Whether you’re a UoM, Man Met or UoS student, if you’re reading this it’s clear you’re in costume limbo, wondering whether or not you can face recycling that costume from last year which only has some noticeable drink stains on it. Well, don’t worry, this year we’re offering you ten of the most unique costumes we could think of, all based on the Manchester student experience. Granted, they may be somewhat unconventional, but all are guaranteed to give your housemates a good laugh.
1. Boom Box Barry
@haydennaughton Boombox Barry forever
If you’re a Manchester student, you’ll know all about Boom Box Barry, a.k.a. Manchester’s own Mr Motivator. No matter how bad the hanxiety gets, he’s always there to brighten up your day. An easy outfit to accomplish with just a bucket hat and speaker in a black bag, dressing as Boombox Barry is sure to make this Fallow-een positively groovy. Bonus points if you arrive at your destination on a bicycle or electric scooter.
2. Circuit laundry
@izzysdigitalarchive cute night in!! #circuitlaundry #uni @harry
@𝓶𝓪𝓭𝓭𝓲𝓮
@Kassia
Probs the scariest thing you’ll see this spooky season, as you’re haunted by the memories of desperately trying to dry hot wet clothes in your first halls room. This one may take a bit of creativity (and a large painted cardboard box), but I’m sure it’ll be no trouble for all of you who do weekly society socials..
3. DJ Billy
@teamvic438 When the function is at The Vic on Friday nights
#withington #fallowfield #manchester #djbilly #fyp
A true Manchester student icon, DJ Billy is the life and soul of Friday nights in The Vic, and doesn’t he always look so dapper? Grab a black fedora, white shirt, black waistcoat and tie, and prop microphone and you’ve got a DJ Billy look sorted for this Fallow-een. Your friends from other universities may not get it, but don’t worry, your housemates will find it hilarious.
4. Economics bro
We’ve all met them during our time at university, so much so that they’ve become a costume. Plays rugby, too busy for you with their golden circle summer internship, and decked out in a Ralph Lauren shirt and Lacoste gilet. Most likely spending winters at the family ski chalet in Chamonix, and holding in the urge to say “rah” now that they’re at university in the scary north. Another straightforward outfit to accomplish, especially with some thrifted designer finds from the charity shops in the Northern Quarter.
5. Owens Park Tower ghost
A Fallow-een twist on an overdone classic, this year think about dressing as an Owen’s Park Tower ghost. For years before it was demolished, UoM students living here claimed to hear unsettling noises, and experience supernatural events on a regular basis. Was it really haunted? Who knows. But if you’re looking for a cop-out costume and a way to differentiate yourself from other ghosts, here’s your excuse.
6. Liam / Noel Gallagher
An obvious costume perhaps (given the Oasis brothers grew up in South Manchester) but this one is rarely executed correctly. Often attempted by southerners trying out their thickest (bad) Mancunion accent, this choice definitely works best as a duo costume. Think green parkas, round sunglasses, brown wigs, lots of swearing, and a couple cans of Guinness each. Bonus points for exhibiting an explicit hatred of Blur.
7. Market Street sweetcorn vendor
@thedarcytwins Manchesters famous streetcorn stalls
! #manchester #manchesterfood #visitmanchester #traveltiktok #foodtok #glasgow #edinburgh #scotland #scottishtok #lgbt
Now this is one where you can really get creative, think chefs hats and cardboard carts. The most important part of this costume though is the props: Styrofoam cups filled with sweetcorn. Every Manchester student has experienced the pure chaos of Market Street, enhanced by the constant clouds of steam and smell of cooking sweetcorn- not that I know anyone who has brought it. You can be sure there’ll be no-one else at your Fallow-een party with this look.
8. New Zealand Wines
@ikeawill
Probably visited at least once a week by most students living in Fallowfield, this October why not pay homage to the shop you go to more than your lectures? Another super cheap and simple outfit to create- just grab any red and white outfit alongside a handmade New Zealand Wines sign pinned to your top. No money spent, lots of respect shown.
9. Oak House
Gone but never forgotten. Known for the last 30 years as the “cell block” by UoM students, it’s surprising how sad everyone is about Oak House’s impending demolition. Still, as Halloween is for remembering the deceased, this Fallow-een why not go out dressed as your late accommodation? Put your fashion degree to serious use and try out some dated textile combos for this look.
10. The 142/3 bus
@mr_blue_bus G’day all, here is: Metroline Manchester’s Hyde Road Based; VMD369 BL74 XNV -> 142 Piccadilly Model: Volvo BZL DD
Livery: Bee Network Special Features: USB Sockets (USB-A,USB-C) Previous Operator,Depot,Reg: None Route VIA: Didsbury, Withington, Fallowfield, Rusholme, Chorlton-on-Medlock. #MrBlueBus #viral #fyp #bus #busspotting #busspottinguk #England
While there’s lots of debate over which of these buses is most like a fever dream, any Manchester student who’s had to take either of these services understands the alternate reality that is the Bee Network. You may want to dress as one of the many, MANY characters that you and your housemates have experienced on the bus. Or, simply opt for a yellow outfit with a handmade 142/3 sign and dress as the bus itself. Make it realistic by arriving late, or not at all.
Whatever you choose to dress as this Fallow-een, one thing is for sure: you’ll never be as scary as that 9am lecture on 1st November.
