Give up the overrated idea of sandy beaches, air conditioning and barbeques.

Autumn is unquestionably the best season of all.

From warm apple cider to cool afternoons, autumn is comforting to the soul. It is the time of year for friends, football, and free coffee. Summer flings turn into lasting relationships, and sunburns become a problem of the past. There is no need to worry about the humidity, or the gross bugs. Outdoor chores do not seem as dreadful, and it is the perfect temperature to study out in the fresh, open air instead of the stinky library basement. An entire day could literally consist of watching campus squirrels stuffing their faces.

Autumn is the perfect time of year to update and experiment with your closet. Pull on a heavy-knit cardigan and an irresistible beanie. Help a pair of jean shorts outlive summer with some leggings. Take a second to admire that cute girl’s new pair of leather combat boots, or compliment a friend on his striped scarf. Layer your favorite flannel with a cozy sweater.

Buy something you thought you would never wear before.

Change is always good for you, and self-esteem is just as important in the fall as it is during the summer.

Halloween is just around the corner and the best part is that it is on a Saturday this year. Use that weekend to reconnect with old friends back home or to make new ones on campus. Have a Harry Potter themed costume party and watch all of the movies in one night. (Be safe and drink butterbeer).

Take a hike (pun intended) and support WAE’s Outdoor Challenge. It is a good way to get some fresh air. Plus, if you join the challenge, you can help Wilkes compete for a grand prize of $10,000. If you are not into the outdoors, purchase $3 movie tickets in the SUB for the theatre, and take a night off from studying for midterms. Participate in the university Programming Board’s Freak Week. Campus-life has so much to offer, and the possibilities are infinite. Do not stay cooped up in your dorm room watching Sherlock on Netflix. Go out and explore.

Not only is autumn full of excitement and fun, but it is also stunning. There is a beautiful irony in the vibrant death of our surroundings. Fifty shades of green transpose into endless and dramatic arrays of plum, scarlet and gold. The birds whistle their final tunes before flying south for the bitter winter.

Flowers wither slowly to kiss the dry ground, and trees bare their long, naked arms. The sound of leaves crunching beneath the rushed step of a person walking by reminds us of how unsettling silence can be. Nature seems so vivid and alive; however, it is preparing to say goodbye until the first sign of spring.

Autumn does not last very long, so do not take it for granted.

Jump into something different…including a pile of leaves. Do not waste a minute because winter will turn its cold shoulder before you know it.