Picture yourself in a fluffy warm sweater, savoring the Starbuck Apple Cinnamon Chai, just to go home and enjoy it next to the fireplace as you watch the leaves transition from green to a dance of reds and oranges. These captivating scenes seem to wrap students up in warmth and serenity, making them excited for the start of fall. As it nears the end of September, it seems that everyone is anxiously anticipating the start of fall, especially on social media. As you scroll through your TikTok For -You -Page, an abundance of TikToks cascade your screen, each one depicting photos promoting the fall aesthetic, often accompanied by audios with moody music and nostalgic voiceovers from shows such as “Gilmore Girls.” These photos conjure up mental images of the season’s beloved trademarks- red splattered leaves, apple picking, warm blankets and pumpkin pie.   

But, what is it about fall that makes students so excited for its arrival?

One reason behind why individuals may feel drawn towards the autumn aesthetic is because autumn brings comfort through appealing to our physical senses, one of these senses being touch.

“When you look at fall clothing, fall clothing is typically bigger, baggier, and softer,” said Erin Fratella, AP Psychology teacher. “It’s made with fuzzier materials, it’s going to feel more comfortable on our skin.”

Due to the cooler weather, people tend to wear bigger and warmer clothes, which in turn make  them feel more comfortable, making them more inclined to enjoy fall. 

Fall also appeals to the sense of sight. Often when people picture fall, they visualize images of fall foliage; earthy reds, bright oranges, and dark brown leaves slowly falling from trees, crunching under the heels of their shoes as they walk. These visual images can promote a calming effect. 

“Fall is typically comprised of warm tones,” Fratella said. “Warm tones promote relaxation, so it kind of just tells the brain to calm down.”

The warm colors of fall, merged with the cozy atmosphere, seems to signal a time for rest and relaxation. 

“[Fall] brings more of a low energy,” said Hannah Kabat, art teacher. “Think about being at home, under a blanket, watching TV, fireplace, soup, warm drinks, that kind of thing.”

Another sensual factor which may contribute to why people love fall is its unique flavor and aroma. 

“Food that we like in fall are particularly strong,” Fratella said. “Things that are only available in fall, like apples, pumpkins, and the spices that go with those things are very strong… it makes a bigger difference compared to salads which are only available during the summer as [salads] aren’t as strong [in flavor].”

The association of these warm and rich flavors with the fall season enhances the sensory experience, making fall feel more distinct compared to other seasons. For many students, these fall flavors are something to savor.

“I feel like pumpkin spice is very fall-y,” said Maha Jaber, junior. “I really love pumpkin, like pumpkin lattes and pumpkin bread.”

Beyond the unique sensory experiences, there are also scientific reasons behind why fall brings comfort to individuals as well. In fact, astronomy may play a role in how fall brings us comfort. 

“Because of the angle of the sun, the days look a little softer or fuzzier than the clarity of summer when the sun is directly overhead,” Fratella said. 

Another scientific explanation behind the comfort of fall is that biologically, cooler weather elicits more positive emotions in people. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that when physically experiencing cooler weather, individuals are more likely to seek “psychological warmth” by watching films like romantic movies. This trend can be observed among the student body as well.

“I love watching movies and shows like ‘Gilmore Girls’ and “10 Things I Hate About You” during autumn,’” said Hannah Fang, senior. “They make me feel so cozy.

Cooler weather makes people feel more clear headed, according to Wonderopolis As the temperature cools down, the amount of water vapor in the air is reduced, making it less humid. Cold air also causes the layers of the atmosphere to become more likely to mix. Consequently, this reduces pollution and makes air easier to breathe. Both of these factors make fall air feel more “crisp”, and breathing in crisp air seems to make people feel more clear-headed and creative.

“During the fall, I like to go for long walks with my dog because the trees get all pretty and the air is so crisp,” said Abby McCarthy, junior. “It’s the perfect temperature out.”

The start of fall doesn’t only clear the air, but also acts as a natural transition, as fall coincides with the start of a new school year. According to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a psychologist and founder of Comprehend the Mind, a company which provides neuropsychological assessments, during the summer people are often traveling and have unpredictable routines. However, once school starts, people begin to resume their normal everyday routines. Thus, this new start allows for people to feel a sense of comfort as they resume their old routines. 

“Our brain perceives fall as the bigger break compared to spring,” Fratella said. “[Fall] really is, mentally, this big separation from summer. Fall is also the beginning of new routines…Whether you are in school yourself or a teacher or a parent, routines really start again.” 

For many students, the beginning of the holiday season is a reason to find comfort and treasure spending beloved time with their family. 

“[Fall] also begins the holiday season, which brings a lot of social gatherings, whether it’s football or Halloween or Thanksgiving,” Fratella said. “It all seems to begin as the weather begins to change.”

Freshman student Dhiti Boggaram said she agrees with this statement.

“I love fall because it’s a time and place when I’m surrounded by family, like at Thanksgiving,” Boggaram said.

The holiday season is a time to spend with friends as well.

“I love to go to the pumpkin patch with my friends and plan Halloween costumes with them,” Fang said. “Afterwards, I love to carve the pumpkins with my friends and we use the rest to make pumpkin pie, which my mom usually makes but I help mix things.”

While students are excited to carry out future plans of fall activities with their friends, looking to the past may also be a reason behind why fall brings comfort to us. Fall can evoke sentimental feelings from many individuals. According to Dr. Amy-Jane Griffiths, a licensed psychologist and Assistant Director of the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor at Chapman University, many individuals embrace fall because seasons with cooler weather are often associated with past memories and traditions that remind one of happier times, and individuals often find comfort in traditions and predictability. 

“Whether it’s the activity itself or what you’re eating or smelling, whether it’s a candle or something you cook, it can bring back the nostalgia of the particularly fun childhood activities that would happen during those times,” Fratella said.

For many students some of the most exciting aspect about fall is the yearly traditions which students partake in with their friends and family. 

“One of my favorite things about fall is that I always start the season by going shopping with my sister,” said Sakina Akbar, senior. “We go to buy new wardrobes and room decor which is seasonally themed, and I look forward to it every year.”

As students get deeper into fall, and the leaves turn colors and the days get shorter, they remember to find comfort in the season through partaking in the classic fall activities. Whether it’s apple picking, trick-or-treating, baking fall goods, or wearing warm sweaters, students embrace these moments as opportunities to savor the unique joys of autumn.