Being a pet owner my entire life, I felt lost at the idea that I would not be able to take any of my dog, 4 aquatic turtles, or 2 guinea pigs to college with me. However, I was ecstatic come freshman orientation when I learned that students were allowed to have up to a 10-gallon fish tank in their dorm rooms. Two weeks before school started, I spent about $10 to get a Betta fish, his food, and a bowl, and I started preparing for our new adventure. I named him Dwight after my favorite character from The Office. I prayed that he would survive the 5-hour drive from my hometown, Decatur, GA, to Mobile, the one night in the hotel, and then move-in day. Seven weeks later, we have not only survived but have thrived in college life so far. Here are 9 reasons why every college student needs a betta fish (in his or her life) while in college.
1. Betta fish are easy to care for
Bettas don’t require in-tank filtration. They only need to be fed once a day, and their bowls only need to be cleaned about every 2 weeks, making them the perfect pet for the average, lazy college student.
2. Betta fish are good company
My roommate sometimes spends hours on end in the library, and while I’m grateful for the alone time in our room, Dwight is always there to keep me company, as well as to remind me that Netflix comes after studying.
3. Betta fish are a stress reliever
It is a scientifically proven fact that watching fish swim relaxes and de-stresses people. Why else would there be fish tanks in doctors’ and dentists’ offices? Dwight always manages to relax me after a long day of classes. Perfect stress reliever.
4. Betta fish make me realize that I could actually be a good parent one day.
I know that children are much harder to take care of than a fish, but the principles are the same. You have to feed them, clean them, and give them shelter. Hey, this is actually do-able!
5. Betta fish are very hard to kill.
Firstly, Dwight survived the 5 hour car ride to college. Then, when my roommate and I forgot to turn off our A/C when we left our room and the temperature dropped to 40℉, he survived almost freezing to death. Obviously, betta fish are good for college because you can’t kill them by mistake.
6. Betta fish can make you smile even on your worst days.
I came back from class one day feeling defeated. Nothing had gone even remotely close my way. When I got back to the room, Dwight swam around his bowl in circles in rapid succession as if he knew that I needed to be cheered up.
7. Betta fish don't judge you for listening to Hannah Montana when you're getting ready in the morning.
They understand that life’s what you make it, so let’s make it rock
8. Betta fish give you street cred.
When I have walked down to the laundry room to use the utility sink to clean out Dwight’s bowl, I’ve had multiple conversations in which people are amazed that I’m a college student who is actually capable of keeping a creature alive.
9. Betta fish help you meet people and make friends
One of my really good friends I met because I happened to mention Dwight at the dinner table. She informed me that she has a betta fish, too, and then BAM!….instant friendship.
While having a betta fish is a little extra work, the tasks involved are definitely worth it. Having Dwight around has definitely played a part in shaping my college experience so far. He fills the pet-shaped hole in my heart while I’m away from home. If you feel up for the challenge, I believe that a Betta is perfect college pet for you.
