If you're like me, having a pet to talk to after a long day of work or school is essential. However, it's not practical or permitted to keep a dog in my dorm room, and a lot of houses and apartments for rent don't allow large animals. Here are seven of the best pets that can fit into your hectic college life and squeeze past pesky pet restrictions.
1. A Plant
A pretty simple pet to own, while it might not be sentient, it is still something in which you can take care of. Unless you have whatever the opposite of a green thumb is, then maybe you'll want to start out with some sort of succulent that doesn't need to be watered as frequently. I suggest a small cactus, maybe even a fake plant.
2. A Fish
This is probably the first pet you think of when you're sitting at your dorm desk, looking at the perfect spot for a small beta fish tank. Fish are low maintenance and perfect for busy lives, only needing to be fed once or twice a day. This pet is perfectly suited for all types of college students.
3. A Frog/Hermit Crab
I put these together because they're not necessarily high maintenance, but they both require about the same amount of extra care. They require better tanks and better food but are still relatively simple to care for. Still perfect for all sorts of college students. Beware of warts and pinches, though.
4. A Sugar Glider
If you've never been blessed with a sugar glider nestled on your hand then you're missing out. These marsupials are adorable and make great companions. Some downsides are that they require more space and aren't easy to potty train. They also don't do well alone and so you would often need two of them. Overall, while this pet could be snuck into a dorm, it's probably best to only be an option for students with their own housing and more time on their hands.
5. A Turtle
Another totally awesome pet that requires an even more expensive tank and fancy equipment. Just think about all the things you can do with a turtle! Watch it walk around, watch it swim if it's into that kind of thing, or make it race other animals, like hares. Totally endless possibilities. Okay, maybe not the simplest pet to have in college, but if you love turtles, don't let college be the hurdle standing in your way.
6. A Rabbit/Guinea Pig/Rat
These little guys are awesome. They're fluffy, cuddly, and will listen to anything you have to tell them, from boyfriend problems to your latest homework assignment. However, if you are a super busy person or you live in a dorm, they may not be right for you. While you probably could sneak one into your room and have it run around in a little ball, you'd probably get caught.
7. A Cat 
Cats are absolutely amazing companion animals. If you're living on your own and you are allowed to have pets, a cat is a very good option in terms of longlong-term ownership. They can become your best cuddle pal and the thing you tell everything to. Once their house trained, their pretty low maintenance as long as you keep their litter box clean and their food and water bowls full.
8. A Dog
If you're not bursting at the seems from school, work, and other activities, you could totally consider going all out with a dog. They require much more care than any other animal listed, but the effort is very worth it. They become such a part of you that you can't imagine life without them. Getting my first dog is what I look forward to most as I contemplate leaving the residence halls.
