Dark Academia: A Guide

When you think dark academia you think a cloudy October day, a dark and dusty library, a tiny coffee shop or an old and dusty library. Truth is, they are all accurate. Dark academia in its true essence is an aesthetic that revolves around classical literature, different periods of history and a general love of learning. It romanticises learning in all aspects.

Lifestyle:

Be an enigma

True academics tend to be shrouded in mystery, speaking close to nothing about themselves. They tend to avoid social situations and become quiet when forced into them. On the other hand they actively participate in classes- asking questions and taking part in discussions. You don't have to become a complete antisocial either just try to maintain a sense of mystery, only if you feel like it.

Listen to classical/jazz music

Older and more refined music tends to bring elegance and a sense of maturity. Feel free to listen to any type of jazz or classical music that you enjoy- you don't have to restrict yourself. Jazz music makes me feel like a revolutionary from the 20th century. Classical music on the other hand gives me the vibes of a sophisticated aristocrat.

Stay on top of school work

Try to stay ahead or at least up to date with your school work. Write essays or poems or make up stories to practice the language you're trying to learn. In science try to devise experiments based on topics you've learnt to understand them better. Annotate your history books and read up on how an event affected different people of the society.

Read more

School work aside try to read more books of your choice. It doesn't have to specifically be only fiction or non fiction, just read. If you want the true feeling of the dark academia then focus on historical fiction, mystery, classics, plays, etc. If you have the time and energy, go ahead and annotate your books, study them and try to make sense of them from different view points.

Go to libraries, museums, cafes or bookshops

Not only does this give you the feel of the aesthetic, but these places are usually calm and quiet giving you a chance to work, study or read. Also, these places give you a sense of being shrouded in mystery.