The light at the end of the dark tunnel known as “midterm week” is right around the corner…that’s right, fall break! Fall is such a fun time of year, making it the perfect time to slow down, head home or to a friend’s house, and enjoy the changing leaves and crisp air while consuming/purchasing every single pumpkin-flavored/scented item you can possibly find (but don’t forget about apple cider!). With just four complete days of freedom, it’s important to make the most of your time, no matter what you decide to do!
Make a plan…
Assuming that you’re going home over break, chances are there are lots of things you want to do and people that you want to see during your short time there. It’s important to prioritize and helpful to make a general plan for each day, just so the time doesn’t slip away before you realize it! Try to get in touch with friends and family that you’d like to see and schedule lunch or coffee dates before you leave for break. Not only will it make you feel good to know that you’re “penciled into” each other’s agendas, but it’ll give you something fun to look forward to while you’re studying for and taking midterms. Try to leave room for some downtime, as well, because everyone loves to snuggle up in their own bed!
…But leave room for flexibility
Even if you decide to make a list of things you’d like to do during break, don’t let your mind become closed off to other possibilities! Sometimes being spontaneous leads to the most fun and memorable times. Don’t shy away from attending an event or doing something that you’d like to do just because you weren’t planning on it. That being said, don’t feel obligated to do certain things just because a group of your friends is, or you feel like you’ll miss out. Do what you want to do!
Some Fast, Fun, Fall Ideas:
- Make a trip to the apple orchard – there’s nothing like fresh apples in the fall and it’s a fun activity to do with a group.
- Remember the days of hayrides through the pumpkin patch? Why not take a “ride” down memory lane in search of the perfect pumpkin? To complete the experience, carve your pumpkin into a smiley or scary jack-o-lantern!
- Rake leaves. Your parent will appreciate your help cleaning up the yard, and you’re never too old to jump in piles of crisp, colorful leaves.
- Go for a long walk in the woods or at a local park to take in the vibrant scenery.
- Wear flannel…just because you can.
- Try a DIY craft from Pinterest or make a fall-themed dorm room decoration.
- Turn to Pinterest, once again, to find one of many amazing seasonal recipes. Pumpkin, salted caramel, apple cinnamon…the possibilities are endless!
- Let yourself be lazy (duh!)
- Drink coffee with your mom, snuggle with your sister, tag along with your dad to the hardware store – spare a little time here and there to make the people who care about you smile!
Remember that you’ll be home in a month or so for Thanksgiving!
No need to worry if you can’t fit it all in– there’s another break right around the corner. Your fall break should be a chance for you to relax and recharge, not a source of stress. So let things happen as they will and enjoy quality time with people you love doing activities that make your fall feel complete!