Celebrating Halloween Safely in Rome

There are plenty of fun ways to celebrate Halloween around the JCU campus. Usually, academic departments and student-led clubs host events that students, faculty, and staff can all enjoy. This year, in collaboration with Student Government, the Literature Club, the Theatre Society, the Frohring Library, the Student Services staff, and the Keats Shelley House in Rome, the English Department is inviting the John Cabot community to Frankenreads. Throughout this month they have already screened four films inspired by the Frankenstein novel, and the event will conclude on Halloween night with a guest speaker. The lecture will be delivered by Fiona Sampson, who wrote In Search of Mary Shelley: The Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein.

Another  event on campus you should definitely check out is the JCU talent show. Come support your fellow students and classmates, and enjoy the tremendous talent the John Cabot University community has to offer! JCU Student Government will be hosting the show on Halloween night at 7:30pm in the Aula Magna. Break out your best costume, and come enjoy food, decorations, and entertainment. You might even win the costume competition!

If you do, however, decide to go to a Halloween event off campus, make sure to enjoy your time but also be safe!

Here are a few tips on how to celebrate Halloween safely in Rome:

1. Keep your phone on. Be sure your phone is fully charged before you go out for the night and make sure the volume is turned on in case a friend is trying to reach you. If you haven't already done so, download the emergency app that JCU uses, SAFEY, and save the JCU emergency number in case of need: +39 3357755474.
2. Stay in a group. Don't go to any parties without a buddy or a group of friends. Check up on each other throughout the evening, and leave together so you won't have to walk home alone. Do not hesitate to reach out to a JCU campus security guard if you need help.
3. Choose a wise costume. Make sure you wear something that does not impair your vision or movement. Also, be sensitive in your choice of costume: some costumes reinforce negative stereotypes of particular races, genders, cultures, or religions. Remember that the JCU community aspires to demonstrate respect and compassion for all members of our international community.
4. Be careful with decorations. If you are having a Halloween party in your apartment, do not leave any candles unattended. You can light your jack o'lanterns with glow-sticks or lamps instead of using real candles.

We wish the entire JCU community a safe and fun Halloween!