With its haunted hayrides, firewood scents and vivid leaves, fall may soon usurp summer as the most beloved season. And perhaps no one embraces the fall celebrations and festivities more than college students; after all, autumn does not just bring football season but a host of orchard events and Halloween preparations. If you’re trying to maximize the number of autumnal events you partake in, here are some ideas for making the most of the fall celebrations this semester.
Mild fall weather provides the perfect opportunity for attending outdoor concerts. Since you will not need to bear sweltering summer sun, spend hours outside listening to your favorite musicians. Though the location of your college may limit which performers you can see, even seeing lesser-known artists can help you and your friends embrace the fall spirit.
Have fun choosing your festival outfit–which sometimes beats the festival itself. Since festivals usually take place well outside college campuses, try to coordinate transportation with a group of friends.
What signifies autumn more than munching on an apple cider donut after spending the day walking past rows of apple trees? If you have access to a local orchard, definitely add apple picking to your fall bucket list. Not only will you learn about and collect varieties of fresh fruit, you and your friends can also enjoy spending time together amid the crisp leaves and fall breeze. Many orchards also have nearby pumpkin patches, so be sure to look for a pumpkin you can later carve and display in your dorm room. Some orchards also include small stores that sell locally-made products–search the shelves for homemade jam or apple baked goods.
After returning from the orchard, continue the round of fall celebrations by using your apples in a recipe. While apple pie may be the most traditional choice, apples can also be used in pancakes, muffins and oatmeal. If you want to go the savory route, add apples to stuffing or your favorite fall salad.
Perhaps so obvious it shouldn’t be on this list, college football games are a must for making the most of fall celebrations. In clear skies or biting wind, you can always expect a tailgate to proceed the game. Bring your school spirit, favorite beverage and enjoy meeting fellow students who also love a lively college event.
While D1 football schools may have the most excitement surrounding their games, if your school has a D3 football team, that doesn’t mean you should turn down the opportunity to show some school spirit. While the field may be smaller, plenty of students will still be in the bleachers cheering with you and listening to the band. Plus, your school most likely will provide free food before the game which you should definitely take advantage of.
Bust out your favorite sweatpants and fuzzy socks and have a crafts night. Though Target offers plenty of fall decor, making dorm decorations yourself not only saves money but also is a way to spend time with your friends.
Instead of sticking to the classic Jack-o’-lantern, try painting a pumpkin instead (which will also preserve the pumpkin’s freshness longer). For a Halloween theme, paint miniature bats and cats on the pumpkin’s skin. Or, keep things minimalistic with gold or black swirls.
After decking out your countertop with gourds and squash, you can also try making your own centerpiece. Paint mason jars with autumnal colors and fill the jars with fresh flowers or candles. Make your own garlands by stringer together construction-paper leaves.
Sometimes staying in is more fun than going out. Invite your friends over for a wine and cheese night, but keep things fall-themed by using seasonal ingredients. Apples, of course, are in season in September and early October, but blackberries, pears and figs also thrive in the fall as well. Cheddar and Manchego are safe bets to pair with apples and blackberries, and blue cheese (if you have no aversion) goes well with pears and figs.
Be sure to add nuts, grainy crackers and something salty (perhaps olives or cornichons). You can also fan the ingredients around miniature pumpkins to add even further fall flare to your board.
One of the best aspects of fall is the surge of maple and oak leaves littering the ground and horizon with red hues. To see how fall foliage spreads across a mountainside, find a local hiking trail. Though the nearest hiking opportunity may be at least an hour away, taking a pause from your campus routine will be well worth the inconvenience. Be sure to start your day as early as possible to make the most of the trails and ensure you are not left hiking after the sun has set.
Make sure to also do thorough research and preparation before your adventure. The website Happiest Outdoors has a detailed list of things to consider before going for a hike.
One of the biggest fall celebrations for college students has to be Halloween, with entire weekends devoted to Halloween parties. Start preparing for how you will make the most of Halloween without spending a fortune. Look through your closet to see which items could be the base of a costume. Organize a group to go shopping together for all the Halloween essentials.
As the end of fall approaches, celebrate the season’s conclusion by hosting your own Friendsgiving. Send out a spreadsheet for your friend’s to sign up for which side dish they will bring, and know that you will be making the main course. Check to see if any of your guests have dietary restrictions (and no, a turkey does not have to be on the menu to have an enjoyable Friendsgiving).
Decorate your dorm/apartment with candles, pumpkins and paper leaves. You can even create place cards for each of your friends if you’re feeling fancy.
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