By Natalie Davis

The fall season is upon us and University of Maryland students are starting to take part in their favorite seasonal activities. 

Common autumn staples include everything from visiting pumpkin patches with corn mazes and catching hayrides to Thanksgiving dinners alongside family and friends. 

Senior Aditi Singh, a biology major, said that her tradition of choice is building up anticipation for Halloween. Her favorite ways to hype the holiday include shopping for themed candy and meticulously planning a costume.

The fall is also a time for sports seasons, like football and soccer. 

Freshman Jack McGovern, a biology major, said that he likes being a part of The Crew, a student group that cheers on the UMD men’s soccer team as they battle teams from other colleges. 

McGovern also said he likes gathering together for Thanksgiving with his family and spending as much time as he can outdoors. The fall air gives off a sense of serenity, he said.  

“There’s something about the air that I long for when it’s gone.” McGovern said. 

Students like Singh and McGovern said that the weather of fall gives them the ability to layer their clothing, an exciting change of pace after months of humidity and heat.  

Kai Bradner, a sophomore public policy major, said that one of his favorite fall traditions is carving pumpkins and giving them unique faces. He also likes to spend his time outdoors in the fall as he feels that the leaves’ tinting and crisping definitely instill feelings of change and remind him of the opportunity for growth. 

“I like taking my dog out into D.C. and going on a nice long walk,” Bradner said. 

The traditions of the fall can generally provide students with a sense of comfort. 

Ryan Holdgreve, a freshman government and politics major, said wearing warm flannels in fall makes him feel comfortable.

Holdgreve also enjoys going to the pumpkin patch or the farm. At the farm there are so many additional activities to take part in alongside picking pumpkins such as making caramel apples, bumping along a hay ride or getting lost in the corn maze. 

Freshman Adelaide Sudbrink, an elementary education major, said that she loves cozying up with a hot cup of coffee while cool air swirls around her.

Sudbrink also likes to take in the scenery of fall while going on hikes with her family and friends.

“I love the beautiful fall foliage,” Sudbrink said. 

Featured image: Golden leaves surrounding a tree. Photo by Kyle Heflinger.