Pets in College Dorms: A Growing Trend in Student Life
As students navigate college life, they often face challenges such as stress, anxiety, and homesickness. However, some colleges and universities are now allowing pets in dormitories, which can provide companionship and emotional support to students. Eckerd College, a liberal arts school in Florida, is one such institution that has been permitting pets in dorms since 1973. According to Sophie Nocera, a senior at Eckerd, having a pet on campus can be a game-changer. “When I’m walking my dog, I often hear, ‘Oh my god, hi, Zuko!’ It’s like I’m not even there,” she said.
The trend of allowing pets in college dorms is not unique to Eckerd. Other institutions, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stephens College in Missouri, also permit pets in student housing. Federal law requires public and private colleges to allow service animals and emotional support animals in student housing, but some schools are going beyond this requirement to allow pets. For example, the University of Northern Colorado allows dogs and cats in three of its residence halls, with certain restrictions such as age and weight limits.
Benefits of Pets in College Dorms
Having pets in college dorms can have numerous benefits for students. According to Jediah Cummins, executive director of housing at the University of Northern Colorado, having a pet can be a marker of adulthood and can help students develop important life skills such as responsibility and empathy. “One of the markers of adulthood is, ‘Can I not just take care of myself, but can I take care of another living being?’ That’s an important part of this,” Cummins said. Additionally, pets can provide emotional support and comfort to students, which can be especially important during stressful times such as exams or personal crises.
Molly Cheer, a senior nursing major at the University of Northern Colorado, credits her pet cat, Louie, with helping her cope with stress and anxiety. “Whenever I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I pick him up and cuddle him, and he just deals with it for as long as I need it,” she said. Similarly, Nocera’s dog, Zuko, has helped her meet new people on campus and has provided emotional support during difficult times.
While having pets in college dorms can be beneficial, it also requires colleges to consider various factors such as safety concerns, noise complaints, and additional costs for cleaning. Some schools charge a pet fee, which can vary depending on the type of pet and the institution. For example, Stephens College charges an annual fee of $220 for dogs and cats, while fish are allowed for free.
Conclusion
In conclusion, allowing pets in college dorms can be a positive trend in student life, providing companionship, emotional support, and helping students develop important life skills. While there are challenges to consider, many colleges and universities are finding ways to make pet-friendly dorms work. As Nocera said, “Having pets obviously isn’t for everyone, and that is totally OK. But for the people that it is a good fit for, it is so worth it.” For more information on pet-friendly colleges, visit Here
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