As you’re walking across campus, a single yellow leaf spirals from its perch to land in your hair. A sudden realization hits – autumn is fast approaching.

That’s right kids, the season of short skirts and water balloon fights is coming to an end. School has been in session for a month already and the colder weather is starting to catch on.

But before you all curl up in a corner and whimper about fall, just consider all the fun things that come with it:

Leaves, leaves and more leaves. Those trees just look beautiful when the leaves turn gorgeous shades of red, orange and yellow in the fall. Even better? When they fall off, you have a giant pile to jump in. Sure, this means raking them first (and after, sadly), but it’s totally worth it. Besides, as the weather cools down, the idea of lawn mowing kind of drops off the side of the earth, thankfully.

On that note of thanks, let’s remember that fall is filled with holidays (which are accompanied by food).

First comes Halloween, when you can dress up and scare kids if you so wish and not get criticized for it. Ooh, and it’s the one day of the year you can do more than accept candy from strangers, you’re even allowed to travel from house to house, begging for it.

After that is Thanksgiving, where all the amazing food comes in. Feel free to gorge yourself on your grandmother’s delicious mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.

Warm, cuddly things and warm, cuddly people. It’s the season to pull out those fuzzy boots, warm scarves and soft sweaters! That’s right, college students know how to pull off fall clothing in style.

Watching a scary movie in time for Halloween? The colder weather is the perfect excuse to snuggle up to the cutie sitting next to you. See? Fall isn’t so bad now that you recognize all the perks that come with it.

Breezy air. Mmm, the wind feels especially refreshing after a hot summer, does it not? However, it’s not cold to the point that you’re bundled up in four winter coats at once. It’s the perfect weather to go for a leisurely walk in the park. Just take a minute to enjoy the autumn scenery and let the breeze run through your hair.

Hot chocolate. I think we all agree this one is important enough to have it’s own section of dedication. It just didn’t feel right to mush it in the paragraph along with the mashed potatoes, y’know? A sip of delicious hot chocolate is absolute perfection, the perfect cure to any long day. It’s like ambrosia for humans, yeah?

Fall comes with all these wonderful things. So instead of sulking, get out and enjoy the weather. Start thinking about that Halloween costume. Rake leaves for your elderly neighbor! Better yet, run to the store to stock up on your hot cocoa supply and bring some delicious, chocolatey cups of heaven to your friends.