Is it really worth it to have a dog in college?

As college students, we tend to overwhelm ourselves causing us to stress out way too much. We have so much anxiety between exams, papers, and getting involved with our majors that we forget to sit back and relax sometimes.

Most schools acknowledge this pressure students put on themselves, but only during finals week. Universities usually do all kinds of stress releasing activities to help students get their mind off their work.

One of the activities usually involves bringing in dogs for students to play with. Dogs are proven to help people relieve built up stress inside. They bring out a happy side of people even in some of the darkest days.

 But some students are taking this a step further and taking their dogs with them to school. This is a huge responsibility for a college student and may seem at first to only increase ones stress level. But most students that decide to actually take on the responsibility say that it is worth the extra work.

Below are several students with dogs at college. Most say that they love having a furry friend to always brighten their day, even on the worst school days ever. I mean how could you not smile when you have someone waiting at the door for you every time you go back to your place?

We asked college students why they love having a dog with them and how it benefits their life at school.

Jesaulyn Atofau, 21

Getting a dog and being a student is probably the most stressful but exciting challenge I’ve taken on throughout my college career. It’s taught me how to be responsible, how to save money a little better with all the random vet bills and surprises they come with and having to consider him in anything and everything I do. My plans literally work around him. Being a city girl in a small college town can sometimes drive me crazy so I love being able to just hop in my car with Silver and drive without a destination. Anytime we get coffee, he expects a pupaccino.

Having a dog in college benefits me in ways I never thought it would. Anytime I study and need a break or a reliever, I take him to the park or will drive to the city for some ice cream (for him) and treats – they’re his favorites. Sometimes doing the same thing everyday can get really repetitive with school and balancing work, so I would definitely recommend getting a dog for students who often get bored with the cycle. It isn’t an easy task but its definitely the most rewarding.

Matt Brubaker, 20

I love that my roommates and I got a dog last year because it adds a whole different vibe to our lives. Right when we walk in the door from our classes she’s always there greeting us with the biggest smile and wagging her tail a mile a minute. She’s a great conversation starter with practically anyone because who doesn’t like a cute pup.

She seems to always be there for us when we’re stressed from studying for an exam and gives us something to take our mind off all the schoolwork. I know we can all agree that getting a dog our first year living off campus was one of the best choices we’ve made.

Ali Berkey, 20

In January of 2016, my 14 year old briard, Chewie, passed away. My mom called me and I was heartbroken. Suffering from depression on and off since I was 16, this death threw me into another pit of darkness. One April morning, my roommate and myself were walking to class and we both just decided to skip class and get coffee. When we turned around, we ran into a shiba inu family. Mom, dad, and two pups ran over to us and I just picked up one of the pups… AND WOW! I fell in love with this little fluff ball of pure happiness, and decided to take the risky step of owning a puppy.

Going on four months with Riku, I am beyond happy… Having a dog at college does have its sacrifices. No staying out all night or forgetting to come home after class – he’s always destroying something, possibly a textbook. It’s a constant reminder that I can be doing something, and should be. Riku is the happiest, purest little ball of destruction I could have ever decided on. I love him with all my heart.

Meghan Cavanaugh, 20

I love having a dog at school because it’s great going home to her and knowing she’s there waiting for me. She keeps me company. And she’s always in a good mood which puts me in a good mood if I have a big test or something else that is stressing me out! She’s the best.

 Caroline Bardo, 20

My dog is my best friend – sounds very generic. But seriously having a dog in college was probably one of the best decisions I have made since I rescued him. He has taught me that I need to be responsible about something else other than myself.

Boys? Forget them. You now can cuddle at any time of the day with your best friend. Coming home from class exhausted and snuggling up in bed with your dog is one of the best feelings.

Not only do dogs not judge you, but they make you feel better about yourself, and make you laugh even when you’re not in the mood or sad. Having struggled in the past with depression, having a dog by my side all the time has helped me so much, they give you unconditional love and never will make you feel bad about yourself.

Timothy Carroll, 20

I love having a dog at school because he’s great motivation to stay active, a friend that’s always at home waiting for me, and he helps to regulate my schedule (getting up in the morning, having to feed him, take him out, etc).

 Britt Ashley, 21

I think my favorite part about having my dog at school is being able to come home from a stressful day and immediately be welcomed by an animal that loves you so much. It’s a big stress reliever knowing you have an animal to come home to after a big test. Plus it’s a good excuse to take a mid day break and go take a walk outside in nice weather with your pet.