Haunt the Halls, an annual Halloween event that brings the campus community together was recently held at the Indiana University Southeast Grove Lodge on Oct. 27. The event allowed students to celebrate Halloween while connecting with other residents and students outside the classroom. Resident assistants organized Haunt the Halls, which included trick-or-treating throughout Grove Lodge, followed by a costume contest.

Eric Collins, one of the event organizers, said the goal was to encourage community involvement while allowing residents to show their creativity.

The event is organized annually by the resident assistants at IU Southeast. Collins said the planning process is relatively simple because it is an activity the team puts together each year. All IU Southeast students were invited to attend, with organizers expecting approximately 40 to 50 participants.

Beyond the Halloween activities, organizers hoped the event would help students feel more connected to campus. Collins said bringing together people who might not normally spend time with one another was an important part of building a stronger community.

He also emphasized the importance of making the lodges feel like a second home for residents, especially those who spend much of their time living on campus.

For students like Lilli Ringer, who attended the event, campus activities provide an opportunity to take a break from everyday responsibilities and spend time with other students.

Ringer said she was excited about dressing up for Halloween, seeing other students’ costumes, and participating in the costume contest. She also believes events like Haunt the Halls give students a chance to meet people they might not normally interact with.

Events like this can help students develop connections beyond their usual social circles. Bringing residents and other students together in a relaxed environment gives them an opportunity to meet new people and become more involved in campus life. For students living away from home, these experiences can also help create a stronger sense of belonging. Activities that encourage participation and interaction can make campus feel more welcoming and comfortable.

Bailey McWhirter is a student in JOUR-J200 Reporting, Writing and Editing and is a contributing writer for The Horizon.