Halloween is just around the corner; if you’re one of those people who likes to stray away from the costume store’s synthetic, tacky, and sometimes insulting costumes, here is a list of costumes that are sure to be conversation starters this Halloween.

College Debt: It doesn’t get realer than college debt. According to the Institute for College Access and Success, seven out of every 10 college graduates in 2013 had loan debt with an average of $29,400 per borrower. Make a statement this Halloween by wearing a cap and gown along with a sign that reads C-O-L-L-E-G-E  D-E-B-T. Make sure to really sell it with a sad look of despair on your face and empty pockets. Maybe you’ll end up getting a dollar or two.

The Welcome Mat: Find a cute welcome mat and attach straps to the front and back of the mat and sling it over your shoulders. As a welcome mat and proud New School student, you’ll be welcoming everyone — accepting all people no matter their race, gender, or sexual orientation. It’s an investment, because it will come in use even after Halloween.

Spelling Bee: Dress up as a bee in black and yellow stripes and tape down alphabet letters all over your body. It’s cute, pun-y, and sure to make people chuckle.

Identity Thief: While identity theft is not to be taken lightly, it can make a hilarious costume. You can wear casual clothing and cover your body with different “Hello my name is…” stickers. Maybe someone will walk up to you and say “Hey! That’s my name” and you reply “No it’s mine” and the two of you can get all flirty.

Head in the Clouds: For this costume you will need cotton balls or polyester stuffing to make the clouds. To create the illusion that your head is in the clouds, attach the cotton balls or stuffing to a hat. Wear blue to represent the sky. If you’re looking to go all out, paint puffy clouds on your face.  

Ivy League: Since we go to art school, why not poke fun at the Ivy’s with another pun-y costume. You will need fake ivy leaves and a sports attire jersey, preferably one from an Ivy league school. Place the ivy leaves on your clothes and spruce it up with an ivy headband and wristband. Use sweatbands for easy application.