15 Best Pets for Busy College Students [A Complete Guide]

Having a pet can be a fun adventure. A furry friend can also help you feel less lonely or stressed when you need it. This may be why the number of people adopting and fostering pets has gone up recently.

Are you in college and wondering what the best pets for busy college students are? People who adopt an animal usually think that they are making the animal’s life better. However, pets also make their owners’ lives better.

The pets on this list are cost-effective and won’t take up much of your time. We know your space is small. As such, they wouldn’t take up your space either.

We also provided details and answers to questions you need to know when having a pet in college. Let’s dive right in!

Is It Expensive To Keep A Pet In College?
What To Consider Before Getting Best Pets For Busy College Students?
Do College Campuses and Dorms In The USA Allow Pets?
What Kinds Of Pets Does US College Campuses And In Dorms Allow?
15 Best Pets For Busy College Students
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
References
Recommendations

Is It Expensive To Keep A Pet In College?

You might think that college students don’t feel lonely because they are always with their friends. On the contrary, when students go from high school to college, they move, lose friends, and need time to get used to their new surroundings.

All of this, along with the stress of school, can make them feel too much. Studies have shown that having a pet makes it easier for people to deal with the different stages of life.

Cost is one of the biggest problems for students who want to get pets. Many students have small budgets and may not realize how much it costs to keep a pet. Costs for things like food, trash, toys, and personal care are going up quickly.

Regular trips to the vet can be expensive, and you might get a bill from the vet out of the blue. Even small pets that need little care, like reptiles or rodents, need a cage or terrarium, something to do, light, and litter. However, the best pets for busy college students on this list are very cost-effective.

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What To Consider Before Getting Best Pets For Busy College Students?

Pets can help college students deal with stress because taking care of another living thing is healing.

Before getting a pet, you should think about both the short-term and long-term commitments you can make. Pets like turtles or Betta fish that don’t need much care are great for busy students.

No matter what pet you choose, make sure you can get supplies and advice from a pet store nearby or a good online source. Depending on the pet you are getting, you should consider:

A pet cam for peace of mind
A pet cage
A toy
Shampoo
Food

In all, these cost money. You should consider the cost of these before making up your mind on which of the best pets for busy college students you should get.

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Do College Campuses and Dorms In The USA Allow Pets?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) says that colleges must let service animals on campus and in dorms.

Dogs and miniature horses that have the training to help people with disabilities are examples of service animals. Service animals are not the same as emotional support animals.

If it isn’t clear what services the animal provides, the college may ask if the animal is a service animal and what services it has the training to do.

The college can’t ask about the kind of disability, ask for a demonstration, or ask for proof of the disability.

What Kinds Of Pets Does US College Campuses And In Dorms Allow?

Most colleges let you bring fish. Some colleges let students have hamsters, chinchillas, and other small pets in cages. Most places don’t let cats and dogs in.

When it comes to pets that do not service animals or helper animals, colleges can make their own rules.

Some common rules say that the animal’s owner may have to register the animal with the ZhEK. The pet’s owner may have to put up a bond or ask permission from roommates or other residents before bringing the pet home.

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15 Best Pets For Busy College Students

#1. Hamsters

Hamsters are the best pet for college students in 2022. Among students, hamsters are one of the most popular small pets.

Hamsters live alone and are easy to take care of. A student can keep a hamster in a dorm without making other students uncomfortable.

Hamsters have been very popular as pets for a long time. Taking care of hamsters is easier with a wide range of special tools. Food and toys for hamsters are also easy to find. They are no doubt, one of the best pets for busy college students.

#2. Chinchilla

Ground squirrels are much smaller and weaker than chinchillas. College students can make great pets out of chinchillas.

These animals are naturally scared and hate it when you carry them. However, they get very close to the people who own them. Chinchillas are lively, funny, and fun animals to watch.

Chinchillas are good pets for college students because they don’t need much care. After the initial cost of buying the chinchilla and building a shelter for it, the costs of taking care of it aren’t too high.

All a student has to do is fill the bowl with food and water for the chinchilla. Chinchillas like to chew, so as long as you give them plenty of things to chew on, they will be happy.

Even though they live in groups, chinchillas can be happy on their own. Chinchillas like to be alone, and they won’t ask for your love very often. You can feel safe leaving your chinchilla at home while you’re in class. They are one of the best pets for busy college students.

