Fall is one of the most anticipated seasons each year, with pumpkin flavored drinks returning, warm seasonal decor, cozy hangouts and comfort rewatches of iconic tv shows/movies. However, for numerous students, this season will be accompanied by stress that comes from juggling school life and your personal time. Being a student, you will have to get used to the fact that as soon as you come back from the summer vacation, your schedule will be packed full. Yet, there are still many ways to still celebrate fall without falling behind. This is the list for students:
One of the ways you can still enjoy the season is by staying on campus. Monmouth is very pretty during Fall, whether you are walking to your classes or working outdoors, the beauty of the changing leaves will catch your attention. Attend football games, you don’t have to be the biggest fan of the sport to appreciate the cinematic feel it gives you. Bringing a cozy blanket, having steaming food and savoring the atmosphere creates nostalgic memories that will always be associated with fall weather.
Another way to stay involved with fall festivities is going to either a pumpkin patch or apple orchard. Go pumpkin or apple picking with friends! It’s a fun tradition every fall, you get fresh air and fruit, extra treats such as apple cider donuts or homemade jams, hayrides and if you bring home a pumpkin you can carve it and create jack o lanterns! Pumpkin picking also leads to great photo opportunities. Furthermore, this doesn’t have to be an expensive outing, you can split transportation costs among friends to make it more affordable.
Host a cozy fall night! Invite friends or family over and plan a movie marathon. Some movies that I suggest for fall vibes are: “Hocus Pocus,” “Coraline,” or “When Harry Met Sally.” Everyone should wear comfortable pajamas and bring snacks. You can always plan to bake cookies or cinnamon rolls before the movie. During the film you can decorate pumpkins or do fall arts and crafts!
Volunteering is an activity that could very well become one of your fall bucket list activities. Monmouth University Student Government Association organizes the Big Event, which is Monmouth University’s biggest community service event held each year during the fall season. Students can register individually or as groups, consisting of their peers, club members, and other members of the campus community. The volunteers will be stationed in different locations in neighboring communities to engage in activities like beach cleanup, food pantries, community garden, and others. Volunteering provides students with a way of giving back to the community.
Decorating is yet another fun way of celebrating the season by adding warmth and comfort to an ordinary space. Students can add elements such as small pumpkins, autumn leaves, warm-colored blankets, or battery-powered string lights to make their dorm room or apartment more lively. There is no need for any expensive decorations as many things can be found at cheap stores and even done DIY style. Friends or roommates can join in on the decorating and all of this can take place with the help of fall-themed music playing in the background.
It doesn’t matter if a student does all these activities before the fall season ends, what matters is that it is supposed to be an enjoyable experience. By choosing a few from the list above, the task becomes manageable and fun. If a student decides to visit a pumpkin farm, organize a Friendsgiving, try a fall-themed beverage, or observe the changing colors of the leaves in college, the important thing is for the individual to focus on being in the moment. Some of the best memories will come from the small moments in the midst of a busy school year.
