October is upon us — rejoice! Go frolic in crunchy leaves and sip a festive latte. There are countless reasons to be happy this month despite the horrors of midterms. Spring is a solid season, but nothing compares to autumn: crisp, comforting and wholesome. Keep reading to find out why fall is the best season and maybe get ideas for how to spend these next two months. 

Here are ten reasons why fall is objectively the best season ever. 

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  1. Sweat-free walks to class 

When you’re huffing it to class in the middle of the day, there’s nothing worse than being drenched in sweat by the time you get there. Cooler weather means sweat-free walks on campus. Sadly, the heat has dragged on through the beginning of fall, but next week promises multiple days in the 60s. Say goodbye to wet marks on the back of your backpack. 

  1. Autumn holidays

Halloween and Thanksgiving are timeless holidays. I still get just as excited for Halloween as I did 10 years ago. While the focus in college has shifted away from candy to other treats, most people still dress up in festive costumes. Thanksgiving also has a special place in my heart. Cooking with my mother and decorating the table before Thanksgiving dinner brings me indescribable joy.

  1. Fall fashion 

It’s refreshing not to dress half-naked to stay cool. Leggings, jeans, sweaters, flannels, boots and beanies (all things good in the world) are now acceptable to wear. I also love a fresh pea coat, especially paired with a scarf. Summertime fashion is fun, but come fall, everyone is ready to wear hoodies again. Take advantage of the new season and switch up that wardrobe! 

  1. More family time

Whenever I picture autumn activities, I think of family and loved ones. Especially as a college student, it can be hard to make time to go home and visit your family. Use this festive season to go home and do a fun activity with your family (I love carving pumpkins). 

  1. Pumpkin spice and everything nice

It’s okay to be a sucker for everything pumpkin spice. It doesn’t have to make you “basic.” Bread, lattes, pancakes, soup, cheesecake — the list of pumpkin recipes is endless. Fall food is to die for, especially during Thanksgiving. I look forward to my mother’s stuffing, gravy, sweet potato casserole and pumpkin pie. Pro tip: More body fat for the winter will keep you warmer. 

  1. Magical foliage

Maryland is lucky enough to see a change in seasons through its trees and foliage. The gradual change in color from chartreuse green to orangey-red to crispy brown never ceases to amaze me. Changes in the seasons are magical. Some states don’t have a major difference in seasons, so appreciate the rainbow that is about to appear in Maryland’s trees. 

  1. Horror films

Horror movies aren’t for everyone. But if you do enjoy a good fright, October is the perfect time for you. There are also some PG spooky films that are great to watch this fall if you can’t handle horror — Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown are some of my favorites. 

  1. Football season

For many, fall means football season — a crazed time in America. Tailgates, cookouts and watch parties are great, wholesome fun. Football fanatics come out to support their beloved teams. I am not the biggest football fan, but no matter how you feel about the sport, it’s a great time to throw on a jersey and grill some good food.

  1. Early morning sun

Daylight saving time ends on Nov. 3. With the time change comes darker nights and brighter mornings. Fall has crisp mornings and beautiful sunrises. It’s a great time to adjust your body to waking up earlier with the sun. Try setting your alarm earlier than usual, enjoying a cup of coffee or tea and watching an autumn sunrise. 

  1. Farmers’ markets 

Picking out mini gourds is a passion of mine. Fall farmers markets bring apples, pumpkins, leafy greens and other goodies from Mother Earth. Visiting farmers markets is also a great way to support local farms in the Maryland and Washington, D.C. area. The farmers stand near my house has individual honey sticks that are so slurpable and yummy, so look out for those at your local stand.

Celebrate this amazing season and go get festive!

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