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#3. Sugar Glider

Sugar gliders are possums that glide at night and are part of the marsupial subclass. Their name comes from the fact that they like sweet snacks and can glide through the air like a flying squirrel.

They are small and cute, as you can see. People who have them as pets swear by them!

Sugar gliders live longer than most other pouch pets, so they can keep a college student company for a long time. Sugar gliders can live up to 15 years. This puts them in the same group as dogs and cats who get love and care for a long time. Sugar Gliders are one of the best pets for busy college students.

#4. Frogs

Frogs are great pets to have around. The frog is a cold-blooded animal that requires less care than rabbits, guinea pigs, cats, and dogs.

This makes it a great pet for college students. Frogs are one of the best pets for busy college students.

The frog needs to feed regularly, but it doesn’t need to go for long walks or think about new things. They just worry about keeping their cage clean. Also, because frogs have sensitive skin, you shouldn’t use chemicals or creams on them.

Frogs can be a great way to relax. Even though they like to get out of their tank and look around, they won’t bark or meow to get your attention.

Frogs are happy on their own, so they won’t bother you while you’re studying. Petting a frog carefully can be a relaxing thing to do on its own.

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#5. Turtles

If you want a more friendly pet, a turtle might be a good choice. Turtles are one of the best pets for busy college students. They don’t take up much room and will look great in your apartment.

Turtles usually need small to medium-sized aquariums and don’t need feeding often.

You don’t have to walk them, but you can let them roam around your house. Another plus is that you don’t have to worry about walking your turtle.

They are easy to feed and don’t need as much food every day. Some things to think about with turtles are what they eat, how to take care of them, and how long they will live.

Keep this in mind before you buy a turtle of a certain breed that needs a special diet. Turtles are one of the best pets for busy college students.

#6. Hedgehog

Even though they have thorns, hedgehogs are as cute as they come. They are one of the best pets for busy college students.

Since they only come out at night, they don’t need much care during the day. Hamsters and guinea pigs live in the same cages as hedgehogs.

They have simple diets that are easy for college students to follow. Even though it may take time, they will come to care about you.

Because you move slowly and play the game, your hedgehog will become a loyal and loving friend. They also post amazing things on Instagram. Keep in mind that they are unusual pets before you buy one.

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#7. Guinea pig

Guinea pigs are a type of rodent in the family Caviidae and the genus Cavia. They are one of the best pets for busy college students. Even though they are “guinea pigs,” they are not related to pigs and are not from Guinea.

Guinea pigs are great pets for students because they are small. They have their personalities, and are very soft.

Students might not have a lot of time to care for pets. Guinea pigs are good pets for students because they can take care of themselves.

Guinea pigs are very healthy animals as long as they get the right food. They live in cool places, so they do well inside and in dorms.

#8. Bunnies

Bunnies are one of the best pets for busy college students. Bunnies don’t need as much space as some other pets, so they can be happy in a cage.

They make great pets for college students because they are clean, easy to take to the bathroom, and very loving.

Bunnies are quiet because they live in a dorm with other students. The student doesn’t want a noisy pet that would make noise. Rabbits are quiet and won’t bother the other people in your room.

They get attached to their owners. Since bunnies usually live with people, they are comfortable around them, which makes them great pets. When your bunny gets used to you, he will always be happy to see you and love spending time with you.

#9. Betta Fish

Betta Fishes are not just popular; they are also one of the best pets for college students. In the world, there are many different kinds of fish.

Some species need more care than others, so it’s important to research what each species needs.

Betta Fish is a great choice for the low-service option. Bettas come in many different colors, which makes them a fun and pretty choice for a pet.

Betta Fish are not only nice to look at, but they are also easy to take care of. All they need to live and grow is food every day and a mostly clean aquarium. Even a water filter isn’t necessary.

Betta Fish is not a “pure freak” like some other fish, and it doesn’t mind if its aquarium gets a little dirty. This is good news for students who might fall behind because of tests, homework, or not getting enough sleep.

#10. Cats

Cats are great pets for college students, but only if they can keep them in their dorms. A college student who lives in a dorm off campus can also have one.

