Bringing pets to uni

I know most uni accommodation does not allow pets, but to what extent is this rule actually enforced? How often are checks of the rooms made? I want to bring a ball python, he's very low maintenance and can't really damage the room in any way. I don't know whether I'd get away with it or not!

I know people who managed with stuff like hamsters. Their room didn't have cleaners and for inspections they'd take it elsewhere. I guess it wouldn't be easy to transport a python regularly. The other issue is how fair it is. Halls are loud and you won't have much time or money. Idk how sensitive pythons are. Lastly it's conceivable you get a flatmate who sees it and gets terrified and reports you.

Him scaring my flatmates was my main concern. His vivarium could fit under a bed during an inspection but maybe that’s not concealed enough. Ball pythons are one of the smallest species of snake so he’s not difficult to move. Perhaps I’ll do that.

Hey,

In all honesty - you probably shouldn't. BUT. I, and others have hidden worse things than pets.
Inspections (don't hold me to this) generally consist of shared kitchen being cleaned. You will get alerts for when they want to check your bedroom, in which case if you're happy to put him under your bed. What they'll do is check your lights, your toilet, then leave.

I can't really condone it, because you may get into trouble if you're caught. If you were to do it, I would tell no one. You don't know who will grass on you, even your flatmates. Unless you think they're 100% safe.

Best bet is to go to a Uni house, way way easier to hide and sort it then.

Hope this helps, snake charmer!
Joshua

Halls vary a lot. I know someone who just used to put their hamster in the wardrobe and cover with clothes and pass inspections and others where they were very thorough and would potentially notice under the bed. The issue is I think you can't keep secrets in halls and snakes are definitely polarizing! If he's easy to transport maybe wait a term and then you can guage your flatmates reactions and how inspections are done.

Am not encouraging you to break your tenancy contract i will just present the facts to you, obviously it's your decisions what to do.
I have a hamster at uni that i brought as was really struggling mental health wise and to me the small risk of getting caught was outweighed by how much joy and relief he brings to me.
It will differ for all accommodations but mine personally has only 2 inspections a year (minus the end of term leaving room inspection) and they have to give 2 weeks notice before coming so all i do is put him in the wardrobe every day for 2 weeks until they have gone. He's never been found and if they do find a pet they have to give you a warning to get rid of it then come back to inspect so all i would do in that instance is give him to a friend and then just take him back after that inspection.
You have to bear in mind the holidays though, for instance if you go home would your python be ok on it's own? I take my hamster back on the train as i have a cage at home i just put him in. I feel like a vivarium wouldnt be very easy to transport and unfortunately with something like a snake if a flatmate found out about it they could report it out of fear (even if said fear is irrational)
Maybe wait until you are in private accommodation as some private landlords will allow you to keep contained animals like snakes and hamsters if you pay a small fee deposit (that would be used if the animal got out and broke something for instance)