Pets at uni

Not a good idea. Maintenance and staff can still enter your room if they need to. They should give notice, but if there's an urgent issue there may not be time to give you notice.

What would be an example of the urgent issue? We were told we always get a week's notice so we can tidy up lol.

I have my hamster in halls and I really wouldn't recommend it to be honest. Firstly, storage of the substrate takes up a lot of room, and like most halls I practically live in a shoebox already. To be fair I buy a horse-size bale of Aubiose to save money, and you could buy smaller bales but it will end up being more expensive that way. Have you seen your room yet? Because it is likely that there isn't really space for a decently sized hamster and rat cage. I've managed to get away with having my hambo so far by putting a blanket over the cage when inspections are carried out (the cage is a faff move myself, it's made of glass and longer than I am tall ), but that also necessitates staying in for inspections so I can do something in case she decides to go for a run on her wheel or something

Often when inspections are carried out they will give you one entire day as your 'slot', not a specific time. Are you going to carry all of your animals around for an entire day? Giving them to somebody else isn't really an option, as they usually inspect an entire flat/corridor/block at the same time.

My little hammy is the best but on reflection I wouldn't do this again I got her when I was privately renting and my landlord was cool with it after some bargaining, but many landlords have a blanket 'no pets' policy including for caged pets (they make up some BS about allergies for the next tenants), so that's something to consider for when you move out in second year.

I had to rehome my bunnies and rats when I first moved to university, and although it broke my heart especially as I'd previously rehomed some rats from someone who gave them up to go to university (which I'd disagreed with at the time although I didn't say it ) As much as it hurt, I definitely made the right decision with regards to their welfare They deserved more than I would have been able to provide.

Soooo... I'm hopefully going uni in September to study Wildlife Conservation, and as you can probably guess from that course,I'm an animal lover. I have two rats, a hamster and two cats. Now I'm not stupid and I know I can't bring my cats but my family ABSOLUTELY DESPISE my rats and hamster and won't look after them when I'm gone. (They are scared of them but they are lovely little babies that don't cause anyone any harm.)

So I had a plan and wanted to know what you guys thought.. would it work etc. Have you guys had pets at uni and got away with it ??

We get a weeks notice before every inspection so, my plan is just hide the cage and pet stuff and take the rats and hamster out with me. (We don't have to be present for inspections) My pets are really well trained and will sit with me outside and come when called and what not and I always go outside with them.

I have also considered finding them a new home but thats just not an option. All three I rescued from neglectful homes and I don't want them passed on again. I also have thought about parties while at uni and I will just lock my room. They won't be in harms way as I love them and care for them properly.

I have also looked at bed-sits in the area that allow pets. Its a little more expensive per month but I'd be willing to pay that.

Moving away for university is a big thing in it's self and the added stress of animals won't make it any easier. They say they'll give you a weeks notice for inspections but we had cleaners for the communal areas and maintenance people regularly visit.
Lots of people do have pets in halls but usually limited to fish or hamsters, I think rats would be pushing it as everything is bigger and harder to hide.

Would you be able to find someone to look after the rats for your first year and then once you move into private accommodation take them with you?
Our contract stated we could keep pets so we had rats and rabbits (plus chicks and lambs at Easter ) which the landlord would come and visit but don't underestimate how hard it is to find a landlord willing to accept pets - you'll likely have to pay an additional deposit too.

I wouldn't recommend sacrificing your student social life and social circle that you will build in halls/student accommodation for your hamster. On TSR, you see so many people that aren't enjoying the student experience and want to leave, more often than not it's because they opted to commute or live away from the students - the experience is killed massively.

I understand your affection for your pet, but I don't think that it's wise to take it to uni - looking at the bigger picture it's not worth it.

True, but I have plenty of parties at home and caring for my ratties and hammie doesn't affect it too much, I also just thought of another thing, my rats are 2 years old and my hamster is 3. I don't want to miss out on what could be the last part of their little lives.

Thanks everyone for your comments though xx

I have seen my room, my currrent cages would easily fit, I have also looked at bed-sits in the area that allow pets. Its a little more expensive per month but I'd be willing to pay that.
I do the same with the bulk buys lol.
Do you think that I could give them to someone in a different block that doesn't have that day for inspection.

I hear what you're saying but as I'm sure you can relate to I couldn't bare giving them up (I'm also quite stubborn) xxx

What would be an example of the urgent issue? We were told we always get a week's notice so we can tidy up lol.