Even though the days are shorter and the weather is colder, there are plenty of opportunities to embrace the fall.
From going on dates to watching scary movies alone at night, fall offers something for everyone.
Now that the humidity of summer is gone, the leaves gradually change color, drifting from the trees to create vibrant foliage right out of a Bob Ross painting.
While it is not 32 degrees, there is still time to pull out a hammock or lie on a blanket to bask in the crisp air. However, it is time to bring out the cozy sweaters and boots to stay warm and festive.
If spending time in nature does not sound ideal, there is always a chance to appreciate the fall by relaxing inside.
“You can decide to take advantage of even sitting by a window and doing homework,” senior Michelle Magana said.
As the trees turn colors outside, watching a Halloween or thriller/suspense movie under blankets with a bowl of ice cream adds to the ambiance.
Fall festivals and farmer’s markets can give couples a chance to celebrate the season if they want to spend time away from school and/or home.
Every year, couples may also have a tradition they look forward to, but anyone can have or create a tradition to get into the spirit of the season.
Junior Lydia Price and senior Jayden Wilhelm’s first pick-a-date together was pumpkin carving, and they go to Taylor’s Fall Fest every year.
“We definitely like to at least once every fall go out and do stargazing because that’s one of the things we did our freshman fall when we were still getting to know each other,” Price said.
Lots of pick-a-dates happen in the fall such as going to pumpkin patches and carving pumpkins.
At Taylor, they take in the season by going on walks around the neighborhood or stopping by the farmer’s market over the bridge.
“You have to keep your eyes open, just be willing to make a lot of fun out of a little bit,” said Price.
When school work gets busy, many shows or YouTube videos that fit the fall vibe are available to watch. Particularly, Price and Wilhelm have been watching an animated fantasy show called Over the Garden Wall.
The library has a ton of games to check out, to play outside or in dorms for couples or groups of friends to play with.
“Embrace all the cheesiness, do all the things. Collect leaves, wear your fall sweaters, try the pumpkin drinks, embrace the color schemes,” Price said.
After the school year begins and routines are set, friendships within the floor/wing and across the community continue to grow, so not only do fall activities set the ambience, going to places or staying at Taylor creates lasting memories that can endure every season.
Sometimes there are opportunities for wings or floors to spend time together by going on fall outings.
“One of my favorite memories was going to a pumpkin patch with my wing freshman year,” junior Emily Odell said.
Wing retreats that happen during the fall offer a great time to make new friends and grow closer to old friends.
In November, Second North English does WingsGiving, where they get to gather together to share a meal with foods people bring from their cultures.
“Take advantage of everything while it lasts. We can feel really busy. The colors are going to come and go, so just savor the colors and smells and enjoy,” Price said.
Fall is about changes, and even though school can get busy, embrace the changes of the season and personal changes, whether that is going all out for the holidays or keeping it low-key.
