For anyone who is as much in love with fall as I am, the term “basic white girl” can’t stop you from partaking in all the popular festivities of the best season of the year. From apple picking to a closet filled with burgundies and oranges, we just can’t get enough of it. So if your heart skips a beat for all things autumn, you have to try these 31 things this October.

Beverages

Pumpkin Spice Latte -- The first day of fall, I woke up before my alarm went off to get to Starbucks as quickly as I could. This drink, basic as it may be considered, is THE signature fall drink and if you don’t have one (ten or twenty), you are not a true lover of autumn.

Pumpkin Coffee -- The only thing that can come close to a sip of heavenly PSL is brewing it in your own bedroom. Green Mountain Pumpkin Spice K-cups should be on everyone’s shelf this October.

Pumpkin Spice Tea -- Okay so I have a low key addiction to pumpkin beverages. But if you’re a fellow diehard pumpkin fan, you will love these. Teavana recently released their Pumpkin Spice Brulee Oolong, a loose tea, and for those of you who are lazier, there are Tazo brand Pumpkin Spice chai tea bags.

Cookies/Baked Goods

Caramel Apple Cider Cookies -- If you’re not into coffee or tea, no worries because baked goods are equally important to fall treats. This cookie is one of my favorites. The recipe is from Pinterest and it has been my go to for girls’ nights for a couple of years. If you have a sweet tooth, these are the fall cookies for you!

Pumpkin Spice Oreos -- These are for those of you who lack culinary skills. While some argue that the classic Oreo shouldn’t be tampered with, you will disagree once you try these. Perfect for the last minute purchase of a meeting or party snack.

Milano Pumpkin Spice Cookies -- Oh my god are these amazing. They were an impulsive pre-fall buy at Target, but so worth it. These cookies just melt in your mouth with the perfect balance of sweet cookie, chocolate, and pumpkin. Great for people who prefer their pumpkin in smaller doses (if those people exist).

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies- I haven’t tried these yet, but when I saw them on my friend’s food blog I immediately screen-shotted them to my mom in the hopes of receiving some homemade goods in the mail. If not, I will definitely try these when I’m home on fall break. Among all of the store-bought fall necessities, you can’t miss out on cookies baked from scratch!

Pumpkin Bread -- It’s not fall without this traditional baked treat. Whether you use a box mix or a recipe from scratch, this is a great sweet for any occasion. You can also use variation by adding chocolate chips or an icing to this beloved bread.

Apple Pie -- If you love fall, then you also love apple picking. Don’t let this great outdoor activity become something superficial and commercial by letting your fresh apples rot on your counter top -- bake a pie! Even if you’ve never made an apple pie, you can search grandma’s pantry, Google or Pinterest for TONS of recipes. If you really can’t bake at all, do it with a friend who is more experienced. It is a super fun and delicious tradition that you should take part in!

Guilty Pleasures 

WARNING: If you are dieting or eating healthy, proceed with caution through this next section.

Pumpkin Spice Pop-Tarts -- Pop-tarts were on the list of forbidden foods in my childhood, so they are so much more sacred on the rare occasions I have them. These are so good, but very sweet. I would recommend trying them, but maybe sharing the box with a friend or roommate.

Pumpkin Muddy Buddies -- These are definitely a red flag food. Once I start eating these, I can’t be stopped. A bag of this was included in the fall care package and included pumpkin spice coated chex, M&Ms, and candy corn. Better when served to a large group to limit how much of it you can consume individually.

Breakfast Foods

Pumpkin Yogurt -- Chobani pumpkin Greek yogurt is a great alternative to some of the high carb foods. A great way to start off your day with some hints of fall and a healthy breakfast.

Pumpkin Mini Wheats -- Not quite as health conscious as Greek yogurt, but still better than muffins and cookies. This cereal is a fun boost in the morning and great for younger kids as well!

Pumpkin Spice Nature’s Valley Bars -- These crunchy granola bars are another healthy alternative and make a great quick breakfast if you’re not a morning person. Also easy on the go, just keep one in your purse or back pack for an emergency snack!

