Being away from home can be tough. Life at college means no more home-cooked meals, increased homework,and more lessons in doing your own laundry. But the biggest toughie of them all has fluffy ears, likes chocolate more than they should, and sleeps most of the day- and I'm not talking about that one Aunt everyone seems to have. Obviously, I'm talking about those love-filled, dozy-brained, happy-go-lucky beings that are a true gift from above: DOGS! How could you not miss a little cutie pie that just wants to cuddle and eat your food?!

As such, here are ten things that dog-lovers go through when they move away from their beloved pooch.

1. Convince yourself that it won't be so bad.

Don't lie to yourself- this is no walk in the park, and definitely not a walk in the park with your dog. Because you are leaving him behind, aren't you? You cruel monster. The poor little angel will be looking for you for weeks. How could you?! But go ahead, pretend you aren't phased by it...

2. Put photos of your dog all over your dorm walls.

Not as good as having them with you, but it'll have to do. Pro-tip: if you close your eyes and hug your roomie, it's like your lil' pup-a-doodle is right there with you. Just don't make them bark, because that's probably against their human rights.

3. Share photos of your dog with people who didn't ask to see your dog

'Oh hey, you are talking about a topic completely unrelated to my dog? Well, funny you should say that because here is a photo of my dog doing this crazy funny thing! I have a whole album on my phone dedicated to him. What's that you have class? Well, I'll write you a note, now LOOK AT MY CUTE PUPPER.'

4. Buy a Fish

Getting a fish is a great idea! They are easy to look after, and you still get excited when their kills do that flappy-out thing where you can kind of see inside their body. Plus they share some similarities with dogs, like breathing and being dumb.

5. Watch Videos of your dog

It's hopeless. The fish doesn't snore in the funny way your dog does, or cry with excitement when you come home, or chase his shadow. Just keep watching that video of your dog running in slow mo towards the camera in the mean time.

6. Accidentally Kill the Fish

So going for a walk every day with your fish maybe wasn't a good idea... and neither was playing ball... Maybe you should stick to being a dog person...

7. Ask for friends and family to send photos of your dog

Pester and pester and pester. Then get annoyed when they send only one.

8. Ask friends and family to Skype so you can see your dog living its beautiful life

I love my friends and family, but I just love my dog that little bit more- so if you could just pass the laptop to him for the majority of the Skype call, that would be great.

9. Get a Pet Rock

Decorate with a cute nose and floppy ears. Any resemblance to actual persons, or dogs, is purely coincidental.

10. Recognize that a Pet Rock is just as exciting as a fish

You really did hit a low point in getting a pet rock. That's desperation.

11. Count the days until you can reunite with your pupper

So a fish and a pet rock (or even an unwitting roomie) just won't cut it. Only the real thing will do! So get a countdown app and circle the date on your calendar. Until then, just get unnecessarily jealous of other people out walking their dogs.

College without your dog by your side is ruff (get it?????), but just think of how happy your dog will be when you're finally home <3