Moving away from home to attend college can get lonely at times. Leaving family, friends, and pets back in your hometown can make you feel ostracized and may lead you to miss the company of a familiar and friendly face in your home.

Pets are a topic that comes up consistently in the conversations I have with fellow college students as we are often either thinking about our family pets back home or are considering bringing a new addition into our home away from home. While most college kids talk mostly about adopting a dog or possibly a cat, I have a suggestion that is much more suited to the lifestyle of a busy college student.

As a pet owner of a variety of animals I can honestly say that, while fish do not come with zero maintenance, they are a decently low maintenance animal that can bring a serenity into your living space. If you are a college student who is involved in multiple extracurriculars, a job, full-time classes, and a social life to keep up with, there is a decent chance that you don’t have time for a puppy. However, a fish may be just the right choice as your new companion.

1. A fish tank is essentially noise free!

Besides the gentle buzz of the filter, fish tanks cause no noise whatsoever. This is perfect for the college student who spends long hours studying and wishes not to be bothered by loud barking, scratching, or any number of other noises other pets routinely make.

While some may at first be hesitant to the noise of the filter, I assure you that it is low enough that within a few hours you will no longer notice it. In fact, if the filter were to ever malfunction and shut off you would likely realize that something was amiss right away.

2. A fish will not sit on your laptop while you are in the process of frantically writing a paper an hour before the deadline.

Enough said.

3. No stinky litter boxes.

Fish tanks do not carry a smell. None that I have taken note of anyhow. In fact, if your fish tank smells you should really consider cleaning it because that is potentially problematic.

4. Dorms often allow a small fish tank!

College dorms have made a move to allow service animals to live alongside their humans on college campuses. In the case that you are simply looking for a companion animal then you are likely going to be much more limited in options. Dorms from my own experience will often allow you to have a fish tank while pets such as dogs are not an option.

5. You can stay out late or go on a short weekend trip and not have to worry.

Part of the fun of college is not having to report to your parents your every move. Staying out to party and taking impromptu trips is all part of the college experience. Having an animal that needs your attention in such a way that puts time constraints on your outings can be a bit too much for some students and there is nothing wrong with this!

If you enjoy going out and disappearing for a three-day weekend every once and awhile then a fish tank is your best bet. Make sure your tank is siphoned and clean beforehand. Prior to your departure place, a slow feed fish food of your choice into the tank and have a friend or roommate peek in on them if possible.

6. Decorating tanks can be surprisingly fun and add to the atmosphere of your living space.

There are a plethora of choices for tank ornaments, plants, and gravel to choose from. You can decorate your tank to match the style of your room or change the décor based on the season.

Make your tank an extension of your style and when you get bored, change it up a bit. Just ensure that your fish have a structure, such as a cave or thick plant coverage, that they can hide in depending on the species’ preferences.

Great places to look for tank décor is at pet stores such as Petco and PetSmart. You can also pick up pieces at specialized aquarium stores. Just be sure that anything that you put in your tank is safe for your fish!

7. Lower Maintenance than most pets.

Fish do not require three feedings a day, multiple outings for bathroom breaks, flea treatment applications… The list goes on. Sometimes it seems endless. Fish are a bit simpler depending upon the type of tank you decide upon.

Now that being said, tanks that may be more difficult to maintain include tanks that are salt water, are large in size or have a variety of finicky species as tank occupants.

8. Studies show that having a fish tank can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, lower heart rate, and have other therapeutic effects.

Read all about it and other benefits in this interesting article I stumbled upon – http://fengshuinexus.com/blog/benefits-fish-tank-s...

In fact, do any amount of googling and you will find a ton of articles talking about this subject in particular.

9. They are serene, beautiful creatures with surprising personalities.

My Goldfish greet me every morning by dancing in front of the glass and I have picked up on my Pleco’s favorite hiding spots. Fish, like any animals, have little quirks and personality types. They are fun to observe and they make a peaceful addition to any home.

With all that being said, I hope that it is evident that a fish tank may be a great addition to your college home. Please keep in mind that while fish may be considered simple pets they do require weekly tank cleaning and other regular care.

Remember the space requirements of whichever species you plan on housing when purchasing a tank and do not overcrowd a single tank with too many fish, both factors will be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of your new pet(s). Fish are phenomenal pets for the busy individual and would make a great addition to your home.