Any store you walk into is probably advertising the same thing: fall. It’s that time of year again where everyone is raiding their closets for their trendy fall outfits to get ready to go out and grab a pumpkin spice latte. But what is there for a student to do in New York during this time of year?
One of the greatest things about fall is the weather. It’s still warm, but not in an unbearable way, allowing you to comfortably explore and find some fun activities to partake in. Whether you want fall-themed activities or just some fun things to do, fall is the perfect time to do them.
1. Stereotypical Fall Activities
When you think of this time of year, there are a few activities that might come to mind: apple picking, corn mazes and picking pumpkins at a pumpkin patch. Although they may sound cliché to some, these ideas are popular for a reason.
Depending on where you live, New York tends to offer activities like these all over. Try researching these things in your area and see what’s close by. You can go solo, bring a few friends, or take your family. You may even be able to find a place that offers all of these activities, so keep an eye out!
2. Check Out Bookstores
If you love reading, fall is the perfect time where other book lovers enjoy taking a slow day to explore different bookstores. New York also happens to be home to the biggest Barnes and Noble in the world, so this is a great opportunity to explore! Not too far away from this bookstore is The Strand Bookstore, another large bookstore that you can get lost in for hours!
Of course, these aren’t the only bookstores in NYC, but they’re both very popular ones. If you consider yourself to be a bookworm, take a day to research and explore the different bookstores: pumpkin spice latte in hand.
3. Central Park
Central Park is one of NYC’s biggest parks, and a very popular spot. Now that the weather isn’t unbearably hot, it’s the perfect time to take a walk in the park. Another option could be to bike through the park for a while. During this time of year, the foliage is beautiful and colorful; the perfect background for a scenic walk or bike ride.
4. Check Out a Cafe
If you decide to take an NYC exploration day, don’t forget to check out a local cafe! In such a big city, there’s plenty of places to stop and eat. Make sure to bring some friends along to take some aesthetic photos with!
5. Shopping
Of course, everyone shops all year round, but what about during the fall season? To spice things up a bit, why not shop for some trendy new fall clothes? If you’re feeling nostalgic for the warmer months, check out the clearance racks some stores might have. It’ll give you the opportunity to shop for some styles that you might wear during the later seasons and at a discount as well, which all college students can agree that they love.
Another fun idea if you’d rather keep the fall theme going is shopping for a Halloween costume. Spirit Halloween will be popping back up all over soon, and you might as well take advantage. Whether you’re going solo, with a partner, or as a group, Spirit Halloween will have something for you.
6. Events/Pop Ups
Sometimes, people or places you follow online might advertise a pop-up event. Getting into your interests in this way is always a fun way to spend the time. Next time you see something you like making an appearance in NYC, check it out!
7. Movie Night
Most people will agree that watching movies is fun all year round. Why not continue that fun during the fall? Sometimes, different campuses offer discounts on movie tickets, so it’s always a good idea to take advantage.
If you don’t really feel like spending any money, you can always host at home or in your dorm. Invite some friends over and pick a movie that you all love. If you feel like sticking to the fall theme, there’s plenty of movies that will fit the vibe.
8. Game Night
During your at-home movie night with friends, why not pull out some classic board or card games? These are a great way to grow closer with your friends and always a fan favorite. If you’re members of different clubs, you can even try to see if your group would like to host a game night to get to know some more people on campus.
9. Haunted House
As October approaches, haunted houses will start popping up again. It’s the perfect opportunity to check them out with your friends for a good Halloween-themed scare.
10. Halloween Parties
When it gets closer to Halloween, different people, groups and organizations start hosting Halloween parties. It’s classic Halloween fun, plus you get to dress up with your friends: a winning combination.