Autumn, can you hurry up please? I’ve always thought I was a summer girl through and through; a certified sunshine-basker, mango sorbet addict, and lido-swimmer. But recently, autumn has been calling to me – you could say I’m fall-ing in love with it. For any lucky freshers reading this, I’ve compiled a selection of all things cosy to help you enjoy Michaelmas the most.

Chai lattes

I know, I know – ’tis the season for pumpkin spice, but I’m basically a toddler who hates anything to do with coffee and thoroughly enjoys a mug of warm, cinnamon-spiced milk on a Monday morning. My particular recommendations? Michaelhouse cafe, Florey, Bean Theory, Pages. Don’t bother going anywhere else. For the hot chocolate fanatics, visit Knoops and choose oat or hazelnut milk, then add cinnamon, orange zest, and nutmeg for the most divine drink of your life. You can thank me later (by buying me a Knoops).

“It keeps the homesickness at bay in a way nothing else quite can”

Baking

Not to brag or anything but I have an oven this year. All hail the second-year accommodation gods for blessing me with the ability to bake a sticky toffee apple loaf cake. Actually, my friends should be thanking me for what they’re about to taste. Most freshers won’t have an oven, and to you I offer my commiseration, but my oven-less days are well and truly over. Of course, Bake Off has to be on the TV,  I don’t make the rules. This combo will create the cosiest autumnal atmosphere and, accompanied by Alison Hammond’s infectious laugh, will keep the homesickness at bay in a way nothing else quite can.

Crunchy-leaf littered walks

 The sound. That’s all. That’s my recommendation. Can’t be bothered to exercise, or simply overwhelmed and struggling to choose from the endless sports societies in Cambridge? That’s fine! We all deserve a term to figure things out, but why not explore your new city by walking around it and listening to that crunch. Also, do this with a chai in hand. If you’re hungry and cold, maybe even treat yourself to a cheeky hot panini from Café Aristo on Silver Street, or a toastie from the aforementioned Bean Theory on Newnham Road.

"The whole world changes colour" 

Gilmore girls

 The Netflix recommendations couldn’t come fast enough in my first term – let’s just say there was a lot of time spent unwinding, tucked up in bed with my laptop (and a huge pair of fluffy socks). It’s another comfort show, and you won’t find one better suited to this season. As Lorelai says: “it’s just my favorite time of the year. The whole world changes color.” For the fluffy socks (or a brand-new dressing gown like I chose to splurge on, I’ve never felt anything so soft) go to TK Maxx. It’s impossible not to feel autumnal after a perusal of those seasonal shelves. Please put fairy lights up in your room too (command hooks are your friend). 

Fireworks night

Solidify those delicate new friendships by inviting people to Midsummer Common for the beautiful fireworks display; wear a massive scarf that could be mistaken for a blanket and queue for the warm, sugar-covered doughnuts (that’s what I did anyway). That night turned casual acquaintances into the people I’m now living with, and if that’s not proof that friendships forged under fireworks are the strongest kind, I don’t know what is.

“Don’t get home and realise you bought a Selwyn college fleece when you actually go to Caius”

A gyp roast dinner

I wouldn’t call this the best thing I’ve ever tasted, but it wasn’t the worst. Even with limited resources, it can be done! The lack of oven couldn’t stop us: armed with two pre-cooked Sainsbury’s rotisserie chickens, air-fryer roast potatoes, and honey-coated vegetables, and – for some reason – garlic bread, we enjoyed an absolute feast. If you’re missing your mum’s roast dinners and want to bond with your fellow freshers, I would suggest cooking up a storm. You might get food poisoning, but, more importantly, you might make friends!

To top it all off, purchase some college merch from Ryder & Amies (or wait for your college stash drop for reduced prices): the fleece and college puffer are autumn staples, but whatever you do, just make sure that you don’t get home and realise you bought a Selwyn college fleece when you actually go to Caius – yes, I’m looking at you Jen. Or maybe do, and give your friends something to laugh at forevermore. 

Maybe I can’t light my Bath and Body Works spiced gingerbread candle, or even have a bath with a Lush bath bomb at university, much to my despair. But there are so many other ways to enjoy your first Autumn away from home in Cambridge, and maybe, just maybe, it will turn into your favourite time of year too.