Autumnal activities on campus

During these long months, we tend to fall into a monotonous routine of waking up, going to class, heading home, and going to bed. Yet, who can blame us? When it gets darker earlier and colder more often, a warm house and your favourite Netflix show can become extremely attractive. However, with the beautiful colours of the leaves and the crisp air, I would strongly advise you not to rot inside during these darker months. We can easily romanticise the autumn season with a few small activities and use what the University campus has to offer. Romanticising autumn makes us look for the beauty in more minor activities, which we should implement all year round.

One thing most Warwick University students have in common is their love for coffee. Warwick campus does not shy away from providing cosy cafes where we can study or hang out during the colder months. One of my favourites is Curiousitea, located in the Student Union, where they provide a range of hot drinks and heated meals to keep us warm. With the aesthetic designs and affordable prices, this is a perfect activity to get you and your friends out of the house and chatting in a cosy, autumnal environment. Another favourite is the Social Sciences Café, which has stunning latte art and friendly staff. This is another easy option, especially if you want somewhere to study between lectures.

Autumn has a unique beauty, with gorgeous colours and an occasional blue sky, which should not be wasted

Moving away from wholesome hot drinks, another affordable option during autumn is a trip to the Dirty Duck for a cosy pub meal or a cheeky pint at the end of a long day. With fairy lights for outdoor lighting and the classic ‘British Pub’ atmosphere, the Dirty Duck offers a chance to socialise while still feeling the autumnal aesthetic. I would also recommend joining the ‘Cleverducks Quiz’, at 9pm every Thursday. Whether you want to show off your random knowledge to your housemates or need an excuse to get out of the house and have a little drink, this pub quiz will get you and your friends counting down the days until next Thursday. Just because autumn has many wholesome activities, we can still go out for drinks in the evening.

If food and drink does not appeal to you, Warwick Arts Centre offers the option of going to the cinema without the long, dark journey to Leamington or Coventry. The cinema shows a variety of films, including many films that are no longer available to watch in Vue Cinema or the Odeon. You can buy snacks or cookies in Rootes and enjoy a classic film in the cinema. Alone or with friends, this sounds like a necessary, cosy activity to unwind after a long day at university.

Although there aren’t the same number of activities as summer, much of the autumn season is about slowing down, nourishing ourselves and resting

Despite the colder weather, engaging in alternative indoor activities doesn’t mean staying indoors is the only choice. Being able to put on cosy scarves, mittens, and fluffy boots is half the fun of the colder months, so we must make the most of this by going on autumnal walks. Taking a stroll around Lakeside or romanticising your weekly walk to Cannon Park Shopping Centre is a great activity. Autumn has a unique beauty, with gorgeous colours and an occasional blue sky, which should not be wasted. This will also provide several benefits to your mood and daily activity. Our motivation and mood levels tend to be something we struggle with as we move towards December. So, play your ‘autumn girl’ playlist on Spotify, put on your knitted jumpers and appreciate what autumn has to offer.

Although there aren’t the same number of activities as summer, much of the autumn season is about slowing down, nourishing ourselves, and resting. So, do not stress if you struggle to leave the house every morning. Instead, try to do one or two small weekly activities incorporating the autumn season. There are many opportunities, such as Christmas songs and hot chocolates, just around the corner.