Once again, it’s time for candy corn, ringing doorbells and scantily clad college students herding to themed parties.

All Hallows Eve is approaching.

A majority of students have long since passed the days of parading around the neighborhood in search of candy (while expertly avoiding the sweet old lady who gives out fruit, of course). Yet the air of excitement permeating the campus is as thick as ever. What is it about this holiday that college students anticipate it year after year?

“Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays, ever since I was a kid,” sophomore Adriane Bernabei recalls. “Not so much for the trick-or-treating. . .but I love the idea of dressing up as somebody else!”

The costume aspect of Halloween adds a freedom for students that they don’t always get in day-to-day life. If they’ve ever wanted an excuse to dress like a French maid, a chicken or an ’80s swinger, this is one of the few days in the year that they can successfully get away with it. Villanova’s campus will no doubt be filled with crazy outfits and characters alike.

Since there is already an itching around campus to dress up, people throw themed parties with or without alcohol. For some, it’s just another reason to get together and take a myriad of new Facebook pictures.

Liz Roth, a new Villanova student, jokingly says, “My friends and I are doing a group costume, and then we’re coming to your dorm!”

Others throw bigger parties, complete with a certain cider-like beverage and plenty of games. Some organizations arrange off-campus events. Upper-classmen open their houses to friends and strangers (who can tell the difference behind the paper masks?). One upperclassman “already [has] everything planned out. Creepy music, decorations, refreshments. Even a backup plan.” Halloween makes for interesting situations and a break from the monotony of the typical college party.

Of all the people that I spoke to, no one really focused on candy. With ice cream and cake available at every dining hall, sweets aren’t as scarce as when we were kids. Mom and Dad can’t check your trick-or-treating bag when you get home or allot what treats you can have. With that freedom already intact, the idea of getting candy from strangers isn’t as appealing.

Overall, Halloween brings a different sense of fun to campus. What other day can you stuff your face while walking around dressed like a Power Ranger without being referred to the counseling center?