For most students, going to college and moving to the campus accommodation means that they have to part ways with their pets. However, these days, universities have become more lenient on their pet policies, allowing many to bring their animal friends to their dorm rooms.
Although this is good news, you will have to think twice before you start packing for your furry friend. Amidst your class schedules, social life, and other commitments, you will want to make sure that you will be able to find enough time for your pet as well. So, if you are thinking about which animals are the most dorm-friendly, here we have the answers ready.
Fish
Fishes have the reputation of being the best pet for busy people. They require very little attention and do not need to be fed very often. And importantly, many find that fishes have a calming effect on stress and anxiety.
For those who want to keep the effort minimal to take care of their pet, fish might be well worth considering.
Hamsters
This tiny furry animal is another one preferred by many college students as pets. Not only are they fine with solitude, but it is also easy to handle them. Meaning, when you or your roommate is hurriedly searching for paper help by services like WritePaper or studying for a test, your hamster will cause no disturbance in any way. Moreover, these are very affordable to look after, too.
And perhaps most importantly, hamsters also tend to be among the cleanest pets. If it is well cared for, you will not have to worry about the animal causing any bad odor in your dorm.
Gerbils
For those who prefer interactive pets, gerbils can be a great option for a pet to take with you to your room. These are small rodents and require only a small cage that can easily fit on any shelf. If you are able to get them a companion, gerbils will happily entertain themselves for a while.
And notably, with the right training, gerbils also tend to be calm and affectionate and would be happy to cuddle up against you. The only thing is to avoid wire-mesh cages. You will need to find the right enclosure, as they might be eager to escape.
Turtle
If you are looking for a quieter friend like a fish, turtles can be the next best option. They also occupy only a small space and can easily fit into a small aquarium. Although, depending on the size and setup of your aquarium, you might need a medium-sized tank.
Moreover, there will be no need for you to regularly walk your turtle friend. They can be fed easily and do not need too much attention from you.
Tree Frog
There are certainly those among us who want a unique pet. If frogs fascinate you, then a tree frog might interest you as an option. These are adorable pets and come with different physical characteristics based on the species you choose. You will find red-eyed, grey, and Pacific tree frogs, to name a few, each sporting different color combos.
Now, importantly, tree frogs are kind of antisocial and prefer to keep to themselves. But remember that they have delicate skin, which makes physical interaction uncomfortable. You will need to wear gloves to touch them in order to avoid the oils in your hand harming them. For these reasons, it is best to be careful when choosing the right species of tree frog for your dorm space.
Hermit Crab
Want a pet who can keep you company during those sleepless nights? Hermit crabs are nocturnal and will eat almost anything. They get the name from being able to retract themselves into the scavenged seashells that protect their exoskeletons.
Hermit crabs also prefer company, so you might want to get them in groups of three or more. And it goes without saying that they are very interesting to observe. However, aside from all this, you might need to spend some time cleaning the water once a week. Apart from this, hermit crabs are indeed low maintenance for busy college students.
Leopard Gecko
Never thought of reptiles as a pet material? You might reconsider once you get to know a leopard gecko. These have the markings of a wild animal but can easily keep their composure as a domestic pet. What makes them unique are their physical characteristics. Many species have visible ears and eyelids, which can be fascinating to watch.
Additionally, there is another reason that makes leopard geckos a cool pet. They can’t climb vertical surfaces due to the lack of adhesive structures on their head. This means that even if you forget to cover the terrarium, you do not have to worry about them getting out. But note that these can grow as long as ten inches and can live for up to 20 years.
Hedgehogs
These exotic pets are quite famous for their cuteness, best known for rolling into a ball when startled. As exciting as they are to watch, these are also low maintenance. Of course, you might have to invest a bit to buy one, though.
Hedgehogs do not need much companionship, nor do they require complicated handling. If you can get a good running wheel, they will exercise within the cage and will continue to stay healthy. With proper training, they can also cuddle with you and even play games.
Getting a new pet is a very important decision that has to be carefully thought about. If you are sure you want a companion friend, make sure you check your college policies to find which animals are allowed into the campus. You should also give yourself and the pet some time to get used to each other. It will be best to set a routine and plan ahead so that your pet will be able to adjust itself to the new owner and lifestyle.
