I know that fall means the start of school, piles of homework, and, for a lot of people, stressful college applications. It means summer is officially over and frigid weather is approaching. However, there are many reasons to absolutely fall in love with fall, and you should.

1. Fall Weather

Fall weather is easily the best weather -- spring is a close second. In fall, you get that nice, high sixties weather. It’s no longer boiling hot outside, yet you don’t have to break out the winter coat. Coming from a girl who absolutely hates winter, you can assume I don’t like the cold and furthermore can trust that if I like fall weather, it’s worth liking.

2. Clothes! Clothes! Clothes!

With colder weather, comes better clothes!!! Sweaters, boots, flannels, sweatshirts, leggings, jeans, vests, pull-overs, oh my! I’m addicted to flannels and warm sweaters so the clothing transformation may very well be my favorite part of fall.

3. Better Coffee

Personally, I’m not a fan of the pumpkin spiced latte, but I know it’s a favorite for many people out there, so go obsess over the fact that it’s back. Personally, I’m a white chocolate mocha fan and I love when the weather gets cold enough to order one because the iced version just isn’t the same. Fall coffee also means my all-time favorite white chocolate peppermint mocha is just around the corner.

4. Fall Crafts

This used to be a way bigger thing when we were all little, but you’re never too old to partake in some good, old-fashioned crafting. Gold glitter and fake leaves can be used to make anything around your household look fantastic! You can hang orange lights around your room and find other ways to get festive for fall! I suggest Pinterest, or you could just take a look at my uncle’s previous Thanksgiving feast masterpieces if you’re feeling fancy.

5. Leaves!

The changing leaves in fall are glorious. Shades of red, yellow, and orange fill landscapes creating such a beautiful scene perfect for hiking or just sitting outside reading a book. They may not be fun to rake, but jumping into those leaf piles as a child was always a good time.

6. Apple Picking

Put on a cute outfit and go pick some apples! Oh come on, we know you’re just going for the pictures, but it’s still super fun. So pick some apples, or don’t, take some pictures, eat some cider donuts, and enjoy a fun time with your closest friends!

7. Halloween

I used to hate Halloween. I mean HATE. IT. You could say I was an easily frightened child, but hey, we all grow up, right? So maybe I used to hate Halloween, but I don’t anymore. I do still hate the stress of a perfect costume, but Halloween itself is a super fun time. I plan on having candy in my dorm room so anyone at UVA, feel free to trick-or-treat and stop by. It’s a night where you and your friends get to eat candy corn, drink some apple cider, and let loose in a killer costume.

8. PUMPKIN CARVING

This is in all caps because I have a weird obsession with pumpkin carving; I’m really good at it. I can’t draw or paint for my life, but I sure can carve. There’s nothing more fun than picking pumpkins out with your family or friends and having a pumpkin carving party! Even if you can’t carve pumpkins, slap some paint on that thing and enjoy some roasted pumpkin seeds while enjoying the fall breeze.

9. Fall Music

I know what you’re thinking: What really classifies as fall music? That’s easy. Fall music is anything that gives you really calming vibes. I like acoustic covers and country in the fall, but honestly, anything that makes you feel relaxed is fall music because fall is just that, relaxing.

10. Halloween Movies

Halloween movies are the best! The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my family's all-time favorites, but Disney Channel Original movies about Halloween are even better! We have the Halloweentown series (aka the best movie series ever), Twitches, and GIRL VS MONSTER! So put on some PJs, get the girls together and enjoy a nice Halloween movie night. You could always watch a horror film too, but as previously mentioned, I'm a scaredy-cat.

If you aren’t in love with fall after reading this then you’re probably insane. Assuming you aren’t insane then what are you doing reading this article still? Go put on a flannel and boots, grab a Starbucks, go apple picking, then come home and work on those crafts outside so you can enjoy the weather! What’s not to love?