A good dorm pet is quiet, low-maintenance, and keeps you company while you study. For some students, that means keeping a fish on their desk; for others, it means hiding a cat in the common room. Although both of these options are viable, college is a time for exploration and new experiences. So why settle for the usual dorm pets? A unique animal friend can spark conversation, relieve stress, and bolster your responsibility in an out-of-the-box way. As an experienced pet owner who’s raised everything from chickens to degus, here are five cute, easy, and novel options for your next dorm pet. 

1. Lobster

If you have been to Schnucks, you have most certainly ogled at the majestic live lobsters kept in the fish section, but why let the party stop there? Lobsters are solitary creatures, requiring not much more than a cool, clean tank and nutritious food. Effectively, they are similar to caring for a fish (though fish don’t have cool claws). These regal crustaceans can live up to 100 years old in the wild, and in captivity, some suggest they can live indefinitely. With the right care, your dorm lobster could become a lifelong friend or even a family heirloom. 

2. Giant Flemish Rabbit

The giant Flemish rabbit is one of the largest rabbit breeds out there, weighing from 15 to even 20 pounds. PetMD describes these furballs as patient, docile creatures, capable of being litter-trained. With a bit of bunny-proofing, you can forget the cage! Just imagine a furry friend hopping into your lap while you study for that psych exam. This Flemish giant will fit right into the college dorm life. 

3. Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

My first year, I was invited to some sort of get-together at a mutual friend’s dorm. I arrived and made awkward small talk with the host, before he suggested that I look into the cardboard box that he kept beneath his bed. I obliged. Moments later, I found myself staring at a rotting piece of lettuce and two handsome Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches scurrying inside a shoebox. For you entomology fanatics, these roaches are the way to go: They eat just about anything, require minimal housing, and (apparently) are great for parties.

4. Ball Python

Although I don’t keep one in my dorm, I have a splendid ball python at home. These tranquil snakes are named for their spherical defense strategy: curling up into a ball when threatened. Ball pythons eat mice, which you can purchase frozen and de-thaw when needed — so make sure you have a freezer, and remind your roommate to stay away from the snake’s food supply, too. These scaly friends don’t grow more than four feet and require little attention — the perfect addition to a cozy dorm room. 

5. Pigeon

Pigeons are surprisingly affectionate, intelligent, and easy to care for, making them an underrated dorm pet. They’re naturally calm and, once bonded, can be incredibly loyal companions. A domesticated pigeon can live comfortably in a spacious cage, with some free-flight time outside if permitted, or they can be trained to wear pigeon pants indoors (yes, that’s a thing!). Pigeons don’t need extensive grooming, and they’ll be happy with a diet of seeds, grains, and fresh veggies. Known for their cooing sounds, a pigeon will add a gentle, soothing presence to your space.

Each of these creatures has the potential to make a great college companion (and a great conversation-starter, too). However, are you ready to be a pet owner? Make sure that you have the time and resources to properly care for your pet, and do your fair share of research before investing in any animal’s life. 

It is also important to be educated on Residential Life policies. Unless it’s a Service or Assistant Animal, fish are the only permitted pets. Those who break this rule could face disciplinary action. That being said, college students have historically been advocates for change. If you are aware of the risks and responsibilities, you wouldn’t be the first to keep a strange pet in your dorm.