Fall is upon us. It's time to start bundling up, watch the fall colors bloom, and enjoy bearable weather before the snow hits. Although fall isn't my favorite season, it's better to be an optimist and see the bright side of everything. Here are my favorite things about fall!

1. Cider mill doughnuts.

Cider mill doughnuts are a fan-favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The cinnamon sugar/spiced are WAY better than the plain. They're only here once a year, so gobble them up before they're gone! If you don't like cider mill doughnuts, you're missing out and I don't think we can be friends.

2. Anything Halloween-themed is acceptable.

Halloween movies start streaming, including classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas, Beetlejuice, Corpse Bride, and endless amounts of horror movies. People start decorating their houses/apartments. Halloween stores are up and running, and everyone starts discussing costume ideas. Don't forget about being able to binge-eat absurd amounts of candy without being judged for it.

3. Fall fashion. Enough said.

Fall fashion is absolutely amazing. Jackets, beanies, sweaters, boots - I love it all. You can keep warm and still look like you stepped out of an episode of Gossip Girl. It's every girl's dream; you don't have to worry about shaving if you don't want to since you're wearing pants most of the time.

4. The color change is breathtaking.

When fall is in full bloom, the colors are absolutely vibrant. Michigan State is the best place to witness the seasons change. It makes walking to class so much more bearable. Being surrounded by nature helps de-clutter the mind, and can make you forget about your worries for just a short amount of time.

5. Hot coffee.

I am a coffee enthusiast year-round, but my favorite is when it's served hot. There's something about keeping your hands warm holding a cup of coffee when it is cold outside. It's pleasing to watch the steam rise up into the air. The flavors seem to be enhanced, and the taste touches your soul a little deeper. Step aside iced drinks, hot coffee is in town and here to stay!

6. Everything about Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is an underrated holiday. You get five days off to spend time with family, watch parades on TV, sleep in, and then you get an excuse to be a glutton. Family is important, and Thanksgiving is a reminder to appreciate what makes you happy. My absolute favorite foods are mashed potatoes and stuffing, and you're bound to see me first to the table to start eating after grace. Plus, there's always leftovers.

7. American Horror Story is back.

My absolute favorite show comes back every fall, and you bet you'll catch me watching every new episode on the day it airs every week. American Horror Story is so complex, and the actors are incredibly talented. The ideas are so original, and it is a bit gory, so if you don't like blood, it's not the show for you. I've been a devoted fan, but I feel awful because I haven't been able to keep up with this season due to no access to it.

8. Hayride is so much fun.

Hayride is an annual event that I do with my sorority, and other clubs or Greek organizations participate in it. You decorate jugs, and hang out in the middle of a corn field with a huge bonfire with a bunch of music. You can go solo or bring a date. It's a night to act silly with friends and forget about the world.

9. Gameday is a must.

Home football game days are the best. They're the most fun days and I always look forward to them every weekend. It's awesome getting to dress up and root for the home team. Michigan State is the number one spot for game day, whether you're at the game or tailgating, you're bound to have the time of your life.

10. My birthday is finally here!

Yes, I'm a fall baby. Being a November birthday is hard because you're likely to be younger than most people in your grade, and the wait feels longer for your birthday to arrive. This birthday is a special one since it's my golden birthday, and it's perfectly aligned to break up the holidays!

Like I said before, fall isn't my favorite, but it's still an awesome time of year. Happy fall, everyone!