Picking a pet for college students a big expense

For many a college student, their first pet is not just a loyal friend, but a symbol of independence and adulthood. As most dorms don't allow animals, the allure of moving out of student housing, or off campus, is strong.

While an animal may seem like a good idea at first, they're like buying a plane ticket, meaning that they're loaded with extra charges and hidden fees. Love and affection aren't enough to sustain most animals; you also need to factor in the cost of food, toys, medicine, check-ups, and unexpected costs.

In order to choose that perfect first pet, decide on the level of maintenance you can both commit to and can afford. It's harder to keep a dog than a hamster. Obviously.