1. Enjoy your walk around campus
As a New England School, we are lucky enough to be smack dab in the middle of a place thousands of people travel to each year. Their leaf peeping exhaustion is just another day for us, but this semester is an opportunity to make the most of the season. Instead of spending every walk to class staring at your phone and rushing to get there, take a second to enjoy it. You can romanticize the walk itself by listening to a good playlist or grabbing a coffee before your class. Finding ways to enjoy your walks to class is such a small thing, but it is such a repetitive part of our lives as college students.
2. Find your fall coffee order
Fall is the perfect time to switch up your usual coffee order. Whether you are grabbing a drink on campus, heading somewhere off campus, or making coffee in your dorm, having something to look forward to in the morning can make getting up for class a little easier.
If you want to try something new, there are plenty of seasonal options around UMass. Argo Tea in Southwest has a Teddy Gram latte made with honey and cinnamon powder for a healthier take on a fall-inspired drink. Peet’s Coffee in the ILC also has pumpkin spice syrup that you can add to your usual coffee or chai. If you feel like venturing off campus, Share has iced cold brews topped with homemade whipped cream and local maple syrup. You do not have to spend money on coffee every day to get into the fall spirit. Try making your own seasonal drinks in your dorm with cinnamon, maple syrup or whatever you already have.Â
3. Make your dorm a place you actually want to be
As the UMass winds start to pick up you will definitely be spending more time in your dorm. This is the perfect excuse to make a few changes to your space. Add a cozy blanket or some fun fall decor. A great way to still get that candle feel without breaking dormitory rules is buying a wax warmer. These are cheap and easy to find and can make your room feel a little cozier and more customizable.Â
Having a comfortable space makes those nights when you have no plans feel a little bit better. Not every fun college memory has to happen at a party or a big event. Sometimes staying in with your friends is exactly what you need.
4. Make plans that are not just going out
Fall weekends at UMass can get busy fast. Balancing Amherst’s nightlife with an early morning tailgate is not for the weak, but not every weekend has to revolve around going out. Sometimes, it is nice to switch things up and do something different with your friends, whether that means getting lunch in Amherst, going apple picking in Hadley or finding something new to do around campus.
At the same time, do not feel like you have to say yes to everything. Between extracurricular events, classes and seeing what everyone else is doing on Instagram, it can feel like you are missing out if you have a quieter weekend. But you do not have to be constantly busy to have a good college experience. Fall at UMass goes by quickly, so enjoy the weekends you have, try something new and spend time with the people who make college fun. You do not need to have plans every day or make every weekend exciting to make the most of the season.
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