A guide to romanticizing the fall semester at Ohio State

Siena Kessler
Tue, 25 Aug 2026 03:02:58 +0000
Arts & Life, Instagram Page, News, apple, autumn, chai, Cinnamon, coffee, coffee shop, Columbus, Cozy, fall, Fall Clothes, Fall Drink, Fall Menu, Fall Playlist, Fall Wardrobe, Football, game day, Game Day Outfit, Gilmore girls, jeans, Ohio Stadium, ohio state, ohio state football, Ohio State Gear, Old Show, pumpkin, Starbucks, Starbucks Fall Menu, students, sweaters [and 3 more]

Fans enjoy the Rotunda outside of Ohio Stadium. Credit: Sandra Fu | Lantern File Photo.

The fall semester has officially arrived on Ohio State’s campus, and so has the unofficial season of oversized sweaters, pumpkin-flavored drinks and watching “Gilmore Girls” until way too late into the night.

Read on for plenty of ways to make an everyday routine feel a bit more like a fall movie as classes pick up and the weather cools down.

Curate a no-skip fall-themed playlist?

When walking to class and seeing the trees changing color, it is essential to have the perfect soundtrack to accompany it. To commemorate the season, put together a playlist of nostalgic favorites or anything that fits the season on the way to class — from folk to country or alternative selections.?

Listen while studying at a coffee shop, getting ready in the morning or while making your way across the Oval — a solid fall playlist can make a walk to an 8 a.m. lecture feel just a bit more cinematic. Whether it is a collection of classics or a new lineup, curating a seasonal playlist can become the soundtrack to a new semester.

Bring out the sweaters

Autumn? — often better known as the season of sweater weather — would not be complete without an oversized cardigan or comfy turtleneck. As the weather cools down, pull out cozy sweaters, denim jackets and trench coats, and pair them with boots or a scarf. There is no such thing as too many layers.

Find your new fall drink

Pumpkin spice season is back and better than ever. Order a pumpkin, cinnamon or chai-flavored drink and use the start of the semester as an excuse to try something new.?

Starbucks is set to release its annual fall lineup Tuesday, with classics such as the Pumpkin Spice Latte, and new recipes, like a cider-inspired chai tea, on the menu, according to the website.? Local coffee shops around campus also offer seasonal options worth exploring. Finding a signature drink that fits the vibes of the season is a perfect beginning of the semester tradition.

Take photos in the fall foliage

Grab a few friends and take advantage of the scenery on campus while the leaves are changing colors. Head to the Oval, Mirror Lake or Ohio Stadium to capture photos while the foliage is at its peak. Wear your favorite fall attire and pack your camera while spending time enjoying the fresh air.

Go thrifting for your fall wardrobe

The start of a new school year is a great excuse to refresh your wardrobe without overspending. Columbus thrift and vintage stores offer everything from sweaters and denim to seasonal accessories. Around campus, Clothing Underground, located at 1652 N. High St., and Flower Child Vintage, located at 233 E. 5th Ave., are both options for students looking for vintage clothing selections and repurposed Ohio State gear. Both stores are constantly updating their stock and preparing students for the most beloved fall activity: game day.?

Attend a Buckeyes football game

Once the fall wardrobe is ready, it is time to put it to use. Head to Ohio Stadium with friends for a Buckeyes football game and take in one of the biggest traditions of the fall semester.?

Game days are your chance to break out your Ohio State gear and spend a Saturday appreciating the fall weather. Add a jacket, jeans and boots to your game day outfit for the first game of the season at Ohio Stadium — the Buckeyes will play the Ball State Cardinals on Sept. 5 at 12:30 p.m.

Have cozy TV night every night

Fall television favorites will always lean heavily into the nostalgia of older shows. There is something special about curling up in your pajamas — hot chocolate or warm tea in hand — and watching “Gilmore Girls” when there’s a chill in the air.?

Make your evenings a little cozier with a comfort show of choice. Whether you are taking a trip to Stars Hollow or getting invested in “The Vampire Diaries” once again, fall is the perfect season to binge watch.