When you go to school in the South, it’s easy to get used to warm temperatures through September, October, and even some of November, too. No one is complaining-we chose Tulane for a reason, and avoiding the cold is something many students appreciate about New Orleans. But sometimes, those of us from places with all four seasons miss the crisp air and brilliantly colored leaves of fall. In Chicago, where I’m from, fall is usually cut short by winter, and bitterly cold weather. So when I went home for fall break, I was determined to squeeze all of fall into just a few days. Here are some ideas on how you can maximize a short time spent at home, or wherever you are, soaking up that autumnal goodness.
- Apple Picking: a quintessential fall activity for a reason, nothing tastes better than a crisply delicious fall apple. I’m partial to the Pink Lady and Honeycrisp varieties, but when you pick it yourself, it always tastes good.
- Dress the part: Wear all of your favorite cozy clothes while you can! Boots, leggings, and your favorite sweater will bring you into the full spirit of fall. We can’t wear them to class until it’s practically finals, so take advantage of colder weather and all the fashion opportunities.
- Light a fire: In a fireplace or something similar (this is not me encouraging arson!). Flickering flames and the slightly smoky smell coming off the logs will make you feel autumnal. It also gives you perfect excuse to cuddle!
- Treat Yo Self: Fall baked goods are the best baked goods. Anything pumpkin, cinnamon, or apple is a safe bet! Treats are the perfect way to wave goodbye to bikini season and indulge in something that feels like fall to you.
- Take Pictures: Grab some family, friends, pets, or anyone photogenic and have a photoshoot! Whether you want a cute Instagram or enjoy the artistic aspect, pictures are a great way to document a season. Fall colors and lighting can be incredibly gorgeous, and it will give you the chance to be outside as well as something to look back on when you want to channel autumnal vibes.
- Hot drinks: I love iced coffee as much as the next girl, but sometimes you just crave a warm latte. Whether it’s coffee, tea, or cider, your beverage of choice can get a few degrees hotter when the weather gets colder. It’s the little things!
I hope these ideas were helpful to everyone who has to squeeze their entire fall experience into a few short days. Warmer weather is one of the many benefits of going to school in New Orleans, but sometimes we crave the chilly temps! Even with a time crunch, you can still get your fill of autumn.