Cats give their owners love and friendship that can’t be beaten. Cats can take care of themselves and will be fine even if the student leaves them to go to class.

The cat will always be there for you, but they also know how to have fun. They don’t need care all the time, so you won’t feel bad about leaving your cat.

You don’t have to worry about waking up other students in the dorm room if you have a cat. The cat won’t make noise that will keep you from focusing on what you’re trying to learn.

Cats are one of the best pets for college students.

#11. Tarantulas

Tarantula also has a cheap diet that works well for students who need to save money for other things.

They could go without food for weeks, but it’s best to feed them once a week or so. Tarantulas are one of the best pets for college students.

Want to have a unique experience with your pet? How about a tarantula? Even though they look scary, caring for these big hairy spiders can be fun.

Watching tarantulas crawl around in their terrariums is amazing once you start feeding them and learn about how they act.

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#12. Birds

Birds are a great first choice for a pet if you want one that is fun to watch and be around and doesn’t need much care.

Canaries, parakeets, cockatiels, and finches are some of the best species to have as your first bird friend. These animals are very smart, which makes it easy to train and take care of them.

Having a bird as a pet can be fun, especially for students who aren’t interested in bigger animals.

Also, having a bird won’t hurt your budget because all they need is a cage big enough for them to fly around in. They would also need some toys to keep them busy, food, and water. Simple!

Birds are one of the best pets for college students.

#13. Mice

Mice are one of the best pets for college students. Mice are perfect for a busy college student who wants a cute pet that doesn’t need much care.

Mice make great pets for students because they are small and easy to care for. Mice are great pets for people who go to school during the day because they are nocturnal.

These wonderful pets are also a lot of fun to watch and easy to take care of.

They are also cheap and easy to care for because they don’t eat much and don’t need a lot of space (did someone say dorm-room pet?).

#14. Dogs of Small Size

Here comes everyone’s best friend — dogs! Students can get a lot of comfort from these soft and furry pets, especially after a hard day at school.

Dogs have the power to make you feel happier and better about yourself. They use their cuteness and charm as their main weapons.

Dogs are probably one of the cutest pets, and they make great friends for college students. They can cheer you up and make you feel like you’re loved. Of course, if you’re a busy college student, you need to make sure you have the time, energy, and commitment that a dog needs.

Plus, you’ll probably need a lot of space. Think carefully about whether or not this pet fits your lifestyle. Dogs are one of the best pets for college students.

#15. Hermit Crab

Hermit crabs are a great choice for a pet if you want to try something different.

Hermit crabs are a lot of fun to watch, which is great if you had a hard day at school. They are one of the best pets for college students.

These animals only live in aquariums. This makes them perfect for college students who don’t have much room. It is also interesting to look at them.

They often climb and explore their environment. They are a great way to give your brain a break after you’ve been using them all day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any disadvantage to bringing a pet to college?

It doesn’t make sense to have a pet if you don’t have the time and money to take care of it properly. So make sure you can be a responsible parent for your new pet before you buy it. And be sure to look into your college’s pet policy. Some colleges allow small pets, mostly fish, but many others don’t allow any pets at all.

Why would you want to bring a pet to college?

Pets may help students handle stress. Even though adults and students both have pets for the same reasons. Students may depend more on their animals because of the way they live.

Which animal is the easiest to care for?

Birds.
Snakes
Sea Monkeys
Guinea Pigs
Goldfish.

What kind of pet is the cleanest?

Budgies. Budgies make great pets because they are easy to take care of. The great thing about having a hamster is that they are so easy to care for.

What is the pet with the least smell?

Chinchillas.
Cool Rats.
Parakeets.
Rabbits.
Snakes

What is the cutest pet for college students?

Havana rabbits, Siamese cats, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the cutest small pets. Guinea pigs are a brilliant choice for a small pet that is good with kids. But hamsters and toy dogs are better if you want a pet that can live in an apartment.

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Conclusion

If you are a college student with a busy schedule and a small apartment, getting a pet might be the last thing on your mind.

But, luckily, some small animals are friendly and could be great friends while you live away from your parents and get your degree. Go through our list of best pets for college students and find the pet that appeals to you.

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References

gerbilwelfare.com– Easy pets to take care of in college
care.com – Best pets for kids
momjunction.com – Best pets for college students with low maintenance
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