We’re not quite there yet. A canopy of vibrant green still rustles over the campus and the occasional humid afternoon keeps us from packing away our shorts and sunglasses for good.

But, the nights are growing longer, the breeze is brisk and soon enough even the most stubbornly green trees will be dappled in oranges and fiery reds.

Rest assured, autumn is just around the corner and if you’re anything like me, that’s reason to celebrate.

I should preface this by admitting that I, like hopefully all of you, love New York. Growing up in suburban Ohio, the noise, the diversity and the spirit of the city fascinated me from a young age. As such, my decision to attend college at Fordham, the Jesuit University of New York, was a no brainer. New York’s energy drew me in, and the city shines in every season.

Sure, there are strong arguments to be made that Christmas in New York is the most magical time of year, or that the summer in the city is the most fun. Both compelling.

Still, autumn is my favorite.

Gone is the scorching heat and steamy asphalt of the summer that kept us cooped up in air-conditioned sanctuaries (sorry, Walsh Hall).  Here to stay are crisp and comfortable afternoons, walks through crunchy leaves and more time spent with our classmates at Fordham.

I know not all of my friends agree with me that fall is the best season.

“It’s dark and dreary,” some say. Others grumble that the semester gets too stressful, that there is never enough time to enjoy the city with schoolwork lurking in the background.

If you share their view, I hear you. Autumn is not perfect. No season is. But, I stand by my defense of the cooler months after summer and before Christmas.

If you’ve never taken a walk through the New York Botanical Garden in the fall before, put that at the top of your short list of things to do in the coming weeks.

Right as the trees change colors, sneak away across the street for a few hours on a blustery morning. Stroll through their pumpkin patch or just lose yourself in the vivid displays of changing color. It’s a great way to clear your mind for a paper or de-stress before a midterm.

School spirit is perhaps most alive during the fall. Whether you’re a new student, or an upperclassmen sporting your favorite Fordham gear or you’re cheering on the Rams on the field or court, autumn is full of spirit and pride.

Between homecoming, invitationals, games and matches on every field, there are plenty of opportunities to bundle up in maroon, embrace the chilly weather and feel your voice grow coarse in a cheering crowd.

Find the time to get out of our neighborhood for a day and you’ll see that the city has a whole different energy in the fall than it had in the summer. With fewer tourists present and New Yorkers seeking warmth in cozy coffee shops, the streets are quieter. Autumn becomes this unique opportunity to explore the city, free from the haze of summer or wet snow of winter.

So dig out your flannel, stay toasty with your favorite flavored latte, and go see our city in its autumnal splendor. Queens is home to acres of orchards ripe for a Sunday spent apple picking. The village transforms into a spooky, festive celebration on Halloween. And, from Williamsburg to Harlem, bands, comedians and artists give us countless opportunities to make the most of those frosty nights that are too cold even for fall enthusiasts to bear.

This fall, in particular, will be an exceptionally exciting time to be in New York.

Construction of our city’s new tallest building, the Freedom Tower, will finally be complete and New Yorkers will come together in November to elect a new mayor. There is a lot to look forward to in the coming months.

So, welcome back to Fordham, Rams! Here’s to a challenging and rewarding semester — and to a wonderful fall.