Let's face it, the fall is always associated with the sadness or happiness, depending on who you are, of going back to school. It is a reminder that you'll be in school again, slowly losing your soul to essays and exams. Despite this, there are so many wonderful things about fall term at Union, so here are some of them.

1. Going Back to School (not the studying/homework part)

While the thought of homework and exams are terrifying, there's just something so wonderful about reuniting with you friends after a long summer apart, and catching up on all the missed life events and shenanigans you all were up to during the past couple months. Who doesn't love chilling outside the Nott in perfect autumn weather with their friends!

2. Apple Everything

Fall is apple season, and who doesn't love apples whether it's the fruit itself, apple pie, apple cider, cider donuts, and more! There are so many great apple orchards within short driving distance of campus. Bowman Orchards in Rexford is a short drive from campus with an amazing selection of apples, adorable farm store, and some on point cider donuts!

3. The Schenectady Green Market

While it may be small, the Schenectady Green Market is nothing short of magical with a vibrant selection of restaurant stands, fruits, vegetables, and more! With the weather cooling down, it's the perfect time of the year to make the short walk over and embrace the joy that is the farmers market. Note, it's around all year but outdoors from May through the end of October, and inside Proctors the rest of the year.

4. The Weather

As wonderful as summer is, nothing beats fall weather in Capital region. It's the perfect combination of sun and coolness. You're not sweating too much. Sweaters and leggings are back to being acceptable attire for the weather. Take this opportunity to head downtown, make the short drive to Albany or Saratoga springs for a day of exploring, or to the great outdoors to embrace the nature lover inside.

5. Being Outdoors

Upstate New York is incredibly beautiful in terms of the great outdoors with the Adirondacks, Catskills, and Shawangunks calling it home. Whether it's hiking, biking or climbing, all of these beautiful places are within a 4 hour drive from campus if you're eager for an adventure a little further from campus. If you want to stay in the area, Plotterkill Preserve is an incredibly beautiful area with great hiking and beauty close to campus. My personal favorite is heading out to the Shawangunks for some rock climbing.

While the thought of homework, essays and exams may cause a deep feeling of dread in you when thinking about fall term at the U, just remember that Schenectady, and upstate NY as a whole have so much to offer if you're ever feeling sad, bored, or simply don't know what to do with yourself.