It’s arrived: Here’s your long awaited autumn girl essentials list

It’s that time of year again: Freshers’ flu is making its rounds, you’d much rather stay in your warm bed than trek to that nine am lecture in the rain, and you’re too deep into the year to ask that girl who sits next to you what her name actually is. The dark weather can make your overall vibe a little sad, but not to worry, autumn has its perks.

Luckily, an autumn girl’s essentials list is the key to romanticising this time. Throw on your chunky knit, grab your daily overpriced coffee, and manifest York as if it’s Stars Hollow whilst you still can.

Pumpkin spiced drinks

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Autumn just isn’t complete without a pumpkin-spiced beverage in hand. I wish these were available all year round. Choose from cute York cafes, like Brew and Brownie or Drift-In, or stick to the classic Starbucks OG. I will happily pay an extortionate amount in return for the happiness this flavour brings me.

But hurry, a quick search has informed me that pumpkin spice season ends in early November. We only have a month left, girls!! Because if you’re not holding one, are you even “autumn-ing”?

Oversized jumpers

Next up, an oversized jumper. Not only is this staple wardrobe piece super cute and cosy, but it doubles up as a blanket for anyone living with a landlord who can’t seem to put the heating on… ever. Bonus points if you also use it as a blanket in Morrell, nothing says “study aesthetic” like falling asleep to the sound of the nine am you missed on lecture replay.

Uggs

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Incredibly warm and soft (sorry vegans) and perfect for the colder months. The Ugg revival is the best thing since spiced pumpkin, and had to make it on the autumn girl essential list. I am so glad these have come back in fashion, but jealous of those girls that kept onto their old uggs and don’t have to take out a bank loan to afford new ones.

But beware of the drawbacks: Under no circumstances can you get them wet. At all. Each day you wear your uggs you’ll be praying it won’t suddenly rain. Plus boys don’t seem to understand they are shoes not slippers, but who cares about their opinion anyway.

If your pumpkin spiced latte obsession needs to extend to your room, grab an autumnal candle. Check with your landlord first (sorry first years), but this essential is perfectly paired with fairy lights, for all those cosy, autumnal feels.

Maybe those who are known to be clumsy should stay clear of this, or get your housemate to be on a fire-safety watch. Nothing beats the smell of spiced pumpkin drifting through your room though.

A big, thick, waterproof coat

To any York girls coming from the South, please don’t underestimate how cold and wet it gets in the later autumn months. A denim jacket just won’t cut it (based off experience).

Spend that little extra and buy the thickest coat you can find. Any way to prevent another flu and I’m buying it. Plus, long coats are coming back in fashion, it’s no longer embarrassing to look drowned by your clothing. And if you get caught in a rainstorm, why don’t you take a visit to the Minster – York students get free access.

Goose and duck defence strategy

Technically not strictly autumnal, but still essential for York. The geese near Derwent will not respect your pumpkin spice latte or your snazzy new coat. There’s nothing worse than having a full army of fighting geese blocking the path to your seminar, in which you are already late to.

Learn to dodge, sprint, or feed them strategically – survival of the fittest, basically. I would suggest running in the complete opposite direction, as fast as you can.