Pancakes -- Fall pancakes are a great indulgence for lazy weekend mornings. You can use a pumpkin pancake mix or top your regular pancakes with some baked cinnamon apples for a delicious breakfast.

Household

PSL Lotion -- This fall scent from Bath & Body Works, along with about 20 other variations of pumpkin scents, smells amazing. A great way to enjoy the season without consuming as many carbs as a bear about to hibernate. This also comes in a thicker body cream, which is perfect for preventing dry hands as the cold weather onsets.

Candle -- We all know the tragedy of not being allowed to have real candles in our dorm rooms. Thankfully, Yankee Candle makes what I like to call “candleless candles,” a.k.a. scented beads that serve as an air freshener in place of a fire-lit candle. Dorm safe and a great way to spread the autumn aroma.

Decor -- I will miss the full-on Halloween decorations while at college, but that won’t stop me from being festive. I already have a small “Happy Halloween” sign on my countertop, a candy corn-colored mini-bucket to store hair ties, and a cheesy garland pumpkin taped to my door. Little additions like these help boost the hype of the season.

Mugs -- In order to fully take in all that this season has to offer, artsy Insta pics of your coffee are required, whether it be in an insulated to-go cup to get you through your 8 a.m. or the new seasonal ceramic mug from Starbucks. Decorating your own mug or to-go cup also makes a great fall craft!

PSL M&Ms -- If you entertain a lot or just like to keep a candy jar to make your dorm feel homier, these are a great addition. They can be incorporated into your trail mix too for the perfect hiking snack!

Clothing

Cardigans -- cardigans, cardigans and more cardigans is what you should be stocking your closets with. The bigger, the better and warmer. These can be dressed up with a cute tank or dressed down over a t-shirt to make the cool mornings warmer. Some of my favorites are from Gap, American Eagle and Loft.

Socks -- Even though most people won’t see them, wearing festive socks is a great way to get into the spirit of the season. Mid-calf height socks are great for wearing with boots so they don’t slip off like ankle socks. You should invest in some cotton ones for the warmer days and some knit pairs for the cooler weather.

Fall colors -- If you are drawn to all things burgundy and orange when shopping or realize you own five different army or forest green sweaters, then you are on the right track. Wearing these colors is part of what makes fall so wonderful. If you have darker hair and skin tones, oranges and mustard yellows are great for you, and those of us with lighter hair and skin tones should lean towards burgundies, reds and greens.

Colored Pants -- Colored pants make the world go round. They are also a fun way to switch up your wardrobe and sport fall colors. Some of my favorites are from Gap and Target.

Flannels -- Flannel shirts are a great addition to your wardrobe. They are very versatile: worn in the mornings when it’s chilly, to a bonfire, or around your waist to accessorize your cute new overalls. Wear it your way, but you must own at least one!

Activities

Apple Picking -- The best part of fall is the weather. Apple picking is one of the most fun ways to enjoy a cool fall day, post artsy Insta pics and make some great snacks (see apple pie).

Hay Ride -- This is an activity suited for all ages. Parents can take kids on a ride through the pumpkin patch, and teens and young adults can ride through a haunted maze and be scared half to death. Either way, this is a fall tradition!

Hiking -- If you’re more outdoorsy, this is definitely something you should do this October. If you live near the mountains, that’s the best way to do it. If not, any park or trail will do. It’s an ideal way to burn off some of the calories from all of the treats you’ve eaten.

Pumpkin Carving -- While more challenging, this craft is still fun. You can also decorate your pumpkin instead of carving, or decorate a fake pumpkin for a reusable indoor decoration. If you are carving, save the pumpkin seeds to roast and make a healthy snack!

Haunted Houses -- Most areas have some kind of haunted house, hay ride or walk-through maze. These are fun if you have a friend to grab on to. If you don’t like the interaction with creepy things and people, a scary movie may be a better option for you. Personally, I’m a scaredy cat who prefers neither!

Halloween -- The festivities of October all lead up to one night, Halloween! Whether you are of trick-or-treating age, handing out candy, or attending a Halloween-themed party, this is the night to dress up and eat lots of candy.

I hope you enjoy as many of these foods, clothes and activities as you can. Happy Fall!