For most students at Sacred Heart University, managing classes with social life on top of personal responsibilities can feel overwhelming most of the time. However, some students have sought out different ways to alleviate that stress through adopting a furry companion.
Many students will seek out friends or campus resources in times of high stress, while others find comfort in having a pet by their side during their daily routines. For senior Arianna Corrente, that support comes from her dog, Max.
“Having my dog Max in my life, whether I’m on campus or at home, makes a huge difference in my stress levels during the semester,” said Corrente. “When things start to feel overwhelming with classes, assignments, and everything else, Max gives me a break from it all.”
For other students, that companion can look different but carries the same impact. Senior Javier Alicea-Kahn shares a cat, Oliver, with his girlfriend.
He emphasized that having Oliver around creates a sense of calmness in otherwise busy days, giving him something consistent to come back to.
“Even if the day’s hectic, just being able to come back and hang out with Oliver resets everything a little bit,” said Alicea-Kahn.
Beyond emotional support, having a pet also introduces structure into students’ daily lives. Corrente said caring for Max the last couple semesters has helped build a consistent routine into her schedule.
“I usually start my day by taking him out for a walk or letting him outside, then feeding him and spending a little time playing with him before I go to class,” said Corrente.
Similarly, Alicea-Kahn said sharing Oliver with his girlfriend requires extra communication, especially when balancing classes and hanging out with non-furry friends.
“We have to plan around each other’s schedules to make sure Oliver’s taken care of, which definitely adds another layer to everything,” said Alicea-Kahn.
But it’s no secret that owning a pet in college comes with its own set of challenges that extend beyond daily routines. Corrente said being flexible with your schedule is one of the biggest factors students may not consider before adopting a pet.
“College schedules can be really unpredictable, and having a dog means you can’t just stay out all day or night—you have to plan your schedule around feeding times, walks and making sure they’re not alone for too long,” said Corrente.
Alicea-Kahn reinforced this perspective, saying even with shared responsibility, that commitment is always present.
“Even though we split things, it’s still something you always have to think about—you can’t just be spontaneous all the time,” said Alicea-Kahn.
Despite those challenges, both students said the benefits of having a pet far outweigh the added responsibility. In the case of Max, he provides a constant sense of comfort throughout the ups and downs of the semester.
“He brings so much comfort and warmth into my life, making everything feel a little easier no matter what I’m going through,” said Corrente.
