Having a pet while in college can be highly beneficial to the student. Pets do not just provide emotional benefits, but they can also help relieve stress and create a strong bond with their owners.
Students who decide to take care of pets while in college should consider the level of commitment and time required for each type of pet.
Some pets require stricter maintenance than others; some breeds are active which causes them to need more attention, whereas other breeds remain calm throughout most situations, like cats.
In this article, we will be reviewing 8 types of pets that are best suited for college level students.
8 best pets for college students
While in college, students typically don’t have a lot of time to devote to pets. There are, however, certain kinds of pets that can be especially beneficial for college students. This article highlights these breeds and suggests ways in which they may benefit the lives of students attending college and help them ace their college exams and classes.
The Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs make great indoor pets because they require less maintenance than a cat or a dog. The primary responsibility of caring for a guinea pig is to provide fresh food and water every day, in addition to making sure that their living quarters remain clean. The cleaning part isn’t as hard as it sounds because they primarily stay inside their cage, although it must be cleaned out once every week or two.
One of the best things about guinea pigs is that they tend to be very social creatures. They love to play and can provide hours of amusement for their owners. They also make great cuddlers, which can be soothing when a student is feeling stressed out. Guinea pigs come in a variety of colors and patterns, so it’s easy to find one that will match the personality of its owner.
The Hamster
Hamsters are another popular option for college students because they are small and relatively low-maintenance. Like guinea pigs, hamsters enjoy playing and exploring their surroundings. They also like to be handled and will often snuggle up in their owner’s hand for a nap. One downside to owning a hamster is that they can be messy eaters. Hamsters will often store their food in their nests, and this can lead to a lot of waste build-up over time.
Hamsters are nocturnal, so they will be most active at night. This may be beneficial for students who want to study late into the night without being disturbed by a pet. On the other hand, hamsters may also keep students up at night if they are active during those hours.
The Goldfish
Goldfish are a popular choice for college students because they are relatively low-maintenance and come in a range of colors and sizes. They don’t require much space and can live in a small tank or bowl. Goldfish also don’t require food every day, which is beneficial for students who are away from home for long periods of time.
The major disadvantage to owning a goldfish is that they are not very interactive with humans. Goldfish don’t mind being handled, but usually won’t cuddle or show much affection toward their owners. Also, some species of goldfish can grow quite large and need larger tanks than most college students have available in their living quarters.
Mice
Mice are a good choice for students who want a pet that is low-maintenance and interactive. They are small and can be housed in a small cage, making them an ideal option for apartment living. Mice also need to be handled frequently, so they provide an opportunity for students to engage with their pet on a daily basis.
The downside to owning mice is that they can be quite active at night, which may keep students up at night. Additionally, mice can be prone to illnesses, so regular vet checkups are important.
Small Breed Dogs
Many small breeds of dog are also very adaptable, so they can do well in apartments or dorm rooms. Dogs need to be walked every day, so they provide an opportunity for students to get some exercise.
The downside to owning a small breed dog is that they can be high-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Dogs also require regular vet checkups to ensure that they are healthy.
Turtles
Turtles are a great option for students because they require very little maintenance. They can live in a tank or bowl, and eating only once every one to three days means their owners will rarely have to provide food.
Turtles can be a bit boring as pets, so they are best suited for people who don’t mind sitting still for long periods of time. Also, turtles tend to stay close to their home, which limits how much time their owners spend with them.
The major downside to owning a turtle is that they carry salmonella and other bacteria that can make humans sick. Before purchasing a turtle, students should research salmonella prevention and learn about the potential risks involved with owning this type of pet.
Birds
Many species of birds are good for college students who want to keep pets, but parrots are the best option because they are intelligent and can learn to mimic human speech.
Parrots need a lot of attention, so they aren’t ideal for people that have trouble making time to give their pet plenty of attention on a daily basis. Additionally, some species of parrot can be loud when they screech or squawk while being handled .
Birds do require regular vet checkups, which means spending money on medical bills if something goes wrong. Bills may be especially costly if the bird needs surgery or dental work done. Also, some types of birds are illegal in certain states due to their potential danger to humans.
Large Breed Dogs
Most large breeds of dog are not recommended for college students because they require a lot of space and can be high-maintenance when it comes to grooming. However, there are a few exceptions, such as the bulldog, which is a small and low-maintenance breed of dog that is good for living in apartments or dorm rooms.
Large breeds of dogs also require a lot of exercise, so their owners need to be able to take them on walks every day. Additionally, large breeds of dogs are susceptible to many health problems, so regular vet checkups are important.
While the responsibility of caring for a pet will always be there when it’s owned by a student attending college, certain breeds can make this task more manageable than others. For example, an indoor cat will require daily care and attention that may be distracting to a student during class or studying hours. However, small pets like guinea pigs and hamsters require less maintenance and can provide hours of amusement. Ultimately, it’s important to choose a pet that will fit the lifestyle of the college student and not cause any additional stress.
Each student’s individual needs should be taken into account when deciding on a pet, but the breeds highlighted here are a good place to start. Owning a pet can provide many benefits for college students, including companionship, relief from stress caused by having to do homework, assignments, or other college tasks, and a sense of responsibility.
In conclusion, there are a variety of pets that are well suited for college students. Each student’s individual needs should be taken into account when deciding on a pet, but the breeds highlighted in this article are a good place to start. Owning a pet can provide many benefits for college students, including companionship, relief from stress, and a sense of responsibility.
About the author:
Judith is a mathematics and biology tutor at Tutlance, Chegg, and Tutorme among other online platforms. She has a B.S. in biology from the University of Central Florida and is currently working on her Ph.D in immunology at Columbia University. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, biking, and spending time with her two cats, Rascal and Dexter.