As summer’s warmth wraps up and it starts getting chillier, my heart yearns for the crispness of fall and sweater weather. The sound of the crunchy leaves on the ground and those amazing pumpkin-spice lattes at Dunkin’. For me, fall officially begins the moment students walk back onto campus in late August, not when a calendar decides it’s “officially fall.” The months of September through December are undeniably the best time of year. Fall is a time surrounded by cozy energy, new beginnings and seasonal comfort.
The wonderful irony is that stores and coffee shops are rushing ahead, opening their doors first in the fall. As “The Pioneer Woman” stated, “If you’re really into the festive season, why not decorate everywhere you can?” You’ll find Target aisles filled with seasonal decor, including wreaths, stuffed pumpkins and cute fall pillows. Before classes even start, we are subtly influenced by that early marketing, putting us instantly in that fall mood.
This is a retail strategy, not just decoration. With consumers treating the season almost like a shopping event in and of itself, fall is becoming a bigger deal for retailers. Fall turns from a date to a destination before the cold sets in.
And nothing screams “fall” more than Dunkin’ Donuts. Its 2025 fall menu, which combines traditional favorites with innovative new items, became available nationwide on Aug. 20. In addition to bringing back the beloved Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte, Dunkin’ is launching a nostalgic new Cereal N’ Milk Latte. “The latte, which can be ordered hot or iced, is made with marshmallow-flavored cereal milk for a sweet, creamy, nostalgia-packed flavor,” according to AllRecipes.
In an article titled “The popular fall menu has landed in stores — here’s the full list of pumpkin spice-flavored treats and more,” the New York Post praised Dunkin’s seasonal release as a late summer highlight. “Beyond pumpkin, Dunkin’ is rounding out the fall menu with more crave-worthy bites both sweet and savory,” said Dunkin’ Press Release, describing its fall lineup as a way to help fans celebrate the season with the flavors they crave. While the August heat persists, the brand is intentionally establishing the mood for sweater weather with its pumpkin-swirled coffees and apple-themed baked goods.
These early releases serve as mood-setters in addition to being marketing. As students starting a new semester, the taste of a Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spice Latte in our hands or the sight of warm fall décor in stores is the ideal way to change things up. All of these things serve as reminders that study sessions with friends, organized routines and campus traditions are just around the corner. Because, as we all know, Fordham University has one of the prettiest campuses, especially in the fall.
On-campus, fall is more than simply a season; it’s also a symbol. There will be chilly evenings where people can debrief on Eddies, discussing new classes and making friends. Fall club sign-ups help students find a sense of community, and fall weekends are perfect for trips to the pumpkin patch or apple picking. There is the sight of red and orange leaves surrounding campus walkways and the sound of laughter carried on cool breezes.
Although Dunkin’ fall drinks may seem like the best in our society, it is important to remember that local cafés usually compete with or even outperform these well-known brands. There are a number of small coffee shops on Arthur Avenue, just a few minutes away from Dunkin’, that might have an unrivaled cinnamon-maple latte or pumpkin chai. These small businesses are one of the undiscovered treasures of the season, just waiting for students to find them. Perhaps your next discovery will be during a study break or even a chilly walk home, just to give you and your friends a break from William D. Walsh Family Library.
Let’s welcome the emerging fall magic in Fordham because it’s not too early to enjoy a hot Dunkin’ latte, decorate the dorms with fake leaves and allow the season to influence campus life. Fall is a season of coziness, connection and the excitement of fresh starts. Everywhere we look in late August, from Target aisles full of pumpkins and Dunkin’s limited-edition drinks to our own college lawns covered in gold, we are reminded that fall has arrived, and it couldn’t be more ideal. And as we all can agree, fall is Fordham’s season.
Tahiyat Raisa, FCRH’28, is an English major on a pre-law track from Queens, New York.
