By Layla Tiell, Guest Writer

Nothing beats the season of oversized hoodies, a new Starbucks menu and the thrill of Halloween. These are the memories you’ll look back on years from now.

Summer belongs to high school nostalgia, and winter is claimed by finals stress, but fall? Fall was built for college life. 

There is something so special about the air getting crisper and the leaves turning darker that makes being on a college campus feel just right. Here at Xavier, fall does not just arrive; it takes over.

Before diving into this seasonal adventure, grab your coziest blanket, light a candle (unless you’re staying in a residence hall, of course) and cue up your favorite autumn playlist.

For starters, let’s talk about the campus itself. Imagine the fiery reds and oranges of the leaves, whether they are swaying in the trees or being crunched under your feet. Watch as the August sun tucks itself away behind the clouds, peaking out now and then to remind you of its warmth. 

It should be a burden, knowing that summer memories are being pulled away by the chill of shorter days, but there is a sense of comfort, along with the excitement of what is to come. Suddenly, study sessions in Gallagher feel less like a chore and more like a cozy opportunity. 

Next is fashion: College students thrive off of being able to throw on an oversized crewneck and still look put together. With the temperature dropping, nobody else is mentioning that you have already worn that hoodie three times this week, because they are doing the same thing. So, even though the cold is not ideal, it gives everyone the chance to be both comfortable and stylish at the same time. 

Of course, no discussion of fall is complete without talking about the food and drinks. Whether you are picking up a latte from Iggy’s or grabbing a baked good from the cafe, there is something about fall that makes campus life taste just a little sweeter. 

Xavier might not rally around football games, but that does not mean fall is any less alive on campus. Stop by the Cintas Center to watch the volleyball team in action, or Corcoran Field to see both soccer teams showcase their hustle. Many of our students participate in club or intramural sports as well, and that is just another thing added to the list of how special this season gets. 

However, fall is not perfect, and this would not be a true piece without acknowledging that. Sure, the campus is beautiful, and life just feels more cozy, but this is also when professors start to remember that class should be challenging, and midterms sneak up on you at your busiest moments. 

Also, with the Ohio weather, you walk to class in the morning with three layers on, but by the time you get out, it feels like you are back to mid-July. These problems are easy to handle, though, so keep your head up and remember, fall break is within reach. 

After fall break, there is a holiday that most college kids are looking forward to: Halloween. Start planning your costume now, because nobody likes the last-minute rush of trying to throw one together. 

The truth is, summer may be carefree, and winter may be festive, but fall will forever be the heart of the first semester on campus. Here at Xavier, it defines our college experience, and that is exactly why it is the best season of them all.