Safe ways for students to participate in fall activities

Written By Tia Bailey, Co-Features/A&E Editor

It’s officially fall, and October is here. Normally it would be time to go hard for the season, but due to the coronavirus, many events have been canceled. 

 

Celebrating the holidays during a pandemic as we usually do may not be possible, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t ways you can safely celebrate on your own or with your roommates. 

 

Coffeeshops: One of the best parts of fall is the pumpkin coffee. Pittsburgh has some great coffee shops, both chains and small businesses, so a coffee tour of all the fall flavors would be a great way to get out but stay socially distanced. Starbucks’ Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is a personal favorite. 

 

Movie marathons: Whether you’re a scary movie fan or just like the vibes of fall, there are movies for you. Get together with your roommates and binge Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween, or watch all the Thanksgiving episodes of Friends. There are many movies and shows that fit the criteria. 

 

Baking competition: Pinterest is always bursting with cute Halloween recipes, with everything from witch hat cupcakes to marshmallow mummies. You and your roommates can have a competition to see who makes the best Pinterest recipe and keep it fall-themed. 

 

Decorate: Turn your house or apartment into a haunted house if you please, or make it look straight out of a Pinterest board. Either way, it will take time and be a bonding experience for you and your family or roommates, and you can make a day of it. 

 

Pumpkin carving and painting: This is a classic, and although it may not be the same as going out to an actual pumpkin patch and making a day of that, carving or painting pumpkins is still a fun and nostalgic way to celebrate the season. 

 

Photoshoot: Decorate your space for autumn, set up some string lights and fake leaves and take out your camera. Fall colors always make for some great photos, and it will make for a festive Instagram feed.

 

Hike: Before it gets too cold, go on a hike and take in all the orange, red and yellow leaves. This is a good chance to get some fresh air and spend time outside before it’s too chilly to be out. This would be another prime time to take photos of the scenery.