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How To Make Friends In College

The transition from high school to college can be rough. For me, one of the hardest things was leaving friends for unfamiliar faces and no one to hang out with. Don’t worry, because this doesn’t mean that you will always be alone. In fact, many other students are eager to make new friends, according to McKendree University.

Where can you find these other eager students? The University of Missouri in Kansas City recommends that students get involved in clubs, fraternities/sororities, sports teams, and student organizations. JCCC has many to offer, as well as the Student Lounge, where you can meet people while playing games and participating in various activities.

What if you struggle with starting a conversation with someone new? New York University says that compliments are great conversation starters, so try finding something neat about the person and giving them a nice compliment. Clubs and other organizations also bring together people with a common interest. For example, the History Club at JCCC has students who are passionate about history and would like to discuss it with others.

Above all else, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and show people what is special about you. College campuses are incredibly diverse, and every student has their own unique story to share.

– Jacob Hajicek

Dare to Enter: KC’s Spookiest Haunted Houses

Kansas City’s haunted houses are officially open for the season. Edge of Hell, The Beast, and Macabre Cinema, all located in the West Bottoms near downtown KC, are open Thursday through Sunday until Nov. 1.

All three are owned by Full Moon Productions. The Edge of Hell claims to be the oldest scare attraction still operating in the United States. Opening in 1975, it features tight spaces, caves, and even snake pits.

The Beast is more open, with different mazes throughout the rooms. It explores the idea of the “beast of man,” featuring chilling events in human history, such as the witch trials. A woman from Nebraska was injured earlier this season, so adventure at your own risk.

Macabre Cinema is the newest of the three attractions. Housed in an abandoned 1930’s movie theater, Macabre Cinema puts you on the set of famous horror movies. Starring horror icons like Micheal Myers, Jason Vorhees, and Hannibal Lecter, it is the perfect spot for long time fans.

– Vivien O’Keefe

KC’s Best Spooky Season Stops

In fact, Spooky season is popping up everywhere in the metro. Worlds of Fun’s annual Halloween Haunt continues until Nov. 1. Tickets for access to the entire park are $49 and for the haunted houses, among other “Haunted events,” only $10.

For those seeking more local venues, the Exiled Trail of Terrors will be held in Bonner Springs for the season. The trail runs for about 1 mile and will cost $39. There will also be a carnival attraction for $10. Or head over the state line to Kansas City, Mo. to find a multitude of ghost tours such as the Wornall House Ghost Tour. However, for such an event, you’d be looking at not only reserving a time slot, but also a $50 charge. The Wornall House will also be hosting a secondary tour, Shadows of the Past, for $25. For the more family-friendly experiences, Jack’s Hollow in Gardner, Kan. is up and running. Entry is free and visitors are encouraged to bring a toy suitable for ages 0 to 17. Or head to the KC Pumpkin Patch in Olathe. With the endless array of activities throughout the area, Spooky season continues to hold a place in the heart of Kansans.

– Joseph McCray

Plan Your Weekend: The Best Events Around KC

When it comes to being a young college student, it can be hard to find fun events outside of school that are budget-friendly. This weekend in Kansas City, there are events for everyone.

Friday, Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Nelson Art Museum is presenting More is More: Reinventing Photography Beyond the Frame. More Is More features 43 photographs by 25 artists. Artists in the exhibition include David Hockney, Gordon Matta-Clark, Andy Warhol, among many others. No entry fee required.

Saturday, Oct. 18 the City Market is hosting Art on Walnut from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Art On Walnut is a curated, outdoor market in River Market district in downtown Kansas City, there will be local art, homemade goods, vintage fashion and farm vendors. No entry fee required.

Lastly, Sunday, Oct. 19 Craft Putt, in Overland Park, is giving back to the local community by raising funds to support local non-profit organizations through Bingo & Benefit at Craft Putt! Join Noon to 2 p.m. to play a few rounds of Bingo and help give back to the community. Free to join, single bingo cards cost $2 (or get a pack of 8 for $15).

– Laney Strahan

Kansas City’s Best Live Music Hotspots

Kansas City is known for many things: baseball, barbeque, fountains, oh my! But many may not know that KC also has a thriving music scene. If you’re a lover of live music and looking for places to experience it locally, here are three locations to check out.

Lenexa Public Market

October is the last month of 2025 to experience Friday Night Sound Bites at Lenexa Public Market. Featuring local bands from KC, this event is free and open to people of all ages. Food kiosks are available inside the market and food trucks are plentiful along the streets. You can also enjoy the patio firepits, or have a game night with friends by visiting Cardboard Corner Cafe’s market kiosk.

BB’s Lawnside BBQ and Blues 

Few things define Kansas City better than barbeque and the Blues, and BB’s Lawnside BBQ is serving up both. Over a plate of ribs and fries, you can enjoy live Blues performances from local artists Tuesdays through Sundays. BB’s does have a small cover charge for most shows, however, they do offer specific showtimes without a cover.

Knuckleheads 

If you’re looking for an affordable concert, check out Knuckleheads in the East Bottoms of Kansas City, Mo. Featuring local and national artists, this venue is a great place to discover up-and-coming musicians and maybe even see some of your favorites. Though they occasionally host performances for all ages, Knuckleheads does usually require guests to be 21 years or older.

– Avah Robinett