Be True to Your Ghoul 101: Welcome to Hack or Slash University!

Ah yes, here we are. We have survived the cold months, the spring rain and the dog days of summer, all to make it here, to the start of the Falliday season. 

September is an especially fun month because in addition to being the official kick-off to Hack or Slash’s Spooky Pre-Season, it is the time we all long remember as the “back to school days.”

You know, those days when it’s a new school year, you’ve new shoes and fresh notebooks and pencils. Optimism is still high and school pep and spirit are going strong. What if, this spooky pre-season we embraced that same type of vim and vigor and get everyone HYPED for another year of scares and Spooky Season fun!

This Spooky Season, we are all students at Hack or Slash University! Go Slashers Go!

So, if you are ready to show your spooky “spirit, spirit, spirit” so we can “hear it, hear it, hear it” then, follow these tried and true tips to set you up for success and make the horror honor roll this Spooky Season!

1. Dress for Success - When you look good, you feel good! When you look spooky, you feel spooky! Wear the t-shirts with your favorite monsters and slashers on them. Don your Freddy-striped sweaters and Good Guy overalls. Maybe even add a few new pieces to your collection from the Hack or Slash merch store!

Then, spread the spirit by rocking your favorite Spooky Season looks, snapping a picture and sharing it on your social media of choice. And be sure to tag us so that we can share and celebrate your killer outfits!

2. Review the Syllabus - Hack or Slash U has a whole slate of awesome events coming up over the next few weeks and you are NOT going to want to miss out! We’ve got watch parties and live recordings, as well as a few fun surprises in store for everyone.

So, pull out your planners and sparkly gel pens and make sure you put those time management skills to fit all of those fun things into your schedule. While attendance is not mandatory, it is highly encouraged 😉

3. Do Your Homework  - Lots of prep work happens in September to get yourself ready to have the best Spooky Season ever. So, a little research may be in order. Here are a couple suggested “homework” to help you prep for the big leagues come October 1. NOTE: These can be done solo or as the best group project you’ll ever do! 

Assignment #1 - Watch a horror documentary
Get a deeper understanding of your favorite horror movies, or maybe even gain insight on some genre-specific deep cuts. To aid you in this assignment, we will be dropping some additional reading material for you later in September with some recommendations of horror documentaries to get you started. Stay tuned for that!

Assignment #2 - Prepare your 31 Days Calendar
In addition to this blog post, Hack or Slash will also drop the 2025 31 Days of Horror Calendar. See below!

Like in years past, each day is assigned a theme. It is up to you to interpret the theme as you see fit and watch 31 movies over the course of October. Take the time this September to start reviewing the themes, deciding if you want to do all new to you movies or if you want some rewatches sprinkled in.

Your fellow Hack or Slash U peers will be a great resource here. Pick their brains on their recommendations for certain genres, and stay tuned for some additional guidance throughout the Spooky Season to help you put the finishing touches on your plans.

See also: Quick Tips to Build the Best 31 Days Watchlist posted on our blog ahead of last year’s Spooky Season!

4. Make New Friends - September is the PERFECT time to get to know your fellow Hack or Slash University classmates better. 

If you find yourself mainly hanging out in the Hack or Slash Discord, make sure you’re following Hack or Slash on Instagram, TikTok and/or Spotify and start engaging there via comments, likes and shares. If your primary path to Hack or Slash is on Instagram or Patreon, why not try hopping on over to the Discord to introduce yourself? Maybe you are still new blood to the pod and are ready to dive in a join us on all the things!

Take this time in September to try a new Hack or Slash social channel, get your feet wet and meet some of the long timers who are excited to show you the ropes. Then, when Spooky Season comes along you’ll already be familiar with it and ready to dive in and enjoy it to the fullest. No matter how or where you decide to hang out during the spooky season, you’re going to find a fantastic community of fellow horror fans ready to embrace you and welcome you!

5. Strive for Extra Credit - If you’re really wanting to ace Spooky Season this year at Hack or Slash U, consider going the extra mile in September and October. To do so, you could share your favorite Hack or Slash podcast episode or blog post on your socials (be sure to tag us!). Or, refer a friend and get them hooked on the podcast, join the Discord and add some new blood to the community. 

The faculty and staff here at Hack or Slash U are not like regular teachers, they’re cool teachers. And that means we are not above bribes…so if you’re really wanting to make top marks this season, joining the Hack or Slash Patreon at any level will go a long way!

And there you have it, folks! You now have the tools and ideas you need to truly excel and stand out this Spooky Season at Hack or Slash U. 

Stay true to your Ghoul, kids! We’ll see you in class!