A few weeks ago, we had one of Amherst College’s biggest events of the year: the Fall 2025 Rave! I was so excited to attend one of the most anticipated nights full of dancing, music, and costumes.
The Rave is hosted by the Amherst Association of Students alongside Student Engagement & Leadership and Student Affairs. This year, it was set on Saturday, November 1st from 10 PM to 2 AM, right in the middle of Hallo-weekend. This meant that not only could people follow the unofficial Black-Out theme, but also show up in their Halloween costumes.
I started getting ready around 10:00PM and I was fully costumed up by 10:30PM—who arrives early at a rave anyways? This year, I dressed up as a skeleton on both Halloween night and Rave Day. I wanted to fit the Black-Out theme as well though, so I wore a full black outfit with skeleton face paint (credits to my friends—I have absolutely no experience or skill in face paint). Before college, I’ve never gone this all-out for a social event before college, so I was super excited.
By the time I arrived, the rave was in full swing: exactly the reason I came “late.” I was pretty cold, given that I was wearing a sleeveless shirt, but as soon as I entered the tent, I warmed right up. For one, it was definitely warmer inside the tent than outside—this is what happens when you have hundreds of people under one roof! But aside from the physical temperature shift, the vibe of the party was perfect. A whole night of dancing, chatting, and partying it up was right in front of me, and just that excitement alone made me forget about the cold.
The best part about the Rave is that it’s completely accessible to anyone, no matter what club, sports, or affinity groups you’re in. Pro tip for college: bring a digital camera! Not only is it a great way to record college memories in a fun and unique way, but it’s also an amazing way to get to know all the different people around you. Who doesn’t want a digi photo? I’ve started so many conversations with “Hey, do you guys want a photo together?” Trust me—it works. Even at the Rave, despite the loud music and perfectly chaotic environment, I met so many people with my digital camera!
Although it’s only been a few weeks since the Rave, I already know that my first Amherst Rave will be one of the best memories of my college experience. Once you’re on-campus, or if you’re on-campus already, I can’t wait for you to experience our social environment here—it truly turns a college into a home!
Until next time,
Tony