By Cait Heiderman

Looking for an easy Halloween costume to throw together at the last minute?

Instead of placing an expensive online order or spending your rent money on a costume you’ll only wear once, use resources on and around the University of Maryland campus to build a look of your own.

From crafting sessions to campus closets, these are convenient, budget-friendly options for students who still need a costume.

Costume crafting at Studio A:

If you need supplies, a crafting space or inspiration, Studio A in the Adele H. Stamp Student Union is hosting a Halloween Costume Craft Session from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29.

“We won’t have full costume kits, but we’ll have a lot of the supplies,” Tara Youngborg, manager of the Stamp Gallery and Studio A, said. “I like to think about it as Halloween costume office hours.”

At the event, students can bring their costume design ideas to life with supplies provided by Studio A. Youngborg noted that supplies are limited, and students must bring base materials.

“I think that there’s a lot of ways for folks to get kind of creative and funny on a budget,” Youngborg said.

Terp to Terp:

Check out Terp to Terp, UMD’s campus reuse store, for gently used clothing and other donated items. Students can schedule an appointment through the program’s website to browse the selection.

Although specific items are not guaranteed to be available, the free campus resource provides a starting point for a last-minute costume free of cost.

The store is located on the ground floor of Harford Hall.

Share clothes with friends:

Looking for a specific item? Try a friend’s closet.

With permission, swap clothing and accessories with friends to put together a costume without spending money.

Tip: If you and a group of friends are looking for last-minute costumes, swap personal styles for a unique costume idea.

Shop secondhand:

Secondhand shops near campus, such as Uptown Cheapskate and Value Village, can be useful for finding unique clothing and accessories. Beyond an affordable price tag, secondhand clothing can be a great way to find a sustainable costume.

Tip: As you shop, scroll through Pinterest for costume inspiration. If a clothing item or accessory catches your eye, you can start building your look as you go.

Inexpensive accessories:

Shop for inexpensive accessories, props and makeup from cost-friendly stores near campus like Five Below or Dollar Tree to elevate a simple outfit.

A simple Greek God costume could be made with a white tablecloth and gold accessories.

Pair all-black clothing with dark makeup and fake fangs and become a vampire for the night.

Use what’s already in your closet:

Sometimes, the easiest costumes can come from clothes you already own. For a look that is recognizable and classic, pair black business attire with sunglasses to dress up as a character from Men in Black.

Consult your social media feed as inspiration:

The best costume could be one that has come across your feed before. Pair casual clothes with sunglasses and a cardboard sign with your hottest take to dress as @dudewithsign.

Comedic costumes:

Experimenting with college humor is sure to get a good laugh from fellow students. Throw on an all-white outfit, gloomy makeup, and carry an exam with a failing grade. Just like that, you’re the academic nightmare returning to haunt the party.

Whether money is tight or studying for midterms stole all the extra time you had to plan a costume, use these resources and tips to get ready before Halloween weekend.

Featured image: A carved pumpkin outside of Charles Hall on Oct. 26. Photo by Vanessa Lim.