While you’re at university you’re bound to attend a few fancy dress parties/club nights/shin digs because fancy dress obviously has a lot to do with studying… Coming up with an original costume can be tricky. You don’t want to spend a fortune on that Storm Trooper outfit, only to see three other Storm Troopers at the party.

For a Halloween party you need to think outside the box. There’ll be lots of Freddie Krugars and non-descript werewolves on the prowl. We recommend looking back in time, at some of history’s most bloodthirsty characters. Take Henry VIII, with two wives disposed of at the chopping block, he could be described as one of the country’s earliest serial killers.

If you’re attending a ‘Dead Famous’ party you’re bound to see lots of Michael Jacksons and Marilyn Monroes on the dancefloor. But what about Freddie Mercury (all you’ll need is a moustache), George Best (old school football kit required), or Steve Irwin (inflatable crocodile essential)? Or for the girls, how about Paula Yates, Anna Nicole Smith or Elizabeth Taylor?

For a ‘From the Movies’ theme you’ll have plenty of big screen characters to choose from. Obvious choices include James Bond and Captain Jack Sparrow for the men, Sandy from Grease and Baby from Dirty Dancing for the girls. For an alternative show stopper think Cher from Clueless, or Natalie Portman’s character Nina in Black Swan. Guys should think about donning a hat and having a whip at the ready as Indiana Jones, or grabbing a lab coat and goggles as Doc from Back to the Future.

When it comes to a ‘Superheroes’, it’s hard to come up with unique choices. Expect Spidermans, Supermans and Wonderwomans galore. A Buffy the Vampire Slayer costume requires no more than tight fitting clothing, a crucifix and a pointy stick but is bound to be one of a kind. Brendan Lee’s unconventional gothic hero the Crow is also an unconventional but dramatic option.

Happy dressing up! Don’t forget you can share your fancy dress pictures over on our Facebook page.