By SEAN GRIFFIN
STAFF WRITER
Freshman Bushra Hassan sits down inside the Cook Student Center to escape the cold weather, wearing several warm layers of clothing, most notably, a cardigan sweater and a black scarf.
She walks towards the café and orders a warm beverage. The beverage provides solace for her away from the cold, even if it’s only for a short time.
She thinks about preparing for her next Chemistry lecture, which means she has a limited amount of time before she has to leave the warm, cozy nestle of the student center, and brave it out into the elements.
At Rutgers University, the transition between the warmer weather and the cooler weather of the fall season has brought out either the best or worst in many students.
Add to it an inconsistent weather pattern where warmer than usual temperatures prevail one week, followed by much colder temperatures the next, further leads to appreciation or dissatisfaction of the fall season.
Freshman Keoni Nguyen sits in her dorm room on the Cook/Douglass campus relaxed but wearing a heavy winter jacket as she and her roommate are just about to leave to make a 10 minute trek to the dining hall. She believes this fall season along with the weather pattern has been inconsistent.
“I’ve been having a hard time comparing it to last year”, said Nguyen. “Last year, the weather was colder, which resulted in us having a pretty brutal winter with a lot of snow. Hopefully this year won’t be so bad."
Hassan says that she transitions best with the weather forecast by bundling up, and is into the latest fall fashion trends.
“I’m a big fan of the fall fashion, and I love seeing and wearing anything from plaid to scarfs, or even flannel clothing”, said Hassan.
She adds that in spite of the colder weather, it does not have an effect on stopping her from going to class.
“Before I leave my dorm, I check the forecast on my phone and then decide how I will get to class”, said Hassan. “If it is too cold outside, I will try to take the bus, but if it is bearable and my class is close enough to walk, I will walk."
There are other students who don’t mind the colder weather and the change to the fall season.
Giancarlo Paone prepares to venture out into the cold weather wearing only a light jacket and pair of shorts. He favors the fall season, and describes his approach to adapting to the weather.
“I just go with the flow”, said Paone. “I look at the forecasts each morning before I leave, and if they are calling for cold weather, then I will put on more layers. But I like this time of year, because I don’t think it is not too hot or too cold for me, but just right."
A staple of the fall season includes festive fall foliage present around the New Brunswick and central jersey area. Nguyen says she is a big fan of the fall scenery.
“I think it’s really cool”, said Nguyen.
Paone echoes Nguyen’s sentiments and adds that it gives him more opportunities to appreciate the season.
“One of my favorite activities during this time of year is walking outside and going on a nature walk”, Paone said. “I love being able to walk by a tree and see the beautiful and different colors of all the leaves. It is truly something special, and one of the reasons why I love fall”.
The fall season also contains the Thanksgiving holiday, which marks the official start to the holiday season. A few students reflected on what is significantly meaningful to them.
“I love how I get to see my family”, said Nguyen. “It is really great to see them, especially around the holidays, and I’m looking forward to catching up with them”.
Paone says he enjoys this time of year, and the optimistic attitudes that accompanies the season comforts him.
“It’s a good time”, said Paone. “I think this time of year is great because there are a lot of cheers spread around, and very positive vibes associated with this time of year, which makes it more enjoyable”. |
