Most of us had family pets growing up: house cats, dogs that went on vacation with us, or a lizard that chilled in your room. But having a pet when you live at home and having a pet when you're in college is completely different. As college students we know that life can be hard, we are always stressed over classes, depressed or lonely at times, and let's face it, pets add joy to our lives. Our pets literally think we are the best thing, they love us like we love them, if not more.

So if you're one of the lucky ones who does already have a pet while in college (not a pet that stays at home, but a pet that lives in your apartment with you) then you know what I'm talking about. My cat is nine years old and my best friend, and living in the dorms freshman year and not having her with me really took a toll on me. She comforts me when I'm sad, she sleeps on my pillow at night, she relaxes with me when I relax, and she loves it when I play with her. But now she lives in my apartment with me, and I couldn't do college without her.

Here's what having a pet in college feels like:

1. Coming home to your pet after a tough day

2. Talking to your pet like an actual person

3. Being besties with your pet