Costumes on a college budget

It’s that time of year again - time for bats, goblins, ghouls and things that go bump in the night. For college students, a good Halloween costume can make or break the holiday experience, but with the steep prices, it’s often difficult to find one that’s up to par and affordable. However, with a little creativity and determination, a great costume can be achieved by following these few tips:

Don’t forget thrift stores.

When people go shopping for their costumes, the first place they start is the local Halloween store, where prices on costumes can be downright scary. However, local thrift stores offer great finds. Sometimes it’s a little more of a hunt, but if you go in with an open mind you can find a great costume that will not break the bank. Grab a group of friends and find a 90s inspired outfit to be Zack Morris and the rest of the gang from “Saved by the Bell.” Pick up a dress that would put your grandmother to shame, hot glue some old cat stuffed animals to it and be a crazy cat lady.

Think outside the box.

There are so many things that can be done with an old cardboard box when it comes to Halloween costumes. Cut out one section and cut a small square to put your face through. Paint the rest to look like your Facebook profile full of embarrassing posts from your friends, recently played music and photos from the party where things got a little too crazy. Get crafty and create a kissing booth. Tape the cardboard box up and leave only one flap to function as the counter of the booth. Secure a plastic bowl of money and a vase with a single red rose to complete the look. Fasten some straps on for your arms and pucker up.

Check your closet.

A great Halloween costume can come from revamping clothes that are already hanging in your closet. Break out that little black dress and a string of pearls and be Audrey Hepburn from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” The only things needed to complete the look are black gloves, a tiny tiara and a cigarette holder. Don a white button up shirt, some high socks, a pair of sunglasses and tighty-whities and channel your inner Tom Cruise by sliding across the floor all night long. Go ahead; get a little risky.

Popular Halloween 

Costumes:

Black Widow

Honey Boo Boo

Kate Middleton & Prince William

Snookie & Baby

Katniss

Cat Woman

Christian Grey

Big Bird

Audrey Hepburn

Professor Umbridge

Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head

Taco Bell Sauces 

Dwight Schrute

Dalmatian

Superman

The Incredible’s

Woddy & Jessie

Dorthy

A Lego man

Ninja

Bumblebee

Captial America

Where’s Waldo

Jersey Shore

Smurfs

Zombies

Katy Perry