Molly Banks discusses the best ways university students can own a pet.

Most landlords don’t allow pets in rental properties; an unfortunate reality for many students who either want a furry friend or simply miss their pet from home. As a proud owner of a Cocker Spaniel, the challenge of leaving my dog behind to move to university is one that is common for many students.

As most pet owners would agree, an animal is so much more than a pet. They truly become part of the family, which is a feeling university students shouldn’t necessarily be restricted from. Cleveland Clinic writes that something as simple as petting a dog can decrease stress hormones. University semesters often pass by at an unprecedented rate, and with help from a pet, you can maintain improved focus. Pets help manage your stress, and their habits create a need for better organisation. 

The benefit of pets on mental health is clear, as their unique personalities and need for a consistent food routine, and for some pets, their daily walks, provide a sense of purpose and structure. Most students will experience imposter syndrome at some point in their course. The sometimes demanding nature of our pets can force us to be more sociable, whether this is through walking clubs, meeting at a dog park, or simply by providing an excellent topic of conversation. At university, this can help you settle in much faster and feel at home.

While it is undeniably easy to become preoccupied with the idealised image of being a pet owner, there are things everyone thinking about buying a pet should be aware of to prevent their animal holding them back, or even harming the pet itself. The animal kingdom is not exempt from the clumsy moments and health problems that we can all experience, and as students these inevitably expensive vet bills might be well outside of what you are able to spend. It is no secret that many students live on a tight budget, and pet expenses of food and additional supplies, such as toys and bedding, as well as our day-to-day living, may result in a financial inability to provide effectively for a pet due to no fault of your own. 

While more high-maintenance pets such as dogs or cats may be more difficult to care for at university, there are plenty more low-maintenance options available.

As a student, especially with a frequently busy schedule, it is important to consider whether a pet can fit into your lifestyle. If you have a love for travelling and visiting new places, pet care while you’re away must be arranged which may hinder any spontaneous weekend trips you would previously have partaken in. In addition to this, we have to consider how certain pets, such as dogs and rabbits, require access to suitable outside spaces, something some rented accommodations don’t provide. No matter how much of a great idea pets may seem at first, the responsibility of pet ownership should not be underestimated to prevent neglect and additional strain on already busy animal shelters.

While more high-maintenance pets such as dogs or cats may be more difficult to care for at university, there are plenty more low-maintenance options available. Although, it is important to acknowledge how even low-maintenance pets still require proper care. Beginner’s fish such as Neon Tetra’s or Zebrafish could be a good place to start. With the right sized, correctly equipped and clean tank, alongside plenty of fish food, then you could have your own shoal of fish to watch peacefully swim around. 

If you’re looking for a slightly fluffier pet to keep you company, then hamsters, though small in size, can provide a lot of love. With the correct environment set up in a cage to be cleaned once a week, bedding, toys, and healthy hamster foods, then you could become the owner of one of these precious little animals.

As for my final suggestion, snakes can be very low maintenance pets, as confirmed by a second-year student who cares for her pet snake, Ignatius, when she is home. They simply require a terrarium, set up appropriately for your type of snake, and have such a slow metabolism that they don’t require feeding often. 

Student status shouldn’t restrict someone’s ability to become a proud pet owner if it has been thoroughly planned out. Preparation is key, but if the students can provide a loving and caring home, and the pet can improve the life of its owner, then it is an ideal situation for both parties involved.

Published 27 November 2024