F. Scott Fitzgerald said it best, “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” 

It's about that time of year when the scalding summer heat finally retreats from Oxford in favor of a tamer temperature. No more sweating in class or mooching off of your friend's air-conditioner. Kick off your flip-flops and pull on your boots -- Fall has found its way to campus.

1. No More Reruns

That’s right. Before we even get to the weather, let’s chat about our favorite shows returning. 2 Broke Girls, American Horror Story, Arrow, Awkward, The Originals and Once Upon A Time all make their seasonal debuts this fall. So log off of Netflix and turn off the reruns, your shows are about to get much more interesting. 

2. Sweater Weather is Better Weather 

The change in season also signals the return of my three favorite S’s: sweaters, scarves and socks. In summer, there’s only so much fabric you can take off before you are toeing the scandalous line. Sorry, crop tops, but you’re just not doing it. The drop in temperature means it’s time to return to the wardrobe that’s all about comfort. And let’s face it; there are few things cozier than a oversized sweater and your fuzziest socks. The best part? Throw on a scarf and boots and you’ve got yourself an outfit. 

3. Your Favorite Foods are Back 

Pumpkins, pies and pastries—oh my! The return of fall means meal options just got a whole lot better. There are soups and stews, caramel apples, dumplings, and pumpkin flavored everything: pie, muffins, scones—and yes, lattes. Forget that summer diet. These fall foods demand to be devoured! 

4.HappyHolidays

Let’s talk outrageous costumes and turkey…but not necessarily together. Fall means Halloween, and Halloween means parties, candy, and costumes. Whether you’re going as a sexy stewardess or Mario, it’s fun to dress like someone else for a while. And the four days of festivities let you try out all of your options. This seasonal change also brings families together around an enormous amount of food and football. Family traditions like waking up early to watch the Macy’s Day Parade and adding two extra sticks of butter to the mashed potatoes remind us all that we have a lot to be thankful for this season. 

5.Leaves

There is nothing more satisfying than the crunch of the first fall leaf. Ask anyone in Oxford—our campus is at its best in the fall. As the leaves change from green to golden orange and vibrant red, the trees become more than something to hang a banner on. The campus becomes something straight out of a brochure. The tree-lined walkways against the red brick create an everlasting sunset. Whether you’re in town for the weekend or call Ox home, one quote will ring true this fall: “To think that in such a place, I led such a life."