The Ultimate Guide to Romanticizing the Fall Semester
Written by: Eiman Rizwan, 4th year Political Science
Photo by: Western Communications
There’s something about fall that makes campus feel magical. The leaves turn into different shades of crimson and gold, the air becomes crisp enough to make you crave a sweater, and suddenly even walking to class feels like a scene from a movie. Here in Canada, we only have a short period of embracing this magic before the harsh, unforgiving winter takes over. Instead of just letting the season slip by while you’re drowning in assignments and midterms, why not slow down and romanticize the little moments? If you’re anything like me, then fall is your absolute favourite time of year, and I say, we shouldn’t let it go to waste. Here are some cozy ways to romanticize and make your fall semester feel special.
1. Sip on cozy campus drinks
We all know and love the Spoke, a fall hotspot for the best drinks, bagels, and pastries. Whether it’s a pumpkin spice latte, chai, or a classic hot chocolate, having a warm drink in your hand instantly makes the day feel slower and softer. The Spoke recently dropped their new line of fall drinks, and these are some of my favourites; Freshly Baked (an apple cinnamon latte), Cookies and Scream (a vanilla chocolate foam latte), Basic Witch (an upgraded pumpkin spice latte), and Sweater Weather (a creamy pumpkin chai). Grab your favourite cozy drinks to catch up with friends, study by the window, or listen to your fall playlist under the trees.
2. Build the perfect fall playlist
Music is the foundation for life, it sets the tone for everything. Imagine crunching through leaves on your way to class while listening to soft jazz, indie folk, or R&B. Curate a playlist for yourself that feels like autumn to you – warm, a little moody, and comforting. To me, autumn sounds like the soulful nostalgia of Thee Sacred Souls, the dreamy melancholy of Lana Del Rey, the delicate jazz warmth of Laufey, the timeless richness of Etta James, and the haunting poetry of Jeff Buckley. Let this playlist guide you through your walks on campus, your long study sessions at Weldon, or simply enjoying the weather outside.
3. Fall fashion
Fall fashion is undefeated, perhaps the best out of the entire year. Oversized knits, scarves, boots, and long coats make even a walk to class feel like a runway moment. Lean into layering different pieces, textures, and autumnal colours. Showcase your Mustang spirit while staying cozy by sporting Western hoodies and sweatshirts.
4. Study under the fall trees
It’s easy to feel unmotivated or burnt out while studying indoors surrounded by grey walls and white lighting. Especially with midterms approaching, the stress causes us to panic and lose our academic motivation entirely. However, nothing feels more cinematic than spreading your notes under a tree, pulling on a chunky sweater, sipping your pumpkin spice latte, and studying
with the sound of leaves rustling around you. The change of scenery and beautiful weather will recharge your energy and put you back on the path of being an academic weapon. Even if you only do it once, it’s worth stepping outside your routine.
5. Take little seasonal rituals seriously
Small traditions make the semester memorable. Think apple picking with friends, baking your favourite fall treats, or watching comfort movies like When Harry Met Sally, Dead Poets Society, or Legally Blonde. Decorate your dorm room, apartment, or house with festive decorations. Fill the air with your favourite fall scented candles. If you like going out for adventures, visit a pumpkin patch, attend the Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland, or go café hopping. These moments break up the stress of midterms and make the semester feel like something more than just work.
6. Capture the season
Take photos, journal, or even film snippets of your days. Looking back, it won’t just be about the exams or group projects – you’ll remember how the light hit the trees during your afternoon walk or how your friends laughed while carving pumpkins. You’ll be able to taste that warm cinnamon chai from a photo, you’ll remember the crisp breeze from a video.
At its core, romanticizing fall is about paying attention and enjoying every moment. Notice the way your breath fogs in the morning air, how the campus smells like leaves and pine, or how golden hour makes the orange trees glow. It’s about seeing your daily life as worthy of appreciation.
Fall only lasts a few weeks, but if you lean into the little things like your walks to class, the warmth of your latte, the crunch of the leaves – it’ll feel like you actually lived the fall semester instead of just surviving it.
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