The leaves are changing, a chill is in the air, and the taste pumpkin spice adorns pretty much everything. We’ve finally made it to October, which is personally my favorite month of the year. Seeing as it’s the beginning of the month, I’d thought it’d be a good idea to come up with a few tips on how to enjoy the prime of autumn before everything turns to peppermint and evergreen.

1. Go Get Yourself Some Fall Food.

It doesn’t have to be a pumpkin spice latte. My favorite fall food are the freshly fried cinnamon sugar doughnuts that are sold near the pumpkin patch my family goes to. If donuts aren’t your thing, maybe go for the roasted pumpkin seed, baked acorn squash, or a freshly picked apple

2. Make Yourself a Fall Playlist Full of New Songs

It’s a new month, so now may be a good time to mix up your music selection. Bonus points if the music makes you reminisce of golden sunsets and changing leaves. A few songs on my list are The Piano Duet from Corpse Bride and Leaves That Are Green by Simon and Garfunkel.

3. Take a Walk and Crunch as Many Leaves as Possible

Autumn is such a great time to go for walks; there aren’t many bugs, it’s not too hot, and you get that lovely crunching sound as you wade though fallen leaves.

4. Reorganize

Since you’ve been at school for at least a month, now is a good time to look at yourself and make sure you’re on track for the rest of the semester. You might want to get your schedule in order, create a study plan, or get caught up on homework. Now that you know what your classes are going to be like, it’s a good idea to reevaluate how you’re doing in your schoolwork while it’s still early in the semester.

5. Watch a Scary Movie

Even if horror isn’t your thing, now may be a good time to try watching some of the classics, such as The Shining, Poltergeist, or Children of the Corn. Maybe even try a more modern film like Blink or Housebound (both are on Netflix, both are terrifying, both are amazing, watch them if you dare).

6. Wear the Biggest Sweater You Can Find

I love cuddly sweaters. After wearing tank tops all summer, there is nothing better than putting on that first oversized knitted wonder. Be proud sweaters, you are a superior piece of clothing.

7. Read a Book Outside.

Reading a good book out in the open is such a peaceful and relaxing experience, and it may be a while before it is warm enough to do so again. If you really want to get into the spooky October spirit try reading some Stephen King or Agatha Christie. Best enjoyed wearing a large sweater, listening to your fall playlist, and drinking something hot and possibly pumpkiny.