Syracuse Sun

To our first-year students, welcome to Syracuse. Whether you are a lifelong resident of Central New York or just making it your temporary home for the next four years, we hope you will 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 will 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 Orange football team. The home opener is Saturday, Aug. 31, when we take on Ohio University at 3:30 p.m. Join Otto’s Army, the official student section, and snag your student season pass—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 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 involved with recognized student organizations (RSOs). This year’s fair spans three days: Monday, Sept. 9 will highlight RSOs in the cultural, performing or special interest category; Tuesday, Sept. 10 will include those dedicated to public service, publications, club sports, sports interest and esports; and Wednesday, Sept. 11 will feature Honors-related RSOs as well as religious and fraternity/sorority-related groups. 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).

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 your visit's purpose is to get a workout in, receive a flu vaccine or participate in a counseling session among other services offered by the facility—it's only a matter of time before the Barnes Center becomes integral to your life on campus. The center provides integrated wellness services and programs supporting holistic growth and development—including pet therapy.

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 essential during your time in Syracuse: Abbott Farms in Baldwinsville; Beak & Skiff in Lafayette; Navarino Orchard in Syracuse offer apple picking among others nearby locations later into season Tim's Pumpkin Patch Marietta Pumpkin Hollow Syracuse both favorites pumpkins fun within thirty-minute drive from campus lacking transportation check Community Calendar outings sometimes sponsored coordinated University

A plethora of pumpkins available for picking at Abbott Farms (Photo Randy Pellis)

5 Season first snow If grew nearby exciting all-nighter Bird many students come warmer climates perhaps experiencing first-ever snowfall later semester happens put favorite scarf mocha java People Place prepare wow friends family snaps beautiful campus covered season first snow then used here until April!

A light dusting snow covers campus Photo Jeremy Brinn