5 Essential Fall Experiences on Campus

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To our first-year students, welcome to Syracuse! Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Central New York or just making it your temporary home for the next four years, we hope you’ll come to agree that there is something undeniably magical about the fall semester on campus. There are also certain rites of passage that are undeniably Orange. By the time December rolls around, you’ll likely have experienced all or most of the things on this list. If not, there is always next fall!

1. Football game in the JMA Wireless Dome

Grab your friends and get loud because fall Saturdays in Syracuse are synonymous with cheering on the . The home opener is Saturday, Aug. 31, when we take on Ohio University at 3:30 p.m. Join , the official student section, and snag your —which also includes tickets to every home men’s basketball game and complimentary admission to all home women’s basketball, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey, ice hockey, volleyball, tennis and softball competitions!

a shot from the stands during a football game at JMA Wireless Dome — A packed house for a football game vs. Notre Dame in fall 2023. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

2. Involvement fair on the Shaw Quad

Every semester, Student Engagement hosts an involvement fair to connect students with opportunities to get… well, involved, with recognized student organizations (RSOs). This year’s fair spans three days: , will highlight RSOs in the cultural, performing or special interest category; , will include those dedicated to public service, publications, club sports, sports interest and esports; and , will feature Honors, religious and fraternity/sorority-related RSOs. Festivities are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each of the three days on the Quad (rain location is Goldstein Auditorium in the Schine Student Center).

student members of the University Union pose on the Quad during the fall 2023 Involvement Fair — RSO University Union recruits new members at last year’s fall involvement fair. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

3. A visit to the Barnes Center at The Arch

Whether the purpose of your visit is to , , or take advantage of one of the facility’s , it’s only a matter of time before the Barnes Center becomes a staple of your life on campus. The center provides integrated wellness services and programs that support a holistic and inclusive student-centered experience promoting lifelong growth and development—which thankfully, includes .

Exterior view of Barnes Center at The Arch lit up and bustling with activity in front of the JMA Wireless Dome roof lit up in blue — The Barnes Center is lit up with activity on a fall evening. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

4. Apple and pumpkin picking

A fall field trip to a local pumpkin patch or apple orchard is a must during your time in Syracuse. in Baldwinsville, in Lafayette and in Syracuse (among many others!) all offer apple picking. Later in the season, in Marietta and in Syracuse are two favorites for pumpkins and fall fun. All of these destinations are within a 30-minute drive from campus, but if you’re lacking transportation check the for upcoming outings to such places, which are sometimes sponsored and coordinated by the University.

pumpkins on shelves and on the ground at a local farm — A plethora of pumpkins available for picking at Abbott Farms. (Photo by Randy Pellis)

5. The season’s first snow

If you grew up nearby, this will be about as exciting to you as an all-nighter in Bird—but if you’re one of the many students who come to Syracuse from warmer climates, perhaps you’ll be experiencing your first-ever snowfall later in the fall semester. When it happens, put on your favorite scarf, get a mocha java from and prepare to wow your friends and family back home with your snaps of our beautiful campus covered in the season’s first snow. And then get used to it—because it will be here until April!