When packing for your first year of college, most advice you’ll find is practical: laundry pods, sleep masks, even your winter coat because let’s face it, this is Wisconsin and we very well might get the first snowfall before you take your first Thanksgiving trip home. I’m here to advocate for something a little less conventional: a goldfish.
Fishing for Compliments
I know what you’re thinking, fish may seem boring compared to other, furrier options, but hear me out. On my big move in day, the first thing I did was set up a 10 gallon tank for a black moor goldfish I’d affectionately named Fincent Van Goghfish. With the door open he was an immediate eye-catcher, and before long I’d met everyone on my floor because they just had to come in and see him up close. It may seem silly, but Fincent was my wing man (or would it be fin man?) for making friends those first stressful days when no one knows anyone and small talk is all you have.
Calmer Waters
If Fincent’s raw charisma sounds fishy to you, my next point may convince you. It should come as no surprise to you that college will be stressful. You’re going to have days where it feels like everything around you is caving in, and that’s where your little fish buddy comes in. With the soft bubbling of his tank filter and gentle way they swim, watching fish can be an excellent de-stressing method. Don’t just take my word for it, check out how serene the little guys below look: