Harvard Students Celebrate the Season With Fall Festivities

As Cambridge’s foliage turns an array of red, orange, and yellow, Harvard students are carving out time to celebrate fall.

Harvard’s residential houses have a variety of fall-themed events to mark the season’s change and offer students respite from the stress of midterm exams.

Fahmida Afreen ’28 said that Pforzheimer House arranged an outing for a small group of students to Russell Orchards, where they went apple picking. Lidya M. Tadesse ’27 said that Lowell House organized a camping trip.

“We’re gonna cook dinner, and I’m actually in charge of buying the groceries for that, which I hope is going to be a lot of fun.”

Ann C. Nguyen ’26 said she noticed that there were “more initiatives to get people outdoors” and appreciate the beauty of fall. The Harvard Arboretum has many fall-themed activities, according to Nguyen, including lawn games, painting classes, and nature walks to admire the changing colors of the trees.

Some professors have also made an effort to make the most of the last days of sunlight — planning outdoor classroom activities before the freezing temperatures and high-speed winds take over the city.

Aarna Sitani ’27 said one of her class meetings was held at Walden Pond — the location that inspired a memoir by Henry David Thoreau — where they sat and read his work.

To experience the New England fall to its fullest, Sriyutha Morishetty ’29 said she organized a trip with friends to venture outside of Harvard’s campus.

“I just went to New Hampshire and Salem and saw the foliage and did pumpkin carving,” she said.

Salem, known for its witch trials in the 17th century, is a popular destination for tourists in the lead-up to Halloween.

Many students said they were excited for the holiday, and the costumes that they have planned.

“My whole friend group has been planning out different outfits for three different days, so I’m excited,” Annie Chen ’28 said.

Annelise K. Paczesny ’29 said she plans to dress up as Claudine from Monsters High, a popular TV series, alongside with a group of friends.

“I’m just really excited for Halloween, because it’s one of my favorite holidays, and I can’t wait to dress up and also decorate and hopefully get some candy — because I’m still a kid and I love trick or treating, so I’m hoping for some candy this year,” she said.

While some students have detailed fall-themed itineraries, others are taking a more laid back approach to the season.

“I really just want to wear my best fall outfit and go to Harvard Square and grab a warm drink like hot chocolate and just look at the leaves,” Isabella “Gigi” Parra ’29 said.

But for many students, changing leaves and cozy sweaters cannot offset the stress of encroaching deadlines and midterm exams.

“Fall plans? I’m not gonna lie, I’m seeing a lot of studying in my future,” Alexander H. Lee ’27 said. “I’m seeing an MCAT in the future. I’m seeing making up all the work that I’m not quite on top of right now.”