College students can easily become lost and stressed trying to find routine in their daily lives amidst the stress of school, being involved in student organizations and work. Lack of motivation to get out of bed or losing oneself to the hustle of life takes away the chance to enjoy every day. Some students may benefit from getting a pet — a fish in particular.

Having a pet is a responsibility that often brings meaning to someone’s life. When faced with stress, students often get so overwhelmed that they make no time for themselves or hobbies. Having a pet almost forces someone to get up and get it done. However, for college students who are broke and busy, taking care of most animals is not in the foreseeable future. And, while fish do require more maintenance and responsibility than commonly assumed, they are a very obtainable goal for someone looking for added responsibility in their day-to-day life.

This semester I purchased my first fish tank as an adult. The fish keeping hobby has always been special to me, but recently I was looking for something to add accountability to my days. I purchased a 10-gallon aquarium and researched the ideal fish for me. I am now the proud mother to Caesar the Dwarf Gourami.

Caesar, and his tank mates, have brought an immense amount of joy into my daily life. I feel a sense of responsibility that is manageable for a 20-year old. Caesar does not take a huge amount of time out of my day, but he is relaxing to watch swim around. I also enjoy knowing that I will get to feed Caesar when I get home.

UNCW’s housing pet policy allows students living on campus to have up to a 20-gallon aquarium. A 5-gallon is perfect for a betta that would bring liveness into a dorm. Proven benefits of observing an aquarium include: calming benefits, increased levels of happiness, falling asleep and even, at times, lowering blood pressure.

For students living on campus, a fish tank is a fun way to add decoration to a bland dorm or apartment. Students with roommates may also notice that having a fish tank benefits not just the fish owner, but everyone in the house. Caesar has lifted the mood of some of my roommates, making me a proud fish parent when I see them complementing my fish. “It’s fun to chat with my roommates about [Caesar],” said Jayden Yarborough, a sophomore at UNCW.

When taken care of properly, many fish are active and energetic. “Caesar is a fun guy to have around; it’s really great checking in on him every day and seeing what he’s gotten into,” Yarborough said. “I like having him around because he’s like a little person, he’s got a little personality.”

Maybe it sounds silly to put so much worth on a fish, but college students will take stress relief anywhere we can get it. Of course, pets are a huge responsibility, and fish are often mistreated due to ignorance of proper care. Stores like Petco contribute to this by selling outrageously small tanks that are simply inhumane to put a fish in. Students who are looking for a pet fish should do proper research and to get the right tank setup. While the benefits of having a fish are numerous, it is of course not for everyone.

For students looking to add a little meaning or excitement to their day: consider getting a fish.

Big Fish in Wilmington has a knowledgeable staff for anyone looking to begin their fish keeping journey.