I will let you in on a little secret: I love October. The day I get to flip my calendar from September to October is arguably the best of my entire year. However, just as I know that it is my favorite month of the year, I understand that it may be your least. Yet, I will still try to convince you (or at least show you why) to love this month as much as I do.

1. Changing leaves.

I live and attend college in a place that experiences changing seasons. October is the month when the leaves shed their succulent green shades in favor of bold reds, oranges, and yellows. And it is beautiful to behold.

2. Tolerable temperatures.

It is not too hot nor too cold. Although some may complain about the temperature fluctuations throughout the day, I appreciate being just cold enough to put on a sweater in the morning and just warm enough to shed it later in the day.

3. Apple orchards and pumpkin patches.

I make it a point to go to an orchard or mill every year. The dining hall apples simply cannot compare to freshly picked honey crisps. And nothing gets me quite into the spirit of the season like pumpkins. Carved or not, their orange hue is a comforting sight.

4. Apple cider and doughnuts.

This drink, like the weather, is extremely versatile. You can drink it warm or cold, iced or piping hot. And, of course, you need doughnuts along with it. Nothing beats fresh doughnuts with your morning cider.

5. Mountain Day.

The best day of the academic year by far. No classes, a cappella performances, doughnuts, cider, and plenty of trails to explore the beautiful Berkshires...how can you possibly dislike that?

6. Camping.

If you need a break from your everyday life, this is the prime month to go into the woods or mountains for a weekend. The temperatures and sights are at their peak at whatever peak you desire to conquer. And there are fewer mosquitos than in the summertime.

7. Parents' weekend.

Nearly every school has parents' weekend, family days, or a variation on that general theme during October. Fall is truly the season for family.

8. Comfort foods.

I could eat mashed potatoes, stovetop stuffing, and blueberry/apple/peach crisp every day of my life. Of course, the major comfort foods will not come out until Thanksgiving, but as soon as the temperatures drop in October, I am ready to break out the fall harvest foods.

9. High productivity.

By this point, I have already gotten into the swing of the semester, but have not yet become so overwhelmed and stressed that I am mentally and emotionally finished with the year. Having an extra couple of days off during Reading Period helps too.

10. Halloween.

The one night of the year when you can shed your identity in favor of a totally new one. Then again, any month whose last day is a holiday is a good one in my book.

Here's to an October filled with apple, spice, and everything nice!