Should I Bring My Stuffed Animal to College?
The answer is: YES.
by KYLIE GORSKY ★ AUGUST 22, 2022
Growing up is always a sore subject, and now that we’re in college, we have to face the reality that we’re closer to adulthood than childhood. Whether it’s your freshman year, or your senior year at school, keeping in touch with your child-like side gets much more difficult because you’re living alone, have your own responsibilities, and may even be looking for post-graduation jobs. While it’s scary to think about, there are a bunch of things to keep your nostalgia intact. It could mean watching old shows, eating junk food from your childhood, and yup, you guessed it… bringing your stuffed animal to school.
While sometimes it seems MORTIFYING to bring a cherished blanket, doll, or furry animal to college, sometimes, it’s too difficult to leave these items, and your childhood memories, behind. I honestly wouldn’t think of leaving for school without my stuffed duck, Richard, because I’ve developed such an attachment to him. Not only is getting detached from such a personal item hard, but it’s also almost worse to feel your childhood slipping away from you. There are actually tons of studies on how beneficial it is to keep a stuffed animal as you are transitioning to adulthood. Some studies say that when college students get adjusted to a new environment, stuffed animals are important for keeping mental health intact and feeling secure at school.
Credit: Pinterest
With any new school year comes new friends, a new dorm or apartment, and even new academic problems. Having your stuffed animal at school instills a sense of security in students and helps them to push through their issues because they feel as if they are in an old, and more comfortable environment. A stuffed animal is someone who will never leave or betray you, and this is helpful in easing loneliness while adjusting to a new environment. While stuffed animals can’t completely replace or replicate the presence of human friends, furry friends can help be supplementary to anybody who is struggling with a lack of social interaction.
Obviously, it seems like bringing a stuffed animal to school will be helpful but it can be stressful because it might seem as though you’re immature. However, blankets and stuffed animals are called “transitional objects” according to sleep.com and there is a high chance that having something that brings you nostalgia and comfort will help you adapt to a place that, at first, seems somewhat scary and very lonely. If you feel embarrassed about bringing a childhood transitional object to school, you shouldn’t. When a significant other shows up in your room, either make a joke out of it or get your animal out of the way where you can keep it private.
Stuffed animals will show others that we are socially kids at heart and can sometimes make a great conversation starter, creative writing topic, and can bring creativity to our academic projects. The various mental health benefits of having a stuffed animal at school definitely outweigh any embarrassment, especially if you are a freshman and ‘Cuse seems overwhelming at first.
Cover Photo Credit: Pinterest