<p>“The only pets allowed in university housing are fish in an aquarium with a capacity of 10 gallons or less. All other pets are prohibited, and when discovered will likely lead to expensive cleaning charges and possible disciplinary action for violating university policy.”</p>
<p>Do they have to be, you know, fish fish? Could I have a similarly aquatic pet like an axolotl or something?</p>
<p>How many students actually have pets on campus? Is it practical and fun to keep fish in college, or is it annoying to keep up with?</p>
<p>The pet thing is something that bothered me a lot, so much that it helped me quite a bit in my decision to commute. A lot of people disagree, but my animals (cats, especially) are very important to me, and I just can’t see living without them for a year!</p>
<p>I have heard that people do sneak non-fish pets in, but they often get caught and fined heavily.</p>
<p>Oh, and I think an aquatic animal like an axolotl would be fine! The aquatic stipulation probably comes from USC trying to keep all animals securely in tanks/cages.</p>
<p>The pets rule has to do with lots of things- cleanliness, allergies, and the size of rooms. Quite frankly, your pets will not have enough room to roam. Reptiles can carry diseases. Most of the people that I was friends with in college had a very difficult time keeping even plants alive. Remember, you have to find someone to take care of any animal during Thanksgiving, Winter, and spring break. It really isn’t worth it to sneak in a pet.</p>
<p>If you want a pet, I recommend you hold off on getting one – yes, even a fish – until you move out of USC housing. The risk of incurring hefty fees for cleaning/repairs from “pet damage” through USC housing is high and it’s something I don’t think you should mess around with – especially in your first year. You will be VERY busy adjusting to your courseload, social life and living in Los Angeles that it will be hard to give any pet the attention and care it needs. (Fish are very time consuming, too!)</p>
<p>Most people I know – myself included – did not get pets until their junior or senior years. During that time, students’ schedules tend to be restricted to two or three days a week and most upperclassmen live in non-USC owned houses that have the space (and lease rules) for healthy pet ownership. </p>
<p>Also, having a pet (as I’m sure we all know) can be expensive! (Reeeeally expensive!) Most freshmen and sophomores don’t have jobs because of their full schedules, so how can you expect to keep yourself and your pet healthy and happy when money is tight? I was lucky enough to have on campus jobs, but I still found myself asking for extra money from my parents for cat litter and vet visits for my cat when I had her junior and senior years.</p>
<p>I know this goes without saying – but it’s a big commitment of time, money and space. Best to hold off until you can commit to all those things and have roommate that won’t mind an animal around! (Because you may have to rely on them to care for the pet when you’re not around!)</p>
<p>Not to mention your roommate or suite mates. My daughter would never live with a pet of any kind.</p>
<p>I had turtles but don’t tell anyone :). RA didn’t know/mind I spose!</p>