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.