How I romanticize the fall semester

The fall semester (September - December) is my favorite time of year on campus. Everyone is full of energy ready to start school on the right note, the campus looks welcoming and the weather is the right mix of chilly and warm. This is also a great time to absorb the TMU spirit, and witness the creative ways in which students remain engaged on campus through student groups, campus publications, street fairs, academic circles, fitness classes or a frisbee game in the quad!

This year, the fall semester is going to be the last time I get to experience this season as a student. Now in my final year of Marketing, I want to make sure I savour this season to the fullest and make the best use out of it! Here are all the things I am doing to take advantage of the fall season as a TMU student:

Going back to school after a long and relaxing summer can feel daunting. Even in my fourth year, it takes some time for me to settle into a routine and get myself back into the habit of studying and staying on top of schoolwork. I have found that by being organized from the get-go, I can prevent the panic that kicks in during midterm season. I like to put all my deadlines on a physical calendar in my room, at the beginning of each month.

Once I have a better idea of what my day, week and month looks like, I let myself have slow morning routines on days I have a more manageable workload. Since it’s fall, I like to get up early and make myself a steaming cup of chai to enjoy on my balcony. This extra calm hour in the morning energizes me for what is usually a busy day in the fall semester.

Student support services and groups are generally the most active during the start of the school year. You can often find their booths on Gould Street or in the SLC amphitheatre, where they tell new students about their services and resources. I remember finding out about International Student Support (ISS) this way during my first year and getting acquainted with the staff members, who have been very helpful over the years!

I usually browse through the ExploreTMU website at the beginning of the semester and find all sorts of TMU fall activities. There are usually pumpkin carving events held by Community Wellbeing and ISS. Some faculties also have their own events. For instance, the Faculty of Community Services is hosting the Fall Semester Hike this year where students will explore the Humber River Trail. Student groups also get in on the fun! For example, the TMU Malayalee Student Association (external link)  is planning a Murder Mystery night for Halloween this year. These events are a great way to meet like-minded people, make connections and new friends, and learn about the ways you can get involved on campus!

My favourite thing to do in the city is take in the views. There are many spots about 30-40 minutes from the TMU campus where you can walk or bike around colourful trees, such as High Park or the Harbourfront. When I feel like venturing outside the city, I like to go on trails such as the one leading up to Dundas Peak (external link) , which offers a stunning view of the fall foliage in the city. I also like to go to King City for apple picking or pumpkin carving, which gets me in the fall spirit like nothing else! 

Coming off of a hot summer, I had been waiting for the weather to get appropriate for me to enjoy my steaming hot beverages outdoors. Lucky for me, Oakham Café (external link)  on campus introduced pumpkin spice lattes on their menu right on time this year. They’re a popular spot, so I like to get there 20 minutes before if I want to grab a drink for class. However, the prices and friendly faces make it worth the wait!

I also love going to Tim Hortons and getting a London Fog or a classic Double Double. There is also the Hub Café in Jorgenson Hall or Ted’s Kitchen in the Ted Rogers School of Management, which serve up combos of muffins and coffee at affordable prices!

I’ve saved the best for last! You’d be surprised to know that TMU’s city campus has many spots where you can witness fall in its full glory. The quad is usually full of trees changing colour, and as you walk down the path or sit on the grass, you can see the leaves falling and fluttering around in the wind. As someone who didn’t experience the changing seasons so closely back home, I feel like this scene looks like something right out of a movie! 

I also love to observe the trees along Gould Street and the Nelson Mandela path. Another spot I love to go to to fully immerse myself into this season is Balzac’s Coffee Shop (external link) , also right on campus! They have a peanut butter latte which is perfect for this season. I usually take my laptop and study right on their patio, enjoying the crisp fall air. 

Sometimes, seasons can feel like they came and went in the blink of an eye. That is why I like to embrace seasonal activities and experience the transition at its fullest. Toronto makes it super easy, since you are reminded of the beauty that exists in each season no matter where you look.