As fall begins and the 90-degree sunshine beats down on my horrifically frizzy hair, (thank you humidity) I can’t help but miss the days when I used to live in Chicago. By now the leaves would begin to change, the days grow cooler, and my fall wardrobe would be in full swing this time of year.

While summer year round doesn’t sound too bad mid February when you’re dreading leaving the house because it hurts to breathe the air outside, it is definitely not something worth losing fall over! As I begin my third year living in Florida, these are the things I miss most about the fall this season.

1.Drinking Hot Coffee Without Sweating

Hot Coffee, hot apple cider, hot tea, you name it! While these warm autumn drinks are the perfect way to warm up your hands on the trip to class, I doubt you will need any as you walk in flip flops and shorts. Good thing PSL is offered as iced!

2.Wearing fall apparel because it’s actually cold outside

Riding boots? Beanies? LEATHER JACKETS!? Yep, all my favorites conveniently located in my mom’s closet because the only time I’ll need to wear such a thing is when I visit back home for the holidays. If you’re lucky there’s MAYBE a good two weeks of 50-degree weather where if you’re only outside for 10 minutes or less you might actually feel comfortable in layers of hoodies and fuzzy socks. Better keep up with that beach bod this holiday season because crop tops are still in full swing!

3.Being able to run outside without the increased risk of heat stroke

Who doesn’t enjoy a nice jog? Regardless of whether or not you’re a track star or just someone looking to get in shape, running is a great way to exercise. Unfortunately, the intense heat and humidity of Florida prevents runners from going outdoors. You better get used to the wall in front of your treadmill, because that’s likely to be the only scenery you’ll be experiencing.

4. Bonfires

to keep cozy

Growing up, bonfires were the highlight to any weekend get-together. Roasting marshmallows and enjoying the hot fire while wrapped up in a blanket was the perfect environment to chill with some friends. The vibe created by a simple fire in a cozy atmosphere was the ideal fall hangout

5.The scenery and environment

Believe me, the beaches, palm trees, and bikini filled Instagram posts will make any of your friends up north this season jealous of your home. While Florida has this beautiful tropical image attached to it, I promise you it gets old. I miss the sound of my boots as they crunched between leaves on the sidewalk, the majestic colors as they trickled down the trees, and the crisp smell of autumn in the air.

If you have never experienced the beauty of the leaves changing colors, it is a breath-taking site to see.

So while moving down to Florida for college may have been one of the greatest decisions I've ever made, there truly is nothing quite like home when it comes to the fall season.