Pets. The college student’s most coveted possession. Of course every student in college wishes that they were allowed to have the ‘fun’ pets, like cats or dogs or even hamsters, birds and lizards. A lot of universities don’t allow those types of pets. That leaves pretty much one thing: fish.

I know what you’re thinking. ‘Ugh, fish are boring.’ Well, I am here to tell you that that is not true! Here are five reasons why you should get a fish in college.

1. They require very little upkeep!

This is perfect, because between homework, exams, and trying to have a life, college students don't have a lot of time to mess around on cleaning up after pets. Now, this sort of depends on what size tank you have, but some universities even have limits on that so they can't be very large. Most fish just require a filter and then after that, a weekly or semi-weekly water change, which could take at the most fifteen minutes. They are so easy to take care of! Feed them regularly (and the right amount, that's very important, speaking from experience here) and change their water every now and again, and your fish will be around to save you from boredom and loneliness forever.

2. They are quiet!

How many of you have been awoken in the wee hours of the morning by your dog barking at nothing outside, or your cat's sudden desire for attention at 3 A.M? You know a pet that's not going to disturb your sleep cycle? Fish! It's a common myth that fish don't sleep, but they do. Fish need a regular schedule of day time hours and night time hours just like humans do, so if they have a light, just turn it off when you go to bed, turn it back on when you wake up, and you're golden.

3. Fish are good for you!

If you watch your fish often enough, you will find that they either have a personality of your own or that your subconscious has created a personality for it. Also, studies have actually shown that watching fish swim is good for your mental health.

4. Watching your fish will give you something to think about other than school

During exam week or a tough homework assignment, it is so good to look up from my computer and see my fish swimming around, blissfully unaware in their community that their Food Provider is tearing her hair out with frustration. They're just fish, living their fishy lives. They can be a welcome distraction from all the stresses of daily college life. And unlike cats and dogs, fish cannot sass you. They can't give you attitude and you don't have to train them. They are just plain fun to have! If you're good to your fish, then your fish will be good to you.

(Disclaimer: Please do not actually kiss your fish.)