It’s that time of year again—wait. Which time of year? Is it time to get comfy as we watch the leaves fall, or time to get scared while hiding under our blankets? October is here, but what vibe did it bring?
For many students, October marks the official start of spooky season. It’s the only time people lean into the scary kind of fun, which is why it’s known for its spooky vibe.
“It’s spooky season,” junior Livia Da Silva said. “Once October comes, it’s time for Halloween. I like scary movies and haunted houses, but only in October.”
Others share the same excitement for all things scary. “I like being scared, I like scary things,” junior Samantha Coleman said.
Not everyone believes October is scary, however. For some, it’s a peaceful and colorful time of year that makes them feel cozy.
“I like how the leaves start to change and there’s lots of colors on the trees,” junior Maya Strzelczyk said. “My neighbor has these bright trees that turn red and orange and I think it’s very pretty.”
The atmosphere of October and the beginning of fall bring a comforting sense of calm in contrast to the frights of haunted houses. “The smell of pumpkin spice, the way the leaves look when you go outside when you’re walking and they’re falling, that feels cozy,” junior Ariel Grembos said.
The cozy atmosphere isn’t just about the scenery; it’s also about how people choose to enjoy the season’s quiet moments. “Having hot chocolate or coffee, watching a movie, a fire, and being with my friends and family,” freshman Kaylee Scott said.
Still, October doesn’t have to stick to just one vibe. Some students see it as both cozy and spooky. “October is a mix of both,” Coleman said. “It starts cozy, then it’s spooky in the second week.”
The timing of the shift from cozy to spooky is key, from when it begins to once it’s fully in swing. “I feel like at least a week and a half or a week or two before Halloween is when you really get into the spookiness, in my opinion,” Grembos said. “It’s when you start putting out the decorations and spooky things.”
So, what happens when October ends? Does spooky season carry into November, or does it bring a whole new vibe? “November is football and Thanksgiving, that’s it,” Coleman said.
Utica students prove October doesn’t have to pick just one vibe. From scary movies and haunted houses to cozy nights with hot drinks and blankets, students agree it’s a time to enjoy both the chills and the comfort. By the time November rolls around, the spooky fun gives way to football and Thanksgiving’s seasonal time to shine.
