How to bond with your flatmates during the spooky season

Time has flown by, and we now find ourselves a month into university and almost celebrating Halloween. It can be hard to bond with flatmates, but it isn't too late to start, and spooky season offers the perfect opportunity.

Whether you struggle to balance the university workload with socialising, are unsure about how to start a conversation with flatmates, or are just too shy to put yourself out there, here are some easy and fun ideas to bring you closer this Halloween.

1. Carving pumpkins is a great interactive activity to do together. It gets everyone in the same room and encourages working together and conversation. It will bring laughter from the wacky designs and leave you with memories – just ensure you buy your pumpkins before they sell out.

2. Bundle yourselves up in blankets and watch some Halloween films. This is a gentler way of introducing yourselves without too much pressure. You don't have to constantly engage in conversation and can relax while spending time with each other. You might want to try this first if your flatmates are all quite shy and haven't spoken much – and then you can move onto other activities when you're all more comfortable.

3. 'Spookify' your flat with decorations to get into the Halloween spirit, and prep it for pre drinks or a party. This doesn't have to be pricey as stores like Poundland and B&M always sell cheap decorations at this time of year. Some classic decorations are cobwebs, police tape and the iconic hanging skeleton. If you enjoy DIY and want to save some money, you could make bats and spiders out of black paper or pin up a white bed sheet to make a ghost.

4. Why not plan a group Halloween costume? Matching outfits stand out from the crowd. Depending on how many people are in your flat, you could go as the three blind mice or the golden trio from Harry Potter. Slightly larger groups could dress up as the Mystery Gang from Scooby-Doo or Disney princesses and villains. For houses of 10 plus, you could go as your favourite Mario Kart characters – the possibilities are endless!

By the time the 31st arrives, not only will you be prepped and in the Halloween spirit, but you will all have grown much closer.

Edited by Pia Cooper