12 Low Maintenance Pets For College Students

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pets for college students

The transition from high school to college involves plenty of psychological, physical, and emotional adjustments.

With all of these changes, it’s easy to see why a college student may want an animal companion to help ease that transition. Pets have been proven to help mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

However, pets are a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. They require lots of time, space, and money – all of which most college students are lacking.

Luckily, some pets are more low-maintenance than others.

If you’re wondering which pets are good for college students, we have you covered! Here are 12 good pets for college students.

Should College Students Have Pets?

Surveys dating as far back as 2008 show that college students with pets were better at navigating stressful situations, felt less lonely and depressed, and were more likely to be active.

However, pets are a LOT of work! College students should only have pets if they are able to meet their needs physically, financially, and emotionally.

Before you get any kind of pet, make sure you do extensive research on that animal’s care needs.

College kids also need to be aware of their living situations throughout college, as some dorms and apartments don’t allow pets.

Can You Have Pets In Dorm Rooms?

Depending on your college, you may be able to have pets in your dorm room. However, in most cases it’s best to wait to get a pet until you have your own apartment.

If you’re set on getting a pet while living in the dorm room, most colleges allow students to have fish as dorm pets.

Some allow small caged pets like reptiles or hamsters. The majority of college campuses do not allow cats or dogs, unless they are service animals.

The Best Pets For College Students

1. Goldfish

Goldfish are definitely one of the easiest and cheapest pets to have in college.

You don’t need to walk them, they don’t make any noise, and you can get them for under a dollar at your local pet store.

Here’s what you’ll need in order to have a pet goldfish in college:

This whole setup could cost under $50, depending on where you shop.