Pets at College

Student Lounge College Life
1

<p>This is my first time creating a thread, so I hope that I have put it in the correct place...</p>

<p>Anyway I am an 18 year old High School junior that will be heading off to college soon, so what I wanted to ask was what kind of pets are best to have in dorm rooms? I am the kind of person that has to have an animal around, because I have an anxiety and depression issue, and I think a pet would really help me with that. I also know that most colleges only allow fish, but the one I want to attend allows the following...</p>

<ul>
<li>Small non-poisonous snakes</li>
<li>Reptiles</li>
<li>Amphibians</li>
<li>Hamsters, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, rats, gerbils, ext.</li>
<li>20 gallon fish tanks</li>
</ul>

<p>I have had many animals, almost everything listed above. But I wanted to know what peoples opinions are... I would like to have a rat or some kind of lizard, but I don't know which would be best to have in a college setting. A bearded dragon would be nice, but they require a lot of different lighting. I also would prefer an animal that is good for beginners, what do you think? </p>

<p>Also, this college is in the middle of nowhere. There is no Wal Mart or any other large shopping store, so anything I buy to provide for my pet will have to be bought at Hannaford, or I would just have stalk up. </p>

<p>Tips on keeping a pet at college, are also appreciated. Thank you :)</p>

2

<p>It would depend on if you’re in a single or double. Many people don’t like pets in their rooms, some people are allergic. So you should factor that in. I’d choose the fish.</p>

3

<p>I’d be so ****ed if my roommate brought in something other then a fish.</p>

<p>As an RA I’d confiscate anything other then a fish, because they are against the rules.</p>

4

<p>Stick to the fish if you are going to have a roommate. Also, you probably won’t have time in college to take care of animals that require more than minimal work (like fish).</p>

5

<p>They are allowed at this college… and I would deff get my roommates permission long before hand. (They have to sign a consent form anyway ) I wouldnt do something without checking first</p>

6

<p>A 20 gallon aquarium seems like it would be a bit large for a dorm room. Try 5 gallons or one of those cheap bowls.</p>

<p>And I agree with Neuro, you’ll probably care more about getting adjusted to college than taking care of your animal. Stick with fish. </p>

<p>Snakes escape easily and even if they are harmless, you will get blamed if someone finds a snake in their room and gets freaked out.</p>

7

<p>Uhh…DID HE SAY SNAKES!?</p>

<p>Something tells me that wouldnt go over quite well with your soon-to-be roommate…</p>

8

<p>If my roommate brought in a snake, I would request a new one ASAP and wouldn’t move my stuff in. I would seriously sleep in my car before sleeping in a room with a snake. Snakes are a common fear, so don’t bring one. Just bring a fish. You’ll have difficulty enough adjusting to college without having feed or take care of a difficult animal.</p>

9

<p>You could always ask if your roommate would be okay with a snake before you guys move in…but if they say they’re not, respect that.</p>

<p>And yes other pets aren’t always against the rules. Just see what your roommate would be comfortable with.</p>

<p>My friend went to a school that allowed small pets, and people had 20 gallon tanks and it wasn’t too big, it just involved some creative rearranging. I might go with a lizard or something, assuming your roommate was okay with it.</p>

10

<p>I wouldn’t mind a snake, unless it slithers into my personal stuff.</p>

<p>I’d bring a fish</p>

11

<p>Pets, with the exception of fish, are typically not allowed in college dorms. And I’d scream bloody murder if my roommate decided to get a snake.</p>

12

<p>^Clearly OP said that other pets ARE allowed in his dorm, if you read. Some schools allow it.</p>