Written by Jenna McConnell
Thumbnail & Banner Photo by Kerstin Wrba on Unsplash

The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting colder, and the leaves are hitting the ground; fall is once again upon us. While some are not thrilled, many of us agree that this colourful season is one of the best times of the year. The cozy atmosphere is absolutely unbeatable. But why do people love fall so much? Grab a pumpkin spice latte, get comfy with a blanket, and let’s get into the autumnal vibe!

Colder Weather Means Lots of Fun New Style Options

While it is slightly bittersweet to feel the summer heat fade, the cooler temperatures of autumn have their own unique charm. Many of us would agree that cold does not always mean good things; it brings excitement and a feeling of a fresh start at this stage. With the weather becoming milder, we can finally break out the cozy sweaters and comfy pants once again! It can be tons of fun to rediscover a new side of your wardrobe. The time for flannels and boots has finally returned, and we could not be more excited!

Fall Foods and Baking

Everyone can agree that the seasonal treats and foods that come with the colder weather are some of the best around. Whether it’s a hearty soup or stew, some delicious pumpkin treats, or warm apple cider, fall foods are sure to hit the spot. To go along with that, you can have some fun obtaining the ingredients! Apple and pumpkin picking is a great way to spend an afternoon, and Nova Scotia has some great orchards to visit. Making a delicious Apple Brown Betty or pumpkin pie from scratch is such a rewarding and enjoyable experience, and you can share the fruits of your labour with loved ones!

Fall Sports are Back

Time to hit the stands! Our favourite fall sports events are in full swing, and it is the perfect time of year to spend an evening out with friends at a game. Whether you are a player, know one, or just want to go out and support your school, the electric atmosphere of a SMU game is one that students look forward to each year. Our football, basketball and rugby seasons both occur around this time and are always hugely popular. Bringing out hundreds of people each game, it is safe to say that this is a good idea if you’re looking for a good time.

The Gorgeous Scenery

Nothing beats the beauty of fall scenery. All the gorgeous reds, oranges and browns in the trees and on the ground give the city a sort of glow that cannot be recreated. It is a photographer’s dream, and one of my personal favourite things about fall. Taking a walk or grabbing a warm drink with a friend just seems so much more appealing when the walkways are full of such lively colour.

Getting Back Into a More Set Routine

As students, the summer is full of freedom and fun, with no studies to weigh us down. This is an amazing and much-needed break, however it too, can get old. Some find that fall brings the return of stability and a set routine with the back-to-school season, giving them tasks and goals to focus on and achieve every day. While school can (and will) get old relatively quickly, too, those first few weeks of the fall semester always bring a sense of excitement and renewed energy. Getting to jump back into classes, seeing friends more regularly, and being on campus daily makes fall a great time to incorporate new habits and changes into your life.

Enjoying the Holidays with Loved Ones

Fall also brings many excuses to get together with family. With both Thanksgiving and Halloween, there is ample opportunity to celebrate and relax with loved ones. For us students who most likely don’t have much time to do this regularly, this is a much needed and much appreciated break. And besides, who doesn’t love a holiday? All the food, movies, and decorating are always a sure-fire way to lift the spirits.

The fall season has many unique qualities to love that no other time of year has. The feeling of magic and good times to come is in the air, and with the new year creeping up, it serves as the perfect goodbye to what, hopefully, has been a year of happiness and laughter.

The Allure of Autumn