Here at the University of Rhode Island, fall is welcomed with eager, open arms. Girls trade in their high-rise shorts, crop tops and Jack Rodgers flip-flops for much more seasonally appropriate clothing. Guys ditch their slides and single status in search for a more constant companion, because as we all know cuffing season is starting to begin. Fall at Rhody is one of those most wonderful times of the year, and I'm here to paint a lovely picture of the five senses of fall at this prestigious university.
Sight
Guys and girls in overpriced Patagonia pullovers paired with either LuLu leggings or khakis and L.L. Bean boots can be spotted on your rushed walk up the hill to class. It's too early to wear Uggs, but I don't hate on the girls who already started, because while my feet freeze in my converse theirs are nice and toasty. While the friendly neighborhood squirrels dart in front of our cars, people are seen driving from campus with their windows slightly down, trying to take in the last fresh blasts of air left before it gets too cold. Let us not forget the flux of artsy pictures on Instagram and the best part of fall... Big/Little reveal for sorority girls!
Sound
Leaves crackling underfoot as you walk briskly to and from class. A girl in front of you is calling her mom, crying about the midterm she just failed. I feel you, sweetie. Couples talk in hushed tones, taking up perfectly good walking space, especially when you need to get to class. Construction is an ever-present sound at URI, and now that it's getting colder they have to actually get things done before the temperature drops too far for return. The sound of people on the Quad relaxing and letting loose is slowly starting to grow quieter, only the brave can stake out the slowly dropping temperatures.
Taste
That first sip of hot apple cider on your tongue after picking pumpkins or apples with your squad that just makes you shiver with immediate pleasure. Pumpkin muffins and doughnuts are a staple for your palate and let's not forget the pumpkin spiced everything that girls everywhere cannot get enough of. We live for our nice hot coffees, and curse Dunkin' for giving us an iced coffee instead.
Touch
The nip of a cool Rhode Island wind on your face when you step out of your dorm makes it really hard to keep on walking. Those early morning classes welcome us with ice cold door handles, and even colder floors under our feet when they touch the floor in the morning. Five layers of sheets later and you forget what its like to live outside of your cocoon of a bed. Slide on that brand new Rhody swag and brace yourself, fall is here but winter is coming.
Smell
The smell of garbage that needs to be taken out is a true testament of just how lazy we get when the temperature drops below 70. Ah, the fresh smell of that new air freshener your roommate picked up masks the scent of pure laziness. By now I'm over pumpkins, bring on the familiar scent of fresh linen Febreeze. The smell of Butt nuggets on a Monday afternoon is enough to raise any students spirits, that is until you finally get to grab some and they're all gone.
