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October Is Here! Here Are Four Things That I Do Every Fall to Feel Festive

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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mass Amherst chapter.

Fall can be rough for some — the cold weather is approaching, school is picking up, and winter is right around the corner. If you do the right things and develop some cute traditions to help you get super cozy, the reminder that winter is coming can turn into one of the best times to settle in and enjoy what’s around you! Here are four things I love doing to get myself in the perfect fall mood.

Watch Fall TV Shows

The second the leaves start to change colors, my New England pride bubbles to the surface. I find someone and beg them to binge-watch Gilmore Girls with me. This show, set in Stars Hollow, CT, brings you through different seasons, heartbreak, and countless interesting plot lines. An iced chai, fuzzy blanket, and cute fall sweater accompany the show perfectly! If I watch it fast enough, I move on to Stranger Things. Its retro vibe and Halloween-like characters prepare me for October frights! Even though it’s released every summer, the first season definitely feels like fall to me.

Find SOme Fall VIEWS

Being at UMass Amherst, we get to see some of the prettiest foliage in the whole world! With just a look out my window, I can see the trees lined in a variety of orange, red, and dark green colors. A quick hike or walk to a local viewing point is perfect. Last weekend, I went to see the Connecticut River and a waterfall nearby. We stopped at a farm and looked at the trees; just sitting there among nature, watching it as it changes, is breathtaking. I also love to turn on some music and jsut go for a walk! The season of changing colors is brief and doesn’t happen everywhere, so I try to enjoy it while I can.

autumn leaves on a dirt road
Natalie Szewczyk

Get some Fall snacks!

Any grocery store will do, but Trader Joe’s definitely has some of the best fall snacks and treats. This year, I’ve been loving the apple cider donuts and spooky Scandinavian Swimmers! If you toss a donut in the microwave to warm it up alongside a glass of cider, tea, or coffee, you won’t regret it. The Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is to die for, too! It’s perfectly cheesy and thick, and makes for a great warm lunch or dinner. For breakfast, I love a good pumpkin roll or some pumpkin waffles. These sweet treats make your kitchen smell like fall and taste like paradise in my mouth!

Decorate

As Halloween gets closer and closer, I realize it’s time for me to whip out some old fall decorations. Fake spooky decor and cute lights or fake pumpkins set the mood perfectly. I love taking the drive to Target and walking through the five-dollar-and-under section, looking for some cute additions to my dorm. This year, my roommate and I got a cute pumpkin fuzzy blanket, a pumpkin pillow, and some funky orange lights! We took down the plain white ones and threw the long string of orange ones all around the room. It might look a little crazy, but hey, it’s spooky nonetheless. 

With these autumnal activities, you’ll find that fall can be a blast! Now it’s time to hit the stores, get cozy, eat some treats, chill out by the TV, and embrace the vibes. I didn’t always find fall so pretty, but with these things I’ve come to really appreciate it.

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Marin Mercer

U Mass Amherst '26

Hi! I'm Marin Mercer, a freshman at Umass Amherst in the college of education! I love listening to music, reading, writing, and laughing with friends!