During the month of October, it is common for people to start growing excited about Halloween and the change in weather. However, great opportunities often pass by due to poor planning and even disorganization. That being said, there are a few ways you can combat against these common problems, and even a few suggestions which may allow you to make the best of the month of October.

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First and foremost, dress for the weather and be prepared! Thrift stores and other shops at the Millcreek Mall are great places to find clothing for the season. As most of us know, Erie fluctuates with its daily weather, going from cold one day to hot the next, so it is best to stay updated with the forecast. Going along with that, do not wait until the last minute to get a Halloween costume! Costumes have a tendency to get picked over fast, and you may be forced to choose something you do not like for the sake of time and money. Yes, we are college students that often procrastinate, but you should try to use your time wisely. You might not know the next time a great opportunity presents itself, and when it does, you will kick yourself for not having prepared for it sooner. Just think of the chance that you will be invited to a Halloween party. That is definitely something to be ready for.

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If you are passing out candy this Halloween, buy it in bulk and seek out your local dollar store. Buying candy beforehand will allow you to have better and broader options, and some children may be more likely to remember you and stop at your house next year. Not to mention, if you are not helping a young family member trick or treat and you are not going out for candy yourself, you can always buy the candy in bulk for a later time. For example, it would definitely come in handy for finals week!

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However, if you are not interested in trick or treating, there are still other options out there for you. If you are someone who likes to be scared, there are several local haunted houses you can visit with a group of friends or family members. On West 12th Street in Erie, there's the Eeriebyss Factory of Terror, which runs Friday to Sunday with differing time schedules. The haunted house is located within an old Erie factory, wheelchair accessible, and all under one roof. In Conneaut Lake, PA, there is Ghost Lake. Ghost Lake is home to the 13 Levels of Fear, which is thirteen individual haunted settings on the property. The attraction takes up to two hours to complete and has two rides included. The 13 Levels of Fear also runs Friday to Sunday.

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If you are not into any of these opportunities, there is always the option to stay home and watch movies. While there are several films that are meant to scare you, there is also light-hearted Halloween movies geared towards audiences who are not watching for a fright. If you are looking to be scared, some commonly recommended films are The Shining, The Exorcist, Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Ring, and The Blair Witch Project. There are new films out as well, such as Hereditary, A Quiet Place, and The Nun. If you are looking for a movie that is not as scary, but still follows a Halloween theme, try Hocus Pocus, the Halloweentown series, or The Haunted Mansion.

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All in all, there are a lot of things to do and prepare for during the month of October. Get a head start and be ready! Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. Lastly, and mostly importantly, be safe and have fun.