The fall in Kansas. The air cools down after months of humid heat, the trees around campus turn fiery shades of orange and red, and everything from coffee shops to classrooms seems to lean into a little bit of a cozier rhythm. It’s also the season where traditions and seasonal events take over, with pumpkin patches and spooky Halloween nights.
Of course the deviating fall weather means that there’s going to be times when you don’t want to go out, and cozying up in your dorm or living room is going to be the order of the day. And why not? Now more than ever we have access to a million and one things to keep boredom at bay.
If you’re a gamer, there’s literally thousands of titles to choose from, whatever your preferred platform. These sometimes don’t come cheap, though, which is just one reason why iGaming has become so popular in recent years. You don’t need to place big wagers, that’s what makes it so affordable. There’s also very often sign up offers and free bonuses which help you to keep costs down, too. The casinos that you will see here offer a host of games and speedy withdrawals, so if you are lucky enough to win a game or two, you don’t need to wait around for your winnings.
If, however, a digital detox day is in order, grab a book. If you’ve been studying hard, reading might not always feel like the best ways to relax and cozy up when the leaves the falling outside, but jumping into a digestible, fun fiction book could be the way to go. Even half an hour of reading something light can make a difference when you want to take your mind off assignments or tests.
There’s also a lot to be said for soothing your inner child. While many a self help book will tout the importance and significance on our mental health of doing so, it doesn’t have to be difficult. And it can be done indoors. Something as simple as making a hot chocolate and cuddling up with your pet or a warm blanket can do wonders for the little voice inside of you. Were you obsessed with LEGO as a child? Although a little expensive for many students, building things is the perfect mindful experience. You might also want to try doodling, coloring, or even watching an old childhood cartoon – you’d be surprised how many of these have stood the test of time well.
Journaling can also be super fun and relaxing. Creating stories centred around you and your crazy sophomore nights might also bring you a few laughs and potentially a bit of a cringe, too. And if journaling feels too structured, even jotting down a list of things you’re grateful for that week can help set the tone for a calmer mind.
When you do feel like stepping outdoors, Kansas offers plenty of autumn gems. Manhattan, Kansas, better known as The Little Apple, might not have the skyscrapers of New York’s Manhattan, but it definitely delivers its own kind of magic once the leaves begin to turn. The Konza Prairie is super breathtaking in October, with tallgrass glowing gold and endless skies overhead. A short hike there is an easy way to reset after a long week. Closer to campus, though, is City Park which is an absolute must-go-to for photos, picnics, or just simple people-watching while wrapped in a scarf and oversized comfy coat
Pumpkin season is in full swing, too. Britt’s Garden Acres remains the local favourite for picking pumpkins, barn parties and some of the best seasonal treats ever. Just a drive away, Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch opens in September with live music and pig races. Baldwin City’s Maple Leaf Festival in mid-October is another must-see, combining food stalls, craft vendors, and colorful parades beneath maple trees. Autumn coziness at its finest!
And then, of course, there’s Halloween. In 2025, students can expect Aggieville to transform into a festival of costumes, themed bar nights, and plenty of opportunities to show off your creativity. Guided ghost tours add more fun and scares, mixing eerie stories with local history. For those craving something scarier, Field of Screams near Wichita or Kansas City’s Exiled Trail of Terror provide will likely provide more than enough adrenaline to last until finals. Then on campus, look out for smaller events like Halloween bake sales and film marathons make it easy to celebrate without straying too far from your dorm.
Even everyday moments can feel special in fall. Watching a Kansas State football game with friends, either in the stands or just streaming from your couch, brings people together in a way that perfectly fits the season. Coffee shops across town roll out pumpkin-spiced everything, too, giving you a reason to swap your usual order for something a little more fall-y. And sometimes the best plan is the simplest: a blanket, a candle, and a playlist of your favourite autumn songs.
So, whether you’re looking for excitement or stillness, fall in Kansas really does gives you both. Stay inside and game, read, or relax. Step outside and embrace pumpkin patches, festivals, and Halloween thrills. The season is short, but it’s also one of the most memorable times of the year, so ensure you make the most of it!