As summer comes to a close and school reopens, drawing out the exasperated groans of all those subjected to its evils, we can’t help but think about the excitement of fall. Football games, bonfires, cozy sweater weather, and anything pumpkin or cinnamon scented is enough to light us ablaze with anticipation. But out of all the months we have of fall, it is October that steals the show.

1.Spooky Movies and Halloween Episodes

The minute October 1st rolls around, various TV channels start to air our classic scary movies and Halloween episodes of our favorite TV shows. How I Met Your Mother doesn’t disappoint as Ted goes in search of his mysterious love interest from Halloween’s past, a woman dressed as a pumpkin at a building Halloween party. The Halloweentown movies on Disney Channel turn into an excuse for college students to gather and remember the times when movies like Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown, and The Nightmare Before Christmaswere all the rage.

2. Netflix and Chill(s down your spine)

The horror movie section on Netflix becomes your go-to in October. Having a movie night with friends? Turn on a classic like Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers, The Nightmare on Elm Street, or The Exorcist. Or, if you’re looking for less of a scare and more of a fun and festive Halloween romp, watch my personal favorite: Fun Size (Available on Netflix DVD).

3. Haunted houses

Once the doors open to some of our favorite haunted house locations across the country, all hell breaks loose - literally. With a professionally trained staff of actors, makeup artists, and costume designers, you’re sure to get the scare of a lifetime. However, this is not for the faint of heart. Haunted houses are always an exciting way to spend an evening with friends!

4. Fright Fest at Six Flags

For adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers comes a seasonal pastime only available in October: Fright Fest! Combine the excitement of roller coasters with the possibility of being caught off guard by masked employees and you have the perfect recipe for spooky Halloween fun.

5. Halloween decorating

The month of October comes with a free pass to go all out with Halloween decorations. Some neighborhoods even hold decorating contests, which award the most creative house on the block with a monetary prize! Time to bust out the fake glow-in-the-dark cobwebs and tombstones, people - we have decorating to do!

6. Fall flavors

Get ready for a new pumpkin flavor of ice cream at your local Cold Stone, pumpkin spice lattes at starbucks, gingerbread mocha flavors of gelato at Mariano’s, and so much more. Fall flavors are now center-stage, and everyone wants a taste! Freshman Fall Semester 15, here I come.

7. Deals on treats

Not planning on trick-or-treating? Too old or too cool for some Halloween shenanigans? Treat yourself to some buy-in-bulk deals on your favorite candy. There’s a reason why my local Walgreens is always missing a few bags of Hershey’s.

8. Handing out candy

You get to open the door to Darth Vader, Princess Peach, a bumblebee, the Hulk, Cinderella, or even Hannah Montana - and the best part? They’re all miniature. Cute trick-or-treaters definitely make buying that candy and hanging the sign up on your door worthwhile.

9. Pumpkin carving

Sure, gutting a pumpkin is probably the most unappealing part of the process - but nothing is more satisfying than finally finishing up your masterpiece, placing a candle inside and turning off the lights. Plus, you can make your own homemade baked pumpkin seeds!

10. Lots of bonding time with friends and family

What better way is there to spend your October than with the people you love? There is never a shortage of things to do in October, and you find it hard to say “I’m bored” for 31 days! Take your little brother on a hayride, do a corn maze with your significant other, or go halloween costume shopping for matching costumes with your best friend. You won’t regret the time out of the house.