As October settles over Guilford College, campus life begins to take on a new atmosphere. The thick summer air gives way to a crisp autumn breeze, and students pull out sweaters, sip seasonal lattes, and seek out quiet spots under a vibrant canopy of changing leaves. For many, fall isn’t just a season—it’s a feeling. 

For Guilford students, the arrival of fall brings both excitement and calm. The energy on campus shifts as students look forward to the familiar rhythms of midterms and cozy evenings, all while anticipating local fall festivals that make the season feel special. 

“My favorite way to enjoy fall on campus is to sit on one of the many swings around campus and admire the changing colors of the trees,” said Jaxon Jones, a Guilford student who enjoys taking in the season at his own pace. 

For Jones, Guilford’s landscape—lined with tall trees and brick paths—makes the perfect backdrop for reflection. He noted that even small traditions, like trying seasonal drinks at Rachel’s Rose Cottage, become meaningful markers of the season. 

While Guilford offers its own autumn charm, many students also look forward to venturing off campus to enjoy local events. Both Jones and Sophia Delaney mentioned the Fall Festival at Bur-Mil Park, a nearby favorite that celebrates all things autumn with hayrides, face painting, and family-friendly activities. 

“I always look forward to the Fall Fest at Bur-Mil Park,” Delaney said. “It’s not far from campus.” 

Delaney, who describes fall as “a reset,” finds meaning in the season’s natural transition. “It’s like how the leaves change their colors and fall off the trees so that they can come back even more vibrantly in the spring,” she said. “It’s a mix of letting go and mysteriousness for me.” 

Her fall routine on campus includes spending quiet moments by the lake, where the reflections of red, orange, and yellow shimmer across the water. “I think the way that the leaves change color is really beautiful,” she said. 

But fall at Guilford isn’t just about peaceful afternoons; it’s also about adventure. Delaney recommends embracing both the wholesome and spooky sides of the season. “Going to the local pumpkin patches is really fun and a must-do,” she said, recommending the Hickory Grove Methodist Church pumpkin patch on West Wendover Avenue. “I go there every year.” 

For those seeking more of a thrill, Delaney also suggests Woods of Terror, Greensboro’s famously spooky haunted attraction, or Kersey Valley, which offers everything from haunted trails to zipline adventures. “Those are definitely worth checking out,” she added. 

Another student, Ulysses Cunningham, recently attended Greensboro’s city-wide Fall Festival, which he described as a vibrant and diverse celebration. “There was such great diversity there,” he said. “I went to see Flamenco dancers, a rock/country band, eat delicious rainbow-colored dumplings, and see a vast supply of hand-crafted jewelry and garments.” 

For those looking for quieter moments, Cunningham also finds peace in nature. “The woods at Guilford are becoming my new vault,” he said, reflecting on his favorite place to wander. “They are beautiful and peaceful and represent such a complex and profound history. Those woods are where I go to think and reflect, or relax when I get frustrated.” 

As the season continues, fall at Guilford isn’t just something to see—it’s something to feel. It’s the laughter of friends gathered under glowing string lights, the scent of bonfires carries through the cool evening air, and the reminder of change.