Halloween: Staying safe this spooky season
By Elaine Liang, October 31 2025—
As Halloween approaches, the University of Calgary community is preparing for a week of costumes, themed events, and parties both on and off campus. While Halloween is an exciting highlight of the fall term for many students, campus staff are reminding everyone to celebrate responsibly and prioritize safety.
Although there are no new major safety campaigns this year, Campus Security and Residence Services continue to take precautions to ensure everyone’s safety during the busy Halloween week. The university’s Halloween 101 guide reminds students to plan.
“If you’re going out, remember to dress for the weather and plan your evening,” the guide reads. “Because Halloween parties often involve drinking, plan for how to get home.”
The university’s free Safewalk program is an option for students who would like an escort while travelling across the campus, including to and from McMahon Stadium, Health Sciences, the Alberta Children’s Hospital, and the University C-Train station. Students can access the service 24/7 by calling Campus Security at 403-220-5333, using campus Help Phones, or approaching an on-duty Campus Security member to request a walk.
Students can also download the UCSafety app to access campus maps, emergency contacts, and Friend Walk. Friend Walk allows students to share their real-time location and destination with a friend to monitor. The app also includes an emergency call function that connects directly to 911.
As students plan gatherings and parties to celebrate Halloween in residence, the Residence Services Team continues to enforce rules regarding alcohol and substance use. This includes prohibiting the possession or use of illicit substances, playing drinking games that encourage alcohol consumption, and consuming or displaying alcohol outside residence units.
Residence staff also remind students to be responsible when hosting guests and to consider whether the number of people in a unit poses safety or noise concerns. Standard quiet hours remain in effect from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, and 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. These measures are intended to maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive residence environment.
For those planning to celebrate Halloween off campus, transportation safety remains a major focus. Students can stay safe by travelling in groups when possible. If using the Calgary Transit, students are reminded to plan their routes, checking for potential detours, stop closures, and route cancellations.
Rideshare apps are also an option for students travelling to and from Halloween events.
Calgary weather in late October can also be unpredictable, with past years seeing cold temperatures and early snowfall. Dressing appropriately and staying alert to weather conditions can prevent discomfort while attending outdoor events or travelling between locations.
Halloween celebrations on and off campus are expected to include both university-organized and student-organized events. Students are encouraged to enjoy the Halloween festivities while keeping safety in mind. Planning transportation, using safety resources, and making responsible choices can help ensure a fun and safe Halloween for everyone.