As nature becomes more vibrant and the crisp air starts to creep in, we all want to make the most of the season before it slips away. Fall brings so many photo ops, cute outfits and lovely activities to our attention, but inspiration without funds can feel like a letdown. Fortunately, there are ways to have a meaningful and exciting fall without breaking the bank!
Get outside and enjoy the season
Fall is one of the best seasons for outdoor activities. From taking pictures with the beautiful foliage, to collecting pretty leaves for crafts and junk journals, there are so many ways you can enjoy the fresh air this season. During fall, even sitting on the quad with a blanket and a hot drink can make you feel like you are in a movie. Personally, I like to walk around campus and find cool things to draw, such as buildings that I may have never focused on before. Of course, going on walks and watching the sunrise/sunset are always great options as well.
Spend time with the people you love
One of my favorite ideas for a fall get-together is to have a soup potluck night. Homemade soup is always delish, and sharing recipes makes it even more fun. This is a wholesome way to spend time with your friends while only spending money on ingredients for food. Bonus points for adding fall music, movies and games to the mix! If soup isn’t your thing, you can replace it with another type of cooking, baking, or even just bringing your favorite snacks for everyone to try.
Another thing I love doing each season is attending or hosting clothing swaps! Refreshing your closet each season is always tempting, but we know it can get expensive. Bringing together your friends to have a clothing swap could leave everyone with something new to look forward to wearing and a memory to look back on. If you want to take this to the next level, hosting a campus-wide clothing swap would be rewarding and fun!
Make Memories That You Can Look Back On
Our phones can be very valuable for creating fall memories without spending extra cash. At the beginning of each fall, I love making a Canva vision board to have as my laptop and iPad home screen. You can save these and collage them after you have made a few, which can be super fun to look back on! A fall photo challenge is also a wonderful way to enjoy the season and can encourage you to focus on the beauty of your surroundings. Try taking pictures when you see a certain leaf color, a place you’ve never photographed before, or a Halloween decoration while walking to class!
Romanticizing fall doesn’t have to be expensive. Dare I say, it may be more fun and meaningful when it’s not! If you want more inspiration, search for free events and inexpensive places to go around your campus. Don’t underestimate campus-led events, as these can be great ways to make friends and enjoy seasonal living without spending a dime.
