Many people might disagree, but I, for one, think that it is vital to have a pet during college -- even if it’s just a goldfish. Now, when I say pet, I’m not talking about a puppy or anything drastic, because that takes some serious growing up and responsibility (unless you’re fully prepared). I’m referencing little fur balls that aren’t difficult to maintain, aren’t expensive and are lovable. I believe that having a pet during your college years will reduce your stress because it is an overall fact that animals reduce stress and make you happier by playing as a distraction from anxious emotions.
A pet can act in many different ways for college students by having someone who is always there for you when you feel like the rest of the world isn’t, being able to vent to them all day everyday without them getting offended, having someone to cry to on a daily basis, and best of all, not needing a boyfriend because animals give you more love than anyone else ever could! So, if you’re in college, I suggest you looking into a permanent study buddy/best friend during your college years. If you’re unsure of which type of pet to get, here are a few of my favorite picks.
Goldfish -- You can never go wrong with a gold fish, or any type of fish, really! They’re super smart, always quiet but can definitely be a fun time, and they’re inexpensive to take care of! They’re also small so they can fit on your desk or on your night stand for maximum comfort.
Turtle -- Turtles (besides from being adorable) are a great companion! They’re usually small in size and take up minimal space, but will love it if you let them out to play! They’re easy to keep up with and they are always keeping a positive attitude!
Hamster -- Hamsters are the way to go if you love fur balls! They’re small in size, inexpensive to keep up with and super fun to play with. They love to be loved on and have the best personalities. They also are very good at entertaining themselves for long hours at a time. So, when you’re up late studying, you’ll have a friend up with you.
Bunny -- Bunnies are such fun animals! They’re very playful, lovable, and a good size to where you won’t have to worry about losing them in your room if you let them out to play. They are good at entertaining themselves and are inexpensive to keep! Along with the hamster, rabbits do take cleaning of their cages at least once a week, and they chew on cords so watch out for that!
Guinea Pig -- Guinea pigs carry the same type of personality as bunnies and hamsters; they’re smart, fun-loving, and easy to keep up. However, they do take some time to clean and to watch. Guinea pigs can also get a little noisy so make sure that won’t bother you!
Chinchilla -- Chinchillas are amazing pets and the cutest things on Earth. They’re smart, super soft, and they never smell! They typically have to have a large space to run or a large cage, and need attention often because they are pretty sensitive animals. They are also nocturnal, so they’re great for late night college students. They are slightly on the more expensive side, however, and they take a good bit of care.
Having a small pet your first few years in college will make it easy to have a positive mindset. It will also begin teaching you how to have responsibility and will prepare you for being a grown up. I mean come on, who wouldn’t want to have one of those cute little animals to hang out with every day?
