Costumes That Will Wow Everyone!

Who says you need a big budget for a great costume? Here are some easy DIY Halloween costumes you can put together using items you already have:

Classic Ghost with a Twist: Grab an old white sheet, cut some eye holes, and personalize it with spooky designs.

Pop Culture Icons: Recreate a favorite TV or movie character using items you already own—think simple accessories or distinctive clothing. Such as Alvin and the Chipmunks, It requires 3 basic coloured t-shirts and some jeans!

DIY Superheroes: Design your own superhero costume by mixing and matching solid-colored clothing from your wardrobe and adding a homemade logo.

Check out these fun and creative costume ideas on TikTok! Here are some links for inspiration, ranging from DIY outfits to trendy character looks:

These ideas are not only affordable but also let you show off your creativity and individuality. No need to spend big on store-bought costumes when you can make something yourself with minimal effort!

Killer Party Looks:

If you’re short on time or don’t want to commit to a full costume, why not spookify a regular outfit with some creative makeup? Here are some simple but impactful looks you can try:

Classic Skull Makeup

White face paint, dark eyes, and hollowed-out cheeks can turn a simple outfit into something spooky.

Vampire Glam

Dark red lips and smokey eyes paired with anything black will give you an elegant yet haunting look.

Broken Doll

Create cracks on your face using black eyeliner or face paint to resemble a broken porcelain doll. Add rosy cheeks, dramatic eyelashes, and a bow in your hair for a creepy, doll-like appearance.

Devil or Demon

With red or black face paint, create devilish contours by shading in sharp cheekbones and exaggerated eyebrows. Pair with red lips and cat-eye eyeliner. You can wear any red or black clothing to match this look.

Creepy Clown

Starts with a white face base and bold, exaggerated eyes using black or colorful eyeliner. Overdrawn lips in red or darker shades, a painted or foam red nose, and rosy circles on the cheeks create the classic look, while dark shadows and fake blood can turn it sinister.

Watch this YouTube video featuring amazing Halloween makeup looks, with step-by-step tutorials for both simple and intricate designs:

These looks can be paired with any clothing you already own, making them a budget-friendly option that still delivers a Halloween-worthy transformation.

Embrace an Ulster Autumn

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by assignments, why not take a break and enjoy a peaceful autumn walk? Northern Ireland is full of scenic spots to enjoy the golden hues of autumn, and there are some perfect walking trails near each Ulster University campus.

Belfast Campus

Botanic Gardens

Just minutes away, it’s a great spot to unwind with autumn leaves lining the pathways.

Stormont Estate

A short trip away, this vast park has two walking trails and stunning tree-lined avenues, perfect for an afternoon escape.

Coleraine Campus

Mountsandel Wood

A peaceful retreat filled with history and beautiful riverside trails, perfect for an autumn walk to clear your mind.

Downhill Forest

A smaller forest but packed with natural beauty, ideal for a quick weekend hike surrounded by warm autumn colors.

Photo of Coleraine campus showing Autumn leaves

Derry ~ Londonderry Campus

Peace Bridge & St. Columb’s Park

Combine urban views with autumnal nature as you cross the Peace Bridge and explore the park’s vibrant fall colors.

Faughan Valley Woodlands

Venture just outside the city for a tranquil, immersive walk through ancient woodlands bursting with autumn hues.

Ulster University student stitting on a bench surrounded by Autumn leaves

Getting out in nature is a great way to recharge your mind and take a break from the stresses of uni life. These walks are the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of all that autumn has to offer.