The transition into college is different for everyone, and for some the change can be extremely hard. Some students like Senior Elizabeth Wallace have learned to cope with the stress of college by holding on to their childhood.
Wallace often watches Disney Channel or Disney movies while she’s in school, and she collects stuffed animals. She feels that all of these childhood items help her relax after a long day of class.
“You’re just so busy and stressed with school, and then whenever I sit down and watch a Disney movie or snuggle with my stuffed animals… I know I just feel very nice, very at home,” Wallace said.
There is some speculation as to whether or not the tough transition into college and adulthood is correlated with college students rekindling their childhood habits. While no direct correlation has been found, LSU Health Center Psychology Doctorate Intern Cori Schild says a correlation between the two would make sense.  
“The process of change or just the transition to college of course being a huge change, prompts people to go toward things that are familiar, and part of the familiar comforts are things from childhood.”   
Students also tend to bring items such as stuffed animals and “blankeys” to school. These can often be considered transitional objects. Schild says that people usually attach some piece of comfort from our caregivers into that object, and it helps comfort them..
“I do have a Stitch pillow pet that I sleep with, and I hold dear to him at night,” Wallace said.
This way of coping that includes watching Disney movies, collecting stuffed animals and watching old television shows isn’t a bad way to deal with the college transitions. Schild says that students just need to make sure this form of coping fits them well and doesn’t distract them from schoolwork.