Back in 2020, in California, my family found a stray puppy in our hometown. We searched for her owners for a few weeks and checked for a microchip, but we had no luck. We knew she was meant to be, so, she joined the family. When the time came for me to move to Austin for college, I knew Nila had to come with me.
In January 2021 I moved to Austin with my 9-pound ball of fluff. Here’s what I’ve learned about owning a dog in college since then.
Having a pup is fun and so rewarding, but it’s expensive and a huge time commitment. I have to make sure to not go out too much because I don’t want to leave her at home. I also choose to stay home a lot more to spend time with her. Having a dog is always expensive, but it hurts the bank a little more as a broke college student. Budgeting and maintaining your pup’s health and vet bills help keep it manageable.
There’s nothing I would change though. Having a dog in college is so much fun. I love having my best friend waiting for me to come home after class or on a hard day. She’s also a great companion to have to prevent me from getting homesick or ever feeling lonely.
If you’re thinking about getting a pet during college and have the time and resources to properly care for them, I truly can’t recommend it enough! Plus, they make a great ice breaker and friend magnet!