Halloween is a night of mischief for many, and with the anonymity of masks and the influence of alcohol, some might bring it to a ‘spooky’ level.

Ohio State police officer and crime prevention officer Anna Stephenson said that though more students than usual will be out partying for Halloween, the OSU Police Department does not have any special plans for the night.

“I don’t think we’re going to treat Halloween different than we treat any other weekend,” Stephenson said. “It falls on a Monday, so I suspect most of the students will be partying the 29th and 30th.”

Nicole Gilbert, fourth-year in biology, said she plans to drink on Halloween, but will take precautions while consuming alcohol.

“Make sure you have a way to get home, and at least one buddy,” Gilbert said.

Going with a group or a friend tends to keep people from doing “dumb” things when intoxicated, but she still sees people acting out in public, Gilbert said.

“(I see) people being dumb, running out into the street and just being really belligerent in the street,” Gilbert said.

Stephenson said she knows people on- and off-campus will be drinking heavily on Halloween, but she hopes they will do so responsibly.

“One, if you’re going to go out and consume alcohol, know where your limits are, know what you’re drinking,” Stephenson said.

For Jeff Anderson, a first-year in the graduate architecture program, a problem he said he has noticed is underage students participating in drinking at parties.

“Just drinking too much is the biggest problem,” Anderson said. “I think it’s mostly with freshmen that don’t know what they’re doing, and the younger students.”

Anderson said he’s noticed people acting crazier than normal on Halloween, especially at parties.

“You put on this persona of wearing a costume, then it allows you to sort of behave in ways you wouldn’t if you were not in costume,” Anderson said. “It’s an excuse.”

Stephenson agreed with Anderson, saying that costumes, especially ones involving masks or heavy makeup, make some students feel anonymous.

“They think they have the anonymity of wearing a costume so they do something foolish,” Stephenson said. “But we can take that man to jail just as much as we can take Superman or Harry Potter.”