Six cozy ways to chill out this fall semester

The Fall Bucket List for this UHCL Student

September 22, 2025 marks the first day of Fall and, now that we’ve successfully eased into this new Fall semester, the reality is that for some, summer break ending and returning back to due dates and study sessions doesn’t sound so comforting.

But perhaps the Fall season, that’s often accompanied by warm sweaters, cozy beverages, and lots of festivities, can bring forth some relief. Because of this, I’ve curated a Fall bucket list for my fellow Hawks to embrace this semester that can hopefully make writing papers and completing projects as cozy as your favorite pumpkin beverage.

1. Let’s start the list off by grabbing a beverage that surely keeps students awake any time of day while working on assignments. Many coffee shops (mostly big chains) have already released their Fall menu. Dutch Bros started the wave by announcing their famous Caramel Pumpkin Brǔlée and Cookie Butter! Days later, Starbucks also released their Pumpkin Spice Lattes. A smaller coffee chain, Summer Moon, will also be releasing their Fall drinks in the following days.

2. There’s no better way to treat yourself after submitting an assignment than a literal treat…a sweet treat! Let’s take a moment to breathe in the sweet smell of pumpkin and apple pie. Whether it’s stopping by your local bakery or even baking your own treats, the taste of the season will surely be a reward for your hard work.

3. With a busy schedule full of deadlines and due dates, let’s take a break to add carving or painting pumpkins to the list! Set a date on the weekend to celebrate the change of weather and holidays that follow. Put the studying on pause and let your creative side take over with friends and family (perhaps while sipping on a delicious cup of apple cider).

4. Creating a cozy space in your home or room can definitely improve your mood when working on assignments. A great way to start is by lighting Fall scented candles. Finish up the look with a few, fun, decorative pumpkins or colored leaves!

5. Start a new series! Take a break by watching a Fall themed show. Some of the best being: Gilmore Girls, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Stranger Things, Wednesday, The Haunting of Hill House, Pretty Little Liars, and Supernatural!

6. Time flies, so let’s make this semester worth remembering by driving to the nearest Pumpkin Patch and having a mini photoshoot with friends. Some of the closest pumpkin patches near the Houston area will be:

Froberg’s Farm

(3601 Hwy 6, Alvin, Texas 77511)

Pasadena Pumpkin Patch

(306 Llano St., Pasadena, Texas 77504)

Old MacDonald’s Farm

(3203 Farm to Market 1960 Rd. E, Humble, Texas 77338)

P-6 Farms

9/27/2025-11/2/2025

(9963 Pooles Rd., Montgomery, Texas 77356)

Dewberry Farm

9/13/2025-11/9/2025

(7705 FM 362, Brookshire, Texas 77423)