The leaves are changing, and the weather is starting to get cooler; fall is officially upon us. Fall gives us so many things to enjoy—food, activities, weather, and a change of scenery. And yet, we find ourselves sitting inside, bored because we don't know what to do. And even if we have an idea of what we want to do, we have no money (we are broke college students, after all). Here's a list of eight relatively cheap and fun activities college students will enjoy.
1. Football Games: Fall is famously known as football season. So, on game day, find yourself sitting in the stands. Even if you don't like football, it's a great way to spend time with friends and support your team. As college students, you get a discount on tickets, so use that to your advantage!
2. Hot Chocolate: This is a super cheap, delicious, and easy drink to make. You can buy a box of hot chocolate and a bag of mini marshmallows at your local Dollar Tree. Sit back with your hot drink and watch a movie (hello, Netflix).
3. Pumpkin Carving: We all loved going to the pumpkin patch when we were kids. Take a group of your friends and go pick pumpkins, then have a pumpkin carving party. While you're carving your pumpkins, throw the seeds in the oven so you can have a delicious snack of roasted pumpkin seeds when you're done carving. Battery-operated tealight candles can be found at the dollar store, too.
4. Photo Shoot: One of my favorite things about fall is all of the colors. Get together with your friends, roommates, sorority/fraternity, and have a photo shoot. Have fun! Make a leaf pile and jump in it. Or throw leaves at each other. Use the colors to your advantage. And remember to smile pretty!
5. S'mores: Fall is the perfect time for bonfires with friends. And what goes great with a bonfire? S'mores, of course! If you don't have a friend that lives close that can host a bonfire, don't worry, you can still make s'mores. You can make them in a microwave! Just be aware that they can and will explode on you.
6. Color Tour: Even when the weather gets too cold and all you want to do is stay inside, you can still enjoy fall. Take a road trip and enjoy Michigan's color tour. It ranges all over Michigan, so you can stay local or drive far away. Fill up the gas tank and your car, and enjoy Pure Michigan.
7. Local Orchard: This one is a little more expensive, but you get a lot out of it. Check out your local Orchard (EMU check out http://wiards.com/). They offer a lot for one price. Corn mazes, hay rides, petting zoos, haunted houses, and so much more. Some offer the opportunity to pick pumpkins and apples. You can also buy cider and doughnuts there (and who doesn't love that?).
8. Cider Mill: Cider mills are such a unique atmosphere. You get to see how apple cider is made (and try some). It might be a bit of a drive for some, but totally worth it. Some orchards have cider mills, so be sure to see if yours does!
Fall is good for more than just sweatshirt weather and football. There are so many fun things to do that you and your wallet will love. These were just a few ideas to get you started. Grab your friends and your sense of adventure, and enjoy a break from all your school work. Take advantage of fall, because before you know it, there will be frozen white stuff falling from the sky.
