A lovely change happens to SUNY Cortland as autumn begins. The air is now crisp, the trees are changing colors, and the campus feels like a fall movie. For many students navigating midterms, work, and everything in between, it can be easy to overlook how beautiful fall is here in Cortland. But with even the smallest amount of attention to detail, it can be possible to romanticize the beauty of fall here on campus. Embracing this fall season is not about doing something crazy; it’s about taking in the moments of scenery and slowing down.
One of the simplest but effective ways to enjoy autumn in Cortland is to take a nice scenic walk. During this season, the trees start to change colors, changing this walk into a scenic experience. Students can even stop by at Bru 64 or New York Bagel, which are both on Main Street, to get a nice coffee and snack. Listening to a nice autumn-themed playlist or a good podcast can make this experience very calm. It is not about rushing the day away and trying to make sure everything on the to-do list is done immediately. It is about being in the moment and listening to the leaves crunch under your feet, and taking in the sweet smell of the autumn air. Taking in simple moments like this can change an ordinary day into something more special.
Another way to romanticize fall at SUNY Cortland is to make study time calmer and more enjoyable. As the weather cools, warm study spots become more inviting. Studying can feel like a personal ritual, not a chore. The library’s large windows offer views of colorful trees, creating a focused, beautiful setting. Students wanting a social atmosphere can go to a coffee shop for conversation as background noise. Others may sit outside in a sweater, enjoying the crisp air. With a fall drink and playlist, studying becomes more enjoyable.
Fall fashion marks the shift to colder weather. Sweater weather is about warmth and expressing the season. Chunky sweaters, flannels, scarves, and tall boots define fall outfits, helping people feel confident and content. Some say, “Look good, feel good,” capturing how finding the right autumn outfit can change a day’s mood. Stylish walks create a seasonal vibe. Many take this time to go apple or pumpkin picking and take photos with friends. Dressing intentionally makes fall days stand out.
Cortland hosts events to make the season memorable. The SUNY Cortland Student Activities Board has offered seasonal events like apple picking to create moments with friends. Getting involved helps students step out of their comfort zones, make friends, and enjoy the crisp air. Nearby farms and markets in Ithaca or Syracuse offer pumpkin patches, apple picking, and hayrides. These events make fall exciting without high costs. Other moments, like pumpkin carving or watching Halloween movies with friends, capture the fall feeling.
One more simple yet profound way to truly romanticize the season is by bringing the cozy, spiced essence of fall directly into your living space. After a day of crisp air and classes, returning to a dorm or apartment that smells like a perfect autumn afternoon can be incredibly grounding. Light a pumpkin spice candle, simmer some cloves and orange peels on the stovetop for a natural scent, or hang string lights to cast a warm, soft glow. Curl up with a favorite blanket—the thicker and fuzzier, the better—and a good book or journal. It’s about consciously creating a sanctuary from the busy world, a little personal haven where the only things on the agenda are comfort, warmth, and the sweet contentment that comes from just being. In these quiet, self-made moments, surrounded by the sights and smells of fall, that is where the true, easy romance of the season truly settles in.
Fall at SUNY Cortland is not just the change in weather. It is the complete shift in the environment that helps students slow down, take a deep breath, and sit in the moment to enjoy the beauty of fall. Romanticizing fall does not mean forcing a perfect atmosphere. It means finding friends to enjoy warm fall-flavored drinks, taking scenic walks, creating laughter, and enjoying the quiet moments at any chance given. Before the winter slams onto SUNY Cortland, take the time now to step outside and put on a sweater to feel the magic that fall brings.