Some interested students may be wondering if bringing your pet with you is a good idea, and the answer is YES!! I have a beautiful Shih Tzu named Diamond, and she's 3 years old. I've had her since she was 6 weeks old, and I love her to death. Before I got here, I thought I wouldn't have time for her. However, I'm usually home by 4 or 5 everyday so it just feels like I've been to work for the day. I feed and take her outside every morning before I leave, and we take a small walk in my apartment area most evenings. Sometimes, we'll take a little walk during my 10-15 minute study breaks. We don't go to dog parks in the area because she's sometimes not very playful with other dogs (I think because she is VERY spoiled :) ), but she always wants me to play with her. She's very understanding while I'm studying because when I'm at my table studying she'll lay under the table and wait until my break to play. I like having her company here with me, and when I'm homesick she's always there to lay under me or lick my face!!
So, if you're considering bringing your pet you should definitely do it. Most apartment complexes allow them, and there are always other pets around in the neighborhood if they like playing with others.