Many consider fall the most beautiful time of the year, with a change in foliage promising a new academic year and a chance to start fresh.
With the arrival of students back to campus — and the hopeful chill in the air — fall is the perfect time to thrive and get involved with Elon University and the surrounding community.
Students have spoken, and the following are their favorite aspects of fall:
5. Fall Food
The well-publicized return of pumpkin spice lattes at Acorn Coffee Shop is only the beginning of the fall-themed food craze that often accompanies the changing weather. For example, all three major dining halls have been serving pumpkin cream cheese bars and other fall treats to celebrate the change of seasons.
“I love all the pumpkin-flavored food that comes out as early as September,” said junior Elizabeth Decker.
Fall is the perfect time for desserts such as candy corn and sweet potato pie. Fall is also the season for fresh apples, and the apple-flavored cake in Colonnades Dining Hall is a must-try.
4. Sports
Fall promises the arrival of college football, bringing students together in ways no other season can. On Saturdays, students around the country are often out of their dorm rooms and socializing in common rooms, huddled around a television to root for their favorite team.
Sports at Elon pick up speed, as well. The Elon football games are full of thrill and excitement. Not only is the atmosphere at Rhodes Stadium invigorating, but seeing the team take charge of the field can fill each student and alumnus with a sense of excitement and pride, however the score ends up.
3. Halloween
Halloween is not simply a children’s holiday anymore, and it’s particularly popular among college students. Of 20 students surveyed at random as to whether they were planning to dress up and celebrate, 85 percent said they were.
This year brings a diverse list of popular adult costumes. The most popular purchased or homemade costumes for Halloween 2013 include Miley Cyrus, Ke$ha, Nicki Minaj and characters from the popular television shows and films “Duck Dynasty,” “The Avengers,” “Breaking Bad” and “Doctor Who.” With the help of wigs, makeup and creative thinking, all of these costumes could be created with clothing and materials found at school.
2. Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving could not arrive at a more necessary time in the academic calendar. With the semester drawing to a close, papers and assignments pile on, leaving students exhausted and in need of a break. Thanksgiving promises the relaxation of spending time with family while eating delicious, homemade meals.
Many freshmen have not been away from home before, and nothing could be more comforting than delicious favorites such as stuffing and cranberry sauce, surrounded by the familiarity of loved ones.
1. Weather
The most important and welcomed part of fall is the change in weather. It is no secret Elon has been experiencing an extended summer, leaving many students frustrated and looking forward to cooler temperatures.
“My favorite part of fall is watching the leaves change colors,” said freshman Jess Chasan. “Everything is so colorful at Elon.”
With the fiery red leaves surrounding the beautiful fountains and historic buildings, fall is the perfect time to take a stroll and embrace all the campus has to offer.