If you've got a family pet, chances are you'll miss them when you flee the nest. But, there are ways of still getting your fix of doggos while at uni.
Preparing for university is fun; you get to go on the all-important shopping spree for your new bedroom, buying all the fairy lights you can fit in your suitcase (it’s going to be totally aesthetic), and wondering about the new life you’ll invent for yourself. But, when you’ve finally crossed the last day off your calendar and you’re about to leave, reality hits in the form of your puppy dog-eyed best friend who doesn’t even realise you’re about to spend a whole semester away from home. It hurts even more than saying goodbye to your parents. Sorry Mum and Dad.
You suddenly realise there won’t be anyone to bother you to give them tummy rubs, play ball with and distract you from your work in your pokey fresher’s flat. January is National Walk Your Dog Month, and you want to get involved. So, what should you do when you’re feeling lonely without your furry BFF?
1. Sign up for BorrowMyDoggy
If you love dogs, this will change your life. We all know that dogs improve your mental health, whether by reducing loneliness, releasing endorphins or just by helping you disconnect from technology. So, what is BorrowMyDoggy? It’s a way of connecting you with local dog owners so you can walk, sit or pet their dogs with little commitment. It’s £13 for a year’s subscription and you can find your favourite pooch in the local area to hang out with when you’re in need of some dog therapy. It’s tried and tested by Student Hut, and we 100% recommend it. Make sure you send messages to lots of owners as not everyone will see your messages.
2. One thing’s for sure - don’t get a dog, unless it’s a therapy dog.
You’ll want to spend your time at university as a carefree student, and you’ll realise that when you’re solely responsible for your pet, it can be a lot of work. Imagining juggling parties, studying, library trips and field trips alongside taking care of Pluto. On the plus side, you’ll make a ton of friends because, let’s be real, everyone likes dogs. But halls aren’t the right environment for pets, even hamsters or cats because they’re far too loud and most digs won’t allow animals.
3. Decorate
Don’t just decorate your room with fairy lights, make sure you’ve dotted loads of photos of your doggo around your new abode so they’re never far away.
4. Facetime
Who said video calling was just for humans? Studies show that dogs can recognise images on a screen and react to them. That’s why your dog might go crazy when the Ice Age squirrel pops up on the big screen. Use this to your advantage, and spend some quality time with your dog.
5. Share your passion for pooches
Want a way of releasing endorphins? Why not look after loads of dogs by volunteering at the local animal rescue centre? You’ll get your canine fix with the knowledge that you won’t have to commit to feeding, walking and entertaining them 24-7 in your student flat. It also helps the community and is a far cheaper alternative to owning your own dog at university.
So there you have it, for now you’ll have to dream of owning your own pooch in the future. But, in the meantime you can check out which dog your university is and sign up to BorrowMyDoggy. And if you’re more of a cat person, then check out this article on why some think cats are better than dogs.
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