Halloween at college isn't an ordinary holiday. Many co-eds are determined to be original with their costumes, and put time, effort and energy into perfecting their look. But if you're just jumping on the Halloween bandwagon and haven't thought about what you're going to be, here are some quick costume ideas that are sure to be a hit with friends, or at any All Hallow's Eve party.

Devil

This costume is easy to put together, especially if you have red and black clothes hanging around. Wal-Mart, Savers and Taylor Maid have devil horn headbands, tails and other accessories you'll need to look the part. Spice it up with some red hair spray and glitter.

Grad

If you bought a cap and gown for your high school or college graduation, Halloween is a great time to reuse it.

Nerd

Choose every piece of clothing you own and you know you shouldn't ever wear, and put them together. The nerd costume simply requires breaking every fashion rule you have ever learned.

Groceries

Recycle your paper bags from the grocery store. Construct a paper bag costume and have empty cereal boxes, bags of pasta, etc. sticking out the top with your head.

Hershey Kiss

Using aluminum foil, transform yourself into a giant Hershey Kiss. Wear tights or leggings and maybe shiny shoes, and you'll resemble a chocolate favorite. Just be wary of chocoholics.

God's Gift to Women

If you're feeling confident, dress to the nines and stick a tag on yourself stating "God's Gift to Women." This could be a risky venture or perhaps a way to help that special someone realize what a great catch you actually are.

Hobo

For this costume, use old clothing you don't mind ruining. Take jeans and cut holes in the knees, pockets and any other place you think is appropriate. Rub on dirt, grease or paint to scruff-up the look. Do the same for your top. Layer T-shirts, sweatshirts and sweaters. Don an old cap, a pair of gloves with the fingers cut off and ratty shoes. Score bonus points with your friends by pushing around an old shopping cart.

BYU ID Card

Find a big piece of cardboard and paint it white, or buy some butcher paper and cover the cardboard. Cut out a square on the right hand side, and do your best to recreate the BYU logo on the left. Write your name and a made-up ID number on the bottom. Cut two holes at the top and loop a piece of rope through them, so you can hang it around your neck. Voila, you're yourself!

Mount Rushmore

This creative and easy costume works perfectly for groups of four. Get a white queen-size sheet. Cut a hole for each head. Use white makeup to cover your face, and dust your hair with baby powder. Stick your heads through the holes, and put on stern, monumental faces.

Box Robot

This costume makes use of those old boxes you keep meaning to take out to the dumpster. A little spray paint, tin foil and a healthy amount of duct tape and you will no longer say "yes." Instead you'll say "affirmative."

Very Last Minute Ideas

Find an old prom or wedding dress, add a crown, glitter and a sash and voila! Miss America.

Don a scarf and gloves, carry old ice skates and go for the gold as an athlete.

Pick up medical scrubs at a thrift shop, dig up a stethoscope or doctor's bag and you'll be certified to heal those Halloween heathens. Get someone else to dress as a medical professional, too, and the two of you can go as a paradox!

Wear all black from head to toe and in an instant you're an invisible pedestrian.

Cover yourself with layers of clothing, and wear a sign stating: "Nudist On Strike!"

Wear a loud Hawaiian shirt, big sunglasses, a fanny pack and a camera around your neck, and you're a tourist -- don't forget to ask everyone you see if they want a picture!

Glue leaves to old clothing and go as a pile of leaves. Beware of jumpers.

Copyright Brigham Young University 29 Oct 2007