As the crisp air settles in and the leaves begin to change, college students often find themselves swept up into the charm of fall — but what is it about this season that creates such a frenzy on campus?

Part of the fall’s allure is the specific sensory experiences tied to the season. It has a special charm that specifically appeals to our sense of nostalgia. Rituals like the warmth of cozy clothing, the smell of fallen leaves and the taste of our favorite pumpkin-spiced drinks trigger feelings of comfort.

Nostalgia is more than just a warm feeling: Psychologists point out it can improve mood, boost social connection and even reduce stress during transitions.

A study found that nostalgia helps protect psychological well-being when people feel time is limited, meaning those fall rituals may do more than feel cozy — they might stabilize mood during big transitions. Psychologist Lee Chambers said the fall season often encourages individuals to seek out activities that promote well-being and stability.

Researchers also suggest autumn functions as a “temporal landmark” — a seasonal marker that, like New Year’s Day, prompts reflection and goal-setting. In this way, the rhythms of fall offer both comfort and a sense of fresh beginnings, which resonate deeply with students navigating the uncertainties of academic life.

The portrayal of autumn within pop culture also tends to amplify this tendency. Television series like “Gilmore Girls” have practically become synonymous with fall, and the show’s cozy New England town has become the setting for countless rewatches when the weather begins to cool down. The “Harry Potter” films, full of gothic libraries and candlelit dining halls, resurface as a comfort viewing for many, while movies like “When Harry Met Sally” capture autumn in New York.

On TikTok, the “dark academia” aesthetic — moody libraries, tweed blazers and rainy study sessions — has racked up millions of posts showcasing students lighting candles, curating fall playlists or romanticizing walks through leaf-strewn streets.

Media and social platforms, then, don’t just reflect autumn’s charm — they actively shape how students experience it. These portrayals emphasize themes like academic pursuit and cozy gatherings, aligning with students’ desires for connection and meaning during the semester.

Beyond media and aesthetics, food culture plays a major role in why students romanticize fall. Seasonal flavors — especially pumpkin, apple and cinnamon — dominate menus across campus cafés and national chains, turning even a routine coffee run into a fall ritual.

Starbucks reported the pumpkin spice latte is its best-selling seasonal drink of all time, with over hundreds of millions sold since its launch in 2003. Local bakeries and dining halls have also followed suit, offering cider doughnuts, pumpkin muffins and apple crisps that feed into the seasonal hype. Even some Boston University dining halls have offered fall-flavored desserts at times.

Psychologists suggest food rituals are powerful because they combine sensory pleasure with social bonding. Participating in food traditions strengthens feelings of belonging and shared identity, which may explain why grabbing a pumpkin latte with friends feels more meaningful than just a regular boost of caffeine.

For students far from home, these flavors can also ease homesickness, providing a taste of family holidays and traditions. In this way, fall food is more than just a trend — it actually becomes an edible form of comfort, nostalgia and community.

Of course, not every student greets fall with enthusiasm. For some, shorter days and longer nights can be a factor behind seasonal affective disorder, a condition that worsens mood and energy levels. And on campus, the season is also synonymous with midterms, deadlines and overall academic stress.

Still, even with all that, it feels like there’s something about autumn that makes it easier to slow down and notice the little things. Maybe it’s the crunch of leaves on the way to class or the comfort of rewatching a favorite show with friends.

For me, that’s what the season is really about — not the picture-perfect aesthetic, but those small moments that make campus life feel a little cozier. And honestly, that’s enough to make fall feel pretty romantic.