Summer’s fading, the air’s getting crisp, and campus life is buzzing again. Whether you’re a first‑year diving into Freshers’ Week or a seasoned student ready for another term, autumn is your chance to mix style, adventure, and social life into one epic season.
It begins to feel colder and damper in the last week of August as Fall arrives. The mornings start to become that little bit colder and a little bit darker. There’s condensation on the car windows. Autumn is drawing near and as the seasons change, so does the availability of pleasant weather for your favourite outdoor activities. Students across the world are thinking about the new academic year ahead. For some, it is the first time away from home as you head for Freshers’ week at University.
For business professionals, the return to work after the summer break is often difficult. With the holidays over and the nights drawing in, what on earth can you do to stay active outdoors and lift your mood?
Look Good, Stay Warm
Autumn fashion is all about layering smart. Think cosy knits, oversized hoodies, and waterproof jackets that can handle a surprise downpour. For evening runs or late‑night walks back from the library, invest in high‑visibility gear — reflective jackets, armbands, or even LED shoe clips. Pair that with a running torch (100+ lumens is ideal) so you can see and be seen. Body‑worn torches that strap across your chest keep your hands free and light your path brilliantly.
Make the Most of Uni Life
When Freshers’ Week is over, the fun’s just starting. Join a club during Fresher’s Week that gets you outdoors — from ultimate frisbee to climbing, or even something unexpected like kite surfing. Not only will you pick up new skills, but you’ll also meet people who share your sense of adventure.
Pro tip: Don’t just join for the activity… join for the people. Some of your best uni memories will come from random, last‑minute plans.
Running is Always an Option
Running outdoors in September after work will mean having to use a torch and some high visibility clothing. Proviz provide a range of very highly reflective running jackets in a range of styles. You will need to supplement this with a good running torch. I prefer the body worn running torch that straps over your shoulder and around your chest. The white light on the front is bright enough to show all of the roots and uneven trails as you run, with the red light on the back making you visible from behind.
Fall Outdoor Activities
October brings the change of seasons, and with it the weather changes. October and November are great months for wind powered activities. Kite flying, kite surfing, sailing and windsurfing are all ideal. It is also a most entertaining time for any drone enthusiasts. Those spinny rotor gadgets just don’t cope well in wind, so be prepared for youtube vids of some epic drone fails and crashes.
Winter Sports Early Booking Bargains
The end of October also sees the start of the marketing season for snow sports. Ski shows and exhibitions pop up at the end of October, offering fantastic bargain ski holidays and discount gear. It is the best opportunity to find out what it is all about and grab yourself a bargain. This winter, the ski industry is making a concerted effort to entice more under 35 year olds to go on a ski holiday or snowboarding holiday. Across the UK, the Go Ski Go Board campaign is offering taster sessions for only £1 at ski slopes across the country. You should get together with some of your friends and make a group outing of it. If you like it, there are lots of ski chalets you can rent as a group, some even have catering included. All you have to worry about is having fun in the snow. If you want to know more, read my guide to choosing a ski holiday that’s right for you and helps you with all the things you should consider.
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Halloween Fright Nights and Party Fun
The end of October means Halloween, and if you are a thrill seeker you are definitely going to want to go to one of the theme park fright nights. Theme parks all over the world put on special events during the end of October for Halloween where you can scare yourself silly by going on the rides at night in the dark! Awesome. They also put on scare mazes and other attractions that will mess with your head. I went to one last year with some friends and had a brilliant time. It is totally different on the rides at night, and such an adrenalin rush. If you are not of a nervous disposition, I highly recommend it.
I wish you well in your work and education. May you make lots of great new friends, be invited to many memorable parties, and generally have so much fun that you walk around with a huge grin.
More outdoor activities to try