Should a college student get a hamster?

Hamsters A hamster doesn't require a lot of attention, so it's ideal if you're a student who always has plenty of school work to do.

Are hamsters good pets for college students?

Having a pet can help to reduce stress, provide comfort and companionship, and even teach responsibility. If you're a college student looking for a pet, there are a number of small animals that may be the perfect fit. One of the best small pets for college students is a hamster.

Can you bring a hamster to college?

At most dorms, your pet options are limited to animals like fish. Many dorms also allow small caged animals like hamsters. Make sure to carefully review the pet policies before you show up on campus. And keep in mind that restrictions on pets do not apply to service animals.

What is the easiest pet for a college student?

Fish are an excellent choice for college students looking for a low-maintenance pet. They don't require much attention and don't take up much space. All you need is a small aquarium, a filter and some fish food. Bettas, goldfish and guppies are popular choices for their ease of care and good looks.

What age should you get a hamster?

Hamsters are relatively easy to look after, which is one of the keys to their popularity, but they are not suitable for children under the age of 10. This is largely because of their nocturnal habits. A child who goes to bed at 7pm and rises at 8pm will hardly get to see their pet hamster at all!

Hamster Dos & Don'ts

What I wish I knew before getting a hamster?

Is a hamster a good first pet?

Hamsters live, on average, 18 to 24 months (some may reach 36 months). Children should be informed of this when they get a hamster so that the 'sudden death' of their 2-year-old pet does not come unexpectedly. Hamsters make good family pets and are suitable as a first pet for children, as long as they are supervised.

Can I keep a hamster in my dorm?

Popular pets to keep in a college dorm

If you have roommates, you may want to consider a pet that is less likely to intrude on their personal space or affect them if they have allergies. This may include a small caged pet or “pocket pet” such as: Rats. Hamsters or gerbils.

Is it smart to have a pet in college?

A pet will be there to greet students after a long day and are always available to lend a sympathetic ear or a furry shoulder to cry on. Pets make excellent study buddies or nap partners, and serve as excellent stress-relief outlets for students.

What is the best pet for a college house?

First, having fish for a pet is the most common option across college campuses. Even schools that don't allow any pets make exceptions for fish. So, consider getting an aquarium with one or several fish breeds. Golden fish, guppies, or tetras are the most common and easiest options.

What not to do when owning a hamster?

Hamsters that are not handled gently often may nip out of fear. Be sure not to hold your hamster too tightly and avoid bouncing them around. Also avoid suddenly picking up your hamster while they are sleeping, doing so could lead to a bite.

How not to carry a hamster?

Always pick up your hamster with both hands and put one hand under its bottom for support. Always lift the hamster facing toward you rather than away from you. Being lifted in midair is disorienting. If your hamster is looking at you it has some frame of reference and is less likely to jump.

Does Harvard allow pets?

Pets. Pets are only allowed in certain units within specific HUH properties, and there are restrictions on the number, type, breed, and weight of permitted pets. You will need to complete a Pet Authorization and Policies Rider before you move in.

Will a hamster cuddle?

99% of my hamsters were cuddly and tame. But some of this depends on personality too- occasionally you run into a less friendly hamster.

What is the lifespan of a hamster?

Hamsters usually live for up to two years, although some may live for longer. Here are some top hamster facts: There are 24 species of hamster and they belong to the family Cricetidae. The Syrian, Russian Dwarf Campbell and Roborovski breeds are the most popular for pets.

Are hamsters messy pets?

They are generally fastidious about personal hygiene and regularly clean themselves to keep tidy. Not only does this mean that you have less work, but it is also adorable to watch them undertaking their little cleaning rituals. Hamsters are also quite good housekeepers.

Why do colleges not allow pets?

Along with the benefits pets provide to students, they accompany numerous challenges that some universities cannot get past. Things like potential damage to dorms, expenses and risk to others are just a few of the reasons why universities like UC say that they cannot provide a pet-friendly campus for their students.

What effects do pets have on college students?

One survey found that 90% of college pet owners said having a pet helped them feel less stressed and anxious, and 78% said their pet helped them de-stress after a long day. It is important to create a supportive environment, and having pets in the student housing is one way to do that for the well-being of students.

Do class pets make students happier?

Pets Enrich the Classroom Experience

Kids learn that all living things need more than just food and water for survival. Students will see directly how their behavior and actions affect others. Studies show that the presence of animals tends to lessen tension in the classroom.

Do hamsters make your room smell?

It's not surprising that hamsters can create a stink when they sleep, eat, poo and wee in a confined space. However, they aren't dirty animals and groom themselves instinctually to make it harder for predators to catch their scent.

Can I sleep with my hamster?

Locate your hamster's cage away from your bed.

This issue is important for both you and your hamster. If you don't want to be kept awake at night by your hamster as it eats, runs about its cage, and is generally active, put its cage somewhere out of earshot.

Is it OK to have a fan on with a hamster in the room?

Ideal temperature for a hamster is anywhere from 65–75 Fahrenheit or 18–24 Celsius. If you are planning to keep a fan for yourself in the room then make sure it is not facing the hamster directly as it can stress the hamster out or make him cooler than he would like to be.

Which type of hamster is the friendliest?

The Syrian hamster is the best species for handling. It is easy to tame, the slowest of the popular pet hamsters, and the least likely to bite. Though docile with humans, they are territorial with other hamsters and should always be housed alone.

Do I need to take my hamster to the vet?

Bringing a tiny hamster into your life is a big commitment -- the same as adopting a dog or cat. Along with the wonderful privilege of owning an animal comes the responsibility of taking care of his health. Because of this, hamsters require regular veterinarian checkups -- no exceptions.

Can you touch your hamster when you first get it?

Wait a few days before trying to pick them up

Like any new friendship, it takes time to get to know someone and feel comfortable with them. That said, wait a while to handle your hamster or pick them up. After a few days of giving them food and water, they'll start to trust you!