It’s finally October, which means the leaves are changing and your scarf and hat are making a comeback. As both a Californian and Floridian, I had not experienced a New England Fall until now. There’s something so perfect about falling asleep under a pile of cozy blankets with the windows open to let in the chilly autumn breeze. It’s easy to romanticize early mornings on campus when the sun is shining and the air is crisp but not bitterly cold. The trees turn more colorful each day, creating the perfect backdrop for walks to and from class. Not to mention the cozy sweaters, Ugg boots, and chai tea lattes. The following is a list of things to do so that when you’re not studying, your perfect fall days are as festive as possible.
Apple Picking
With hayrides, corn mazes, and festive markets, there’s nothing more autumnal than bundling up and heading to a nearby orchard. Pick some apples and buy cider and donuts. Then, go back home (or to the kitchen in your dorm) and bake a pie. If you’re gluten-free like me, I’ve got you covered! Here’s a recipe for gluten free mini apple pies so that you don’t have to miss out on any of the festivities: https://sweetlorens.com/the-buzz/apple-pie-bites
Football Game
I’m not going to lie, for the most part I couldn’t care less about sports. However, there is something about sitting in the stands wrapped in a fuzzy blanket that makes football games a fall staple. If you’re in the area, be sure to check out this season’s games at UMASS and Amherst.
Carve Pumpkins
Illuminate the porch of your residence hall or the window sill in your room with a hand carved jack-o’-lantern. Pick up some pumpkins at the Amherst Farmers’ Market and carve them with friends on The Green. Carve a quirky jack-o’-lantern face or if you don’t have carving supplies, consider painting your pumpkin!
Fall Photoshoot
The changing leaves accompanied by Mount Holyoke’s brick buildings makes for the perfect autumn photoshoot. Put on your favorite sweater and boots, do some leaf-peeping around campus, and find the prettiest photo spots. Snap way too many pictures so that you document the New England seasons for your friends back home. I recommend editing these autumnal photos with VSCO filters C6, C7, C8, or C9 so that the colors really pop!
Halloween Movie Marathon
Get out the candy corn, apple cider, and popcorn, and enjoy some “Netflix and Kill” or “Huluween.” Watch your favorite horror movies, or for some non-scary favorites, watch Halloweentown; The Nightmare Before Christmas; Hocus Pocus; GhostBusters; It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown; The Addams Family; Hotel Transylvania; and all of the Harry Potter movies.
Friendsgiving
Whether you’re staying on campus for Thanksgiving or you want to have a great meal with your besties before heading home for break, this is the perfect activity. While Thanksgiving will be full of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, friendsgiving can be whatever you want. Bake some cookies and pumpkin bread. Order chinese food or pizza and gather around coffee tables in your residence hall common room. After eating, listen to music and play some board games.
XOXO,
Adele
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