Every Halloween season, the Clewell residence halls, located on South Campus, come alive with screams, laughter, and creativity as students transform the space into a haunted house. The annual event, organized and run entirely by students, has become a long-standing tradition that brings together makeup artists, set designers, and scare actors for a night of frightful fun. “It’s gonna be so much fun and very scary. If you want to get scared by clowns, come out to Clewell on Halloween!” said student organizer Anna Spadavecchia.
Weeks before the doors open, planning begins. From choosing the theme to mapping out the route through the hallways, the process requires coordination, imagination, and teamwork. Students spend evenings designing props, testing lighting effects, and practicing the art of the perfect scare. What might seem like a simple haunted house is actually a carefully choreographed production that blends theater, design, and community spirit.
This year’s theme is “Clowns with a Twist.”
“We have many scary things such as cannibals and circus beasts,” said Alana Strock, one of the student coordinators. “Prepare to be scared and support your fellow South Campus students!”
Each year’s haunted house has its own theme, sometimes an abandoned asylum, other times a twisted carnival or haunted forest. Once they choose a theme, student volunteers get to work transforming the dorm’s hallways into an immersive experience. The makeup team spends hours perfecting zombie looks, while others string up cobwebs, hang lights, and test out the eerie sound effects that echo down the halls.
On the night of the event, Clewell becomes unrecognizable. Visitors line up outside, excitement building as fog seeps through the entrance and strobe lights flicker inside. Once guests step through the door, they’re met with screams, laughter, and the kind of energy that can only come from a student-driven event.
Beyond the scares, the haunted house is a testament to what collaboration can accomplish. Students from different majors and friend groups come together to create something larger than themselves. There are late nights of planning, last-minute adjustments, and plenty of laughter in between. For many, it’s one of the few times during the semester when they can relax, be creative, and contribute to something that makes people happy.
Putting on the event also requires attention to safety and logistics. Students ensure that exits are clear, props are secure, and guests move safely through the space. Even the scariest parts of the haunted house are designed with care and consideration. It’s a balancing act, keeping things spooky while making sure everyone has a good time.
When the night ends, the laughter and chatter that follow the final screams are what linger most. Students emerge with stories to tell and memories that last long after the fake blood has been washed off and the props are packed away.
The Clewell Haunted House isn’t just about Halloween; it’s about creativity, community, and the joy of shared experiences. It’s a reminder that college life is as much about connection and collaboration as it is about coursework. Events like this give students a chance to express themselves, take risks, and find their place in a larger community.
As another Halloween season passes, the Clewell Haunted House continues to stand as a beloved campus tradition that proves that the scariest nights can also be the most meaningful.
Come see the Clewell Haunted House on Oct. 31 (Halloween) from 8 to 10 p.m. All are welcome and admission is free!
