“Perhaps fantasy offers imaginative escapism more than other genres.”
—Jasper Fforde
When reality doesn’t unfold the way we imagined it, many of us instinctively look elsewhere. Catch a breather just for a second. We press play on another episode. Start another fantasy novel. Spend hours upon hours building worlds in video games. Scroll through fan edits and theories that just make so much sense.
We become invested in characters whose lives feel more exciting, meaningful or emotionally satisfying than our own.
This is escapism. Not the beloved song by Raye and definitely not something that is new, but the way students experience it today is.
Why we escape
Escapism often gets a bad reputation, as though it’s simply avoiding responsibility. In reality, it is described as a coping mechanism. A sort of temporary break from exhaustion.
For post-secondary students, those stressors are everywhere. Lectures, assignments, multiple part-time jobs, financial pressures and figuring out your entire life while the graduation date keeps getting closer.
In moments like these, fictional worlds offer a clear structure when reality fails to do so.
Think of stories; they include clear beginnings, middles, and endings. Heroes have discovered their purpose, and all mysteries are solved. Even when characters struggle, readers and viewers trust that their journey is leading somewhere.
And as students continue to juggle their responsibilities and hobbies like reading, gaming, binge-watching and more—they become a way to connect with people and form communities.
The rise of comfort media
Notice how people return to the same shows over and over?
Whether it’s rewatching sitcoms, replaying childhood games or rereading favourite novels, familiar stories provide predictability during unpredictable times.
Comfort media asks very little of us emotionally because we already know the outcome. Our brains are simply enjoying the familiarity. That doesn’t mean these stories are replacing reality. Sometimes they’re helping us recharge enough to return to it.
Another reason fictional worlds resonate so deeply is that they remind us that kindness matters. That friendship can change our lives. That people can grow beyond who they once were.
These themes of familiarity and community stay with us long after we finish the show or close the book.
They encourage us to look at our own lives differently.
The beauty of community
So, you finished that book or show. What now?
Recommend it to others! Join online discussions. And laugh uncontrollably over inside jokes and memorable scenes.
You meet someone wearing merch of your favourite thing and instantly have something to talk about.
That’s one of the most powerful and beautiful parts of modern fandoms. They remind us that community often begins with a simple “hey, I watched that show too!”
The stories might be fictional, the friendships are very real.
Finding your people
When you look for it, there is always an opportunity to discover new interests—especially on campus.
Maybe you’ve always loved anime but never had anyone to watch it with. Maybe you’ve been wanting to try tabletop games, photography, painting, esports, creative writing or volunteering but didn’t know where to start.
Joining a club can feel a lot like stepping into a new story.
You walk into a room not knowing anyone.
A few conversations later, you’re sharing recommendations, planning events or laughing over a common interest.
Those moments may seem small, but they’re often how lasting friendships begin.
You are already a main character
Your life doesn’t need dramatic plot twists to be important. The quiet moments matter too: learning something new in class, finding your favourite study spot, introducing yourself to someone new or joining a community that makes campus feel a little more like home.
The best stories aren’t memorable because something exciting happens every minute.
They’re memorable because of the people along the way.
Joining an IGNITE club helps create an experience that is uniquely yours. And who knows? The conversation you start at your first club meeting could become the friendship you remember long after graduation.
After all, every great story begins with someone taking the first step.
Feature photo courtesy of Coline Haslé on Unsplash
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