Turn over a new leaf this fall
Autumn: the season of changing leaves, crisp weather, hot beverages, and… back to school, midterms, assignments, waking up early…
Okay, autumn can be a time of stress for most students, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy everything the cozy season has to offer while still accomplishing everything you need to.
There’s just something about everyday activities and weekend plans that hits differently when Toronto’s seasons change.
Here are a few:
Studying at a coffee shop
Nothing screams “main character” more than sitting by a coffee shop window with your earbuds in and a notebook out, sipping on a hot coffee while the leaves fall outside.
Toronto and the GTA have tons of picturesque coffee shops that are so cute they might actually persuade you to finish your assignment.
Here are a few to add to your list:
Terminal 3 Coffee Roasters
Lakeshore Blvd., Etobicoke
Mo.Jo Cafe
The Queensway, Etobicoke
Rois Cream
Keele St., Old Toronto
Buying a new sweater
The chilly weather immediately has me wanting to buy a new knit sweater to stay cozy and stylish at school. If a new sweater is going to motivate you to nail those midterms, go ahead and treat yourself!
Spoiling yourself every once in a while can make all the difference. Check out Canada Unites happening at the North and Lakeshore campuses to find the outfit for fall.
If you want to stay cozy while on a budget, why not thrift one? Staying warm doesn’t always have to cost a fortune.
Walks to and from campus
That brisk morning air and autumnal streets while walking to campus as the sun is just rising can strangely set your day up for success. Even walking back home after a long day of classes when it’s already dark out kind of makes your day feel like it was a bit more productive.
Checking out local events
Autumn is harvest season, which often means plenty of fun (and sometimes free) events to check out when you have some downtime.
Easily accessible from Humber North and Downtown campuses, Black Creek Pioneer Village offers plenty of fun fall activities to enjoy. With paid and free options, you could enjoy a spooky show, join craft workshops, attend marketplaces, or just enjoy the scenic grounds.
CF Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke near Lakeshore campus puts on a fall event called Nights of Lights and Pumpkinville, which features a huge pumpkin carving art installation, rides and games, and fun photo-ops!
IGNITE always has free events you can check out as well! Check out the Events Calendar to find out when and where you can participate.
Keep an eye out for local markets, festivals and community events happening around the GTA too. You never know what you might find.
Arboretum walks between classes
The beautiful colours, the crunch of leaves beneath your feet, the sound of squirrels gathering acorns, and the perfect playlist to set the mood.
An Arboretum walk is the perfect way to romanticize your busy schedule with a much-needed nature break between classes.
Even if you only have a little bit of time, taking a walk can be a nice way to get away from your screen and reset before your next class.
Window watching on campus
Watching the leaves fall and students walk by while you finish up a project scratches that autumn itch you didn’t even know you had.
Lakeshore campus looks and feels like it’s right out of an autumn romance novel.
At North, you may have to get a little more creative about finding the perfect window-watching spot.
Personally, the best autumn view has to be on the third and fourth floors of the F wing. The windows that line the back of the building, overlooking the arboretum, are immaculate.
Savour the season
While autumn might mean shorter days, colder weather, and the dreaded midterm season, it doesn’t have to be all stress.
Sometimes, romanticizing autumn is as simple as grabbing a coffee before class, putting on your favourite sweater or taking the long way home.
And before you complain about the weather, just remember Canadian winter is only a couple months away…
Feature Photo by Austin on Unsplash
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