Feeling stressed, homesick, and lonely at school? Probably, all you need is a pet. Having an animal friend in your dorm room or apartment can improve your mental health, provide companionship, and do a lot more to make you feel better.
However, bear in mind that being a pet parent is a responsibility. So, be prepared to use essay help by EssayHub or ask a writer to help me write my essay for cheap every once in a while to make time for your “parental” duties. Plus, there are more things to consider.
Still, having a pet at school is generally a rewarding experience. Read on to see our top reasons why.
Things to Consider Beforehand
Before we move on, let’s not forget about the things to weigh in on prior to making a commitment. Here are some questions that will help you make a responsible decision.
- Are pets allowed where you live?
- Do you have time?
- Do you have space?
- Can you afford it?
- Are you sure your roommates don’t mind?
If your answers are “yes,” you’ll make a great pet parent. However, don’t give up on the idea if not all answers are positive because most problems are solvable. For example, you can take a smaller pet if you don’t have space or visit online essay writing service in usa to find out how you can save time on academic assignments.
If you’ve considered everything but need more reasons to make a positive decision, read the list below. And don’t miss our pet suggestions, too!
6 Reasons to Have a Pet at College or Uni
There are a whole bunch of reasons to have a pet as a student. Here are the six most significant ones.
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/dog-with-ball-in-mouth-jumping-over-a-fallen-tree-trunk-3013467/
Improving Emotional Well-Being
Student years are often the most stressful in a person’s life. There’s so much going on during this time – new responsibilities, new routines, challenging events like exams, etc. – that many students get overwhelmed.
Pets are known to reduce stress and anxiety levels and bring comfort to their owners. Moreover, caring for your little friend can serve as a distraction from your daily worries.
Encouraging Socializing
Finding friends at school can be difficult – but not if you own a pet. Dog training or fish food can become common ground topics with other pet owners, and long outdoor walks usually provide lots of opportunities to make new acquaintances. That is not to mention fellow students who’ll be happy to come over to play with your pet!
Reducing Homesickness
If you had a family pet at home, living on campus without it can be hard. Of course, being away from home for the first time is difficult in general, but missing your little friend can add up to the stress.
Luckily, you can reduce your homesickness by bringing in a new pet who will become another family member. Home is where the heart is, they say, and the heart is where your loved ones are, including pets.
Prompting Exercise
If you decide to have a dog, you’re never going to miss your exercise routine anymore. Even small dogs love playing games and being active, and long walks are an indispensable part of every dog owner’s life.
According to a massive study conducted in the UK in 2019, most dog owners spend approximately 300 minutes a week walking with their pets. So, if you need encouragement for exercise, owning a dog can help a lot.
Spending Time Outdoors
Yet again, walking with a dog is not just about exercise – it is also about spending time outdoors. Fresh air is vital for human health and well-being, but busy students tend to forget about that far too often.
One of the reasons is that many people don’t like walking alone, and the company is not always available. In such cases, a dog can be a perfect companion for spending quality time outdoors.
Fostering Discipline
Discipline is crucial for every student, but some of them don’t see the point in all this scheduling and time management when everything they have to care about is meeting academic deadlines.
Yet, when you have a living creature to care for, the level of responsibility rises. It changes your attitude completely and teaches you to understand the importance of routines.
Best Pets for College and University Students (Besides Cats and Dogs)
Many people only think of cats and dogs when choosing a pet, but these animals are not always the best choice for students. In case you can’t take a cat or a dog, consider some of the following options:
- fish;
- snails;
- hermit crabs;
- lizards;
- turtles;
- birds;
- guinea pigs;
- hamsters;
- chinchillas;
- fancy rats (mice).
All these animals need less food, space, and emotional engagement than cats or dogs. Still, every pet has its peculiarities, so do your research in advance.
Wrapping Up
Having pets while at college or university can be beneficial for students in many ways. Animals can be cuddly, comforting, and entertaining, and they can help you get through the hardships of being on your own.
However, owning a pet is never easy. All animals, even the smallest ones, need space and proper care, and you have to invest time and money in your little friend. So, you need to carefully consider whether you’re ready to commit before deciding to become a pet parent.