How to Have a Spooky Autumn

Hello, all you wonderful people! I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Autumn is one of my favorite seasons, and I’m so excited it’s finally here. This year I want to feel like I’ve stepped right out of my favorite dark academia books. Think spooky scholarly vibes, although hopefully with less murder than actual dark academia stories. I thought I’d share my tips on how to have a spooky autumn of your own.

Read Dark Academia Books

There are lots of really good dark academia books out there. I think they’re perfect for autumnal months. If you’re not a fan of reading you could also try listening to audiobooks or reading spooky graphic novels. I personally like listening to audio books while I clean. Here are some of my personal favorite books:

• If We Were Villains – M.L. Rio
• The Portrait of Dorian Gray – Oscar Wilde
• Wilder Girls – Rory Powers
• The Murder of Rodger Ackroyd – Agatha Christie
• Babel – R. F. Kuang

Do Spooky Autumn Activities

• Have a ghost photo shoot: This was really popular on tiktok a few years ago, but I say we bring it back. It’s so simple. All you need is an old white sheet and a place to take photos. Alternatively, you could try the pumpkin head photo trend, but that requires a bit more prep.
• Go for a walk in the wood: I personally like to visit my local nature park to do this. It’s so nice to see the leaves change colors. Once the weather gets a bit gloomy it never fails to make me feel like the main character of a spooky movie.
• Don your favorite sweater: Okay, so this one isn’t spooky, but it helps set the vibe, trust me.
• Solve a murder mystery: Not a real one, mind you. Stay safe out there. There are a bunch of murder mystery kits you can buy. They come with everything you need to play detective. I think this is fun both on your own or with a group of friends.

Watch Spooky Media

Full disclosure: I am notoriously easily frightened, so all of my movie and show recommendations fall into the “mildly spooky” category rather than “scary.” All you adrenaline fans might need to look elsewhere for suggestions. However, for the rest of you, here are my favorite spooky shows and movies.

• Over The Garden Wall: This series was first recommended to me by my wonderful friend Wes. Let me tell you, it is life changing. The art style and storytelling are stunning. If you watch nothing else from this list please please give OtGW a try.
• The Haunted Mansion
• Scooby Doo: Pretty much any adaptation is a hit.
• Coraline
• Shutter Island
• The Addams Family: I like the original show, but the movies are good too!

I hope these ideas help get you in the autumnal mood. As a bonus, I’ve linked a spooky spotify playlist I’ve made down below.

Have a Great Day,

Elliot J. West