Fall is one of the most magical times on a college campus. Perfect weather and cozy hoodies, autumn leaves crunching beneath Ugg slippers… Finally getting settled into your classes and meeting new friends, plans every weekend.
The only downside is that lately everywhere you look, everything costs at least $8. Luckily, despite how it may seem, you don’t need to spend money to make the most of the season.
Here are 10 completely free ways to romanticize your fall.
- Go on a fall walk
Easy to do and great to stay active, put on your favorite fall playlist, grab a friend (or go solo), and take a walk around campus. It’s a perfect way to soak in the scenery while the leaves are changing.
- Have a campus Picnic
Grab whatever snacks you have in your dorm or something with your meal swipes, throw down a blanket, and enjoy them outside before it gets too cold.
- Take fall photos
No professional photographer necessary! Find the prettiest trees on campus, put on your favorite pair of jeans, and have a friend take your pictures. Plus this way you get some good photos for your instagram!
- Watch the sunset
Make sure to check out the time the sun is setting, find a good spot, and make an event of it. Bring a blanket, a book, or a friend and watch the sun go down.
- Have a movie marathon
Pick a fall movie theme and spend the night watching them with friends. There’s so many different theme options, especially during the spooky season. Classic Halloween movies, rom-coms, nostalgic childhood movies, and more.
- Make a fall Playlist
Time to retire that summer playlist. Move out the way Zara Larson and Taylor Swift, move on in Phoebe Bridgers and The Smiths. Make a playlist that sounds like October and add in your favorite songs.
- Have a cozy study session
Your usual study spot is okay but to really get in that fall mood, take your laptop and schoolwork somewhere different than usual. Bring a blanket, put on your headphones with some music, settle in, and get to studying!
- Go to a campus event
Check your university’s event calendar. There are probably free events happening every week that you’ve never bothered to go to. Campus events usually have food, activities, and the chance to surround yourself with a fun community! Drag a friend or go alone and meet new people.
- Have a “no phones” friend night
Get your friends together for a hangout. The hangout could be anything, cards, talking, board games, out to dinner. Whatever it is, have everyone put their phones away for an hour and just be in each other’s presence.
- Make a fall bucket list
Sit down with your friends and make a list of everything you want to do before winter arrives. Then start checking things off!