Over this past summer while I was shopping for college supplies, I spontaneously bought a fish. I had been considering buying one for a while because fish are the only type of pet allowed on campus, but I thought I should wait until I was at college and know I can take care of it. I do not know what drove me to look at fish things on that day, but I did. That's when I first saw him. A beautiful blue-greenish betta fish. I had to have him.

After a few weeks, I got into the 'swing of things'. I made sure to get him a little heater, a plant, and a water filter. Yet, he still didn't have a name as no name seemed very fitting. At that point I had been calling him 'Fish' far to long for any other name to sound right. So his name became simply 'Fish'.

I would like to add how glad I am that I bought a fish. In little ways, he has helped me get used to college. I'm my dorm room when I'm stressed or bored, my fish is there. Betta Fish are so fun to watch swim around because their fins just flow and sway all around. Watching Fish swim around is really soothing, which can help me some days at college. Fish has quite the unique personality and enjoys following your finger around the tank to "play". Even when I'm in my dorm room and tired my fish is there. Watching... swimming... not judging me...usually blowing bubbles. All that normal fish stuff. Fish has definitely helped make college a little easier.

Cleaning his tank can prove to be a challenge while living in a dorm. Cleaning can getting annoying when you keep a busy and hectic schedule but it has to be done.There are also down sides to owning a fish as stubborn as Fish. It is nearly impossible to get him to cooperate when it is time to clean his tank. The only way to get him into a cup to remove him from the tank is to bribe him. With what you might ask- a small scoop of blood worms.... yum. The whole process would be much faster if he would just cooperate with me.

If you are considering adding a fish into your life make sure you prepare yourself just as you would if you wanted a different pet such as a cat (or ten cats). Make sure you can handle it and have time for it. Do some research about the species of fish you want (or have) so you know how to properly take care of it. Even though fishes are often regarded as a low maintenance pet, they still require proper care; Frequent water changes, correct food portions, and enough space to swim around. But I guarantee you won't regret it!