It’s raining leaves at UTSC

“For me, autumn is synonymous with pumpkin spice latte” says Jeny, a psychology student at UTSC. She shared how much it brightens her days, especially when it’s cold.

Terrace in front of  the Humanities Wing, UTSC. (Photo by: Mariam Essaouiri // The Underground)

At UTSC, autumn brings a special energy to campus life. As the days go by, the sun seems to disappear earlier and earlier. The air is crisp, the light softens and around campus, everything seems to slow down and feel cozier. The smell of coffee fills the air and everyone is seen wrapped in soft sweaters and scarfs. 

The Colors and the Atmosphere

It’s time for students to swap their summer outfits for warmer clothes! The campus is dressing itself in warm colors too. The landscape has changed its color palette to shades of red, orange, yellow and the tree leaves are flying away, making a pleasant sight for the eyes. The air is still mind, so some students are enjoying it by walking around the campus, or simply by sitting outside, admiring nature.

On campus, several places are perfect for contemplating nature. Certain places seem to be a painting. On the terrace of the Humanities Wing building, the view is pleasant. You will always find at least one person taking in the view. So at this time of year, many students take every chance to enjoy it.

Walk on the way to Science Wing at UTSC, surrounded by trees slowly turning orange. (Photo credits: UTSC Campus Life)

For a lot of them, the best way to deal with the arrival of winter is none other than the daily hot drink. Comforting, soothing but above all energizing, these drinks are a part of student’s’ daily rituals.

“For me, autumn is synonymous with pumpkin spice latte” says Jeny, a psychology student at UTSC. She shared how much it brightens her days, especially when it’s cold. For many students, a hot drink is one of the characteristics of “the autumn mood”. 

And  this mood is also reflected in the style! Even though the weather is getting colder, it's not yet time to bring out the heavy winter coats. For many, the most important thing is to be comfortable. Some talk about an “autumn aesthetic” which means for them being comfortable in all situations, whether in the way they dress or how they organize their days from studying in a cozy space, lighting candles, listening to a jazz or lo-fi playlist — certain basic elements of daily life become more comforting during this period.

Flyers on the wall of the Academic Resource Centre at UTSC. (Photo by: Mariam Essaouiri // The Underground)

Fall energy

And in a way, the whole campus lives in the “autumn aesthetic” too! In the buildings, the walls are covered with different flyers announcing activities like movie nights or cozy campus gatherings. It's often organized with this autumnal aesthetic: something cozy, in a rather comforting style. 

And at UTSC, autumn wouldn’t be complete without all the season’s traditions which bring warmth to the shortening days. For a lot of students — especially those who live far from home — these moments offer a sense of comfort and the opportunity to create shared memories. These traditions take many forms throughout the season : the Thanksgiving lunch for example, makes them feel like they are at one big family meal where students from everywhere can share food, stories and laughs.

On campus, in front of the Kina Wiiya Enadong Building. (Photo by: Mariam Essaouiri // The Underground)

Then comes the Halloween season, with its many activities, including the Halloween Haunt at Canada's Wonderland, one of the most famous amusement parks in the country. Finally, there is also the unmissable visit to the farm for the pumpkin patch and a slice of pumpkin pie, organized by the Student Union. For Sarah-Ly, a French exchange student, it was an incredible experience. At UTSC, she discovered true Canadian autumn for the first time. “I had never seen pumpkins that big! I brought one at home and cooked with it” she laughs. “I would have loved to bring it back to France”. 

But then despite all the excitement of fall traditions, and even though the campus seems peaceful and serene, a certain tension is palpable — the tension of midterms! For a lot of students, Autumn also means that exams and deadlines are on the way. So students know that as soon as they see the leaves falling, it's time to get to work.