If you haven't already started college for the Fall 2016 semester, you are probably treasuring your last few days home before school starts again. For those of us who go away to school, the days leading up to the departure are full of packing, preparing, and goodbyes. The emptying of your room, last dinner with the family, and back-to-school shopping isn't nearly as hard as saying goodbye to your best friend. The friend who listens to hear your voice, cries so you know they're there, barks to protect you from harm, and loves unconditionally. The best friend you will ever have; a loyal loving companion that cares for you more than itself. A special creature whose time in your heart will far outnumber its days on Earth. Your dog.

We got 99 problems and college is all of them. Every late night up writing a research paper, getting out of bed bright and early for your 8 a.m. class, and stressing over finals would be so much easier with one simple add-on. College would be so much better with your dog.

Unfortunately for most college students living in any type of on-campus-housing, it is forbidden to have a dog. Although it isn't advised, I'm sure you could somehow sneak your puppy into your dorm, but due to the maintenance, potential allergens to other residents, and noise-control, any type of pet isn't aloud with you at college.

I propose otherwise. College would be so much better, funnier, and easier with your dog and here's why.

Dogs are a mood stimulate.

Stressed? Crying? Depressed? Sad? I read somewhere that college students in this era have the same mental stress as mental asylum patients in the 1950's. Don't quote me on that, but you get the idea. College is stressful. And any amount of time with your dog can reduce stress and increase happiness. How much less stressful would college but with your dog licking your face all day?

You have a cuddle buddy.

Who needs boy when you already have man's best friend. Who knows if the next statistic I propose would come true-- but maybe, just maybe, if girls and guys alike had a pal to cuddle with in their dorm bed at night they wouldn't be so prone to college hookups. Which oftentimes can lead to rapes, accidental pregnancies, and STDs. Who knows, maybe all that would decrease with a little love and cuddles from the real love of your life.

Freshman fifteen? Sophomore twenty?

Having a dog improves your physical well being and encourages a health and fitness routine. The freshman fifteen is a common fear by new-comers to the college scene. As your new life style can take a serious toll on any sort of athletic activities-- having your dog with you at school, a being that requires physical activity, will encourage it's human companion to do the same.

No friends at school? Say no more.

I would never encourage this but just imagine some kid bringing their dog to a frat party. Would you go up to that complete stranger and ask to pet their puppy? Hell yes you would. Dogs increase social interactions. The more friends the merrier and I'm sure you'd have all the friends you could ever want with a dog like yours.

College is supposed to be fun, but it would be ten times better with your best friend experiencing it with you. If you feel you could take on the responsibility, apply for a service dog with your college and take your best friend on the ride with you. Life is better with a pup, and college could be too.