How To: Have a Gilmore Girls Fall (Harvard Edition)

The sun is officially setting before 7 p.m., so you know what that means… seasonal depression Gilmore Girls season! Even though Rory ended up choosing Yale (which arguably may have led to her character’s downfall), her first love will undeniably always be Harvard <3. This fall season, here are a few ways to channel your inner Gilmore girl and appreciate this time of year to the fullest.

Explore a new coffee shop

One amazing thing about Cambridge that cannot be overemphasized is its abundance of coffee shops. What’s more Gilmore-core than a cup of coffee on a fall day? A maple latte from Pavement or a pumpkin latte from Peet’s will warm you up from the inside out. If you’re like me and cannot bring yourself to drink coffee unless it’s 2 a.m. and you have a paper due the next day, I recommend a chai latte with oat milk. Trust me — it’s the best combo, and the fall flavors will transport you straight to Stars Hollow.

Dress in layers

While you sip on your chai latte, think about all of the fashion opportunities that have emerged now that fall has come. Rory and Lorelai are perhaps most known for their early 2000s outfits that transcend all the trends. It’s time to pull out the cable knit sweaters, leather jackets, and jeans — cozy and classic.

Have a movie night with your roommates

Friday nights are best spent nustled up on the couch watching your favorite comfort movies. Yes, it’s even better than standing outside of MIT frats. Take a page out of the Gilmores’ book and organize a movie night with your roommates; “When Harry Met Sally,” “Hocus Pocus,” and “Knives Out” are some of our favorite fall comfort movies. It may take some convincing to get your roommates to ditch their psets, but a delicious spread of Trader Joe’s pumpkin Joe-Joe’s, caramel apple granola, and salted maple ice cream should do the trick. ;)

Read like Rory

Now that classes are in full swing, it seems like there’s no time for pleasure reading. Yet, nothing screams Gilmore Girls fall more than reading a book as you watch the leaves change color. Not sure what to read? Some of Rory’s favorites that give ~all~ the fall vibes include “Little Women” and “The Shining.” Find a few moments in your day to start a new book (note: assigned readings do NOT count). You’ll forget why you ever stopped.

I hope you try these tips and live out your own “Gilmore Girls” fall! Remember: romanticizing your environment can work wonders. If you ever feel bogged down by school or extracurricular work, just pretend you’re Rory Gilmore, and it’ll all seem a little more pleasant. And, hey, when worse comes to worst, an apple cider donut always helps. Happy fall!