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Emma Daniels
Journalism Student
If you’d told me in first year that by second year I’d be living in student digs with my cat, I would’ve laughed — mainly because I thought it was impossible. Pet-friendly student accommodation? In Lincoln? Yeah, right.
But here I am, writing this with Pickles (my moody rescue tabby) curled up on my windowsill. And I can honestly say: choosing pet-friendly Lincoln digs has been the best decision I’ve made at uni — second only to switching from Psychology to Journalism.
So if you’re an animal lover thinking, “Could I really bring my pet to uni?” or “Should I get a house rabbit to help with my stress?” — keep reading. You might be surprised.
Yes — and not just in some magical fairytale land. Some student landlords (like the ones who work with Student Housing) do offer pet-friendly Lincoln digs. You might need to ask in advance or pay a slightly higher deposit, but they exist, and they’re becoming more popular.
From house shares with gardens to flats near the Brayford that welcome cats, there’s a growing list of options if you know where to look (spoiler: we’ll help you).
🏠 Start here: www.student-housing.co.uk/Pets
Uni life is intense. Between deadlines, flatmate dramas, and homesickness, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — especially if you’re moving away from home for the first time.
Having a pet in your digs can massively boost your mental health. Studies show they help reduce anxiety, loneliness, and depression. But honestly? You don’t need a study to tell you that coming home to a wagging tail or a purring fluffball makes everything better.
For me, having Pickles here helped me feel less alone, especially during winter when daylight disappears at 4pm and everyone’s buried in coursework. She’s my emotional support goblin, and I adore her.
Most student digs in Lincoln are functional — bed, desk, wardrobe, maybe some dodgy curtains. But a pet? That’s love, life, and personality in one fluffy package.
They give your space character. Suddenly, you’re not just a student in a temporary rental — you’re a person in a home. It’s the difference between surviving uni and actually enjoying it.
And yes, they’ll probably steal your socks and scratch your furniture — but they’ll also sit next to you while you revise and curl up next to you on hangover Sundays. Worth it.
When you’ve got a dog, you can’t just snooze your 10am lecture and lie in until noon. Pets force you to stick to a routine: feeding times, walks, vet appointments. And that structure actually helps keep you accountable too.
Since getting Pickles, I’ve genuinely become more organised — I plan my days better, take regular breaks, and stop doom-scrolling TikTok at 2am (well… mostly).
If you struggle with procrastination or low motivation, pets can be a surprisingly wholesome solution.
Want to make friends? Walk a dog on West Common or post a pic of your hamster in a tiny jumper on your Insta story. Instant social currency.
Pet-friendly Lincoln digs also open up the chance to live with other pet-loving students. That means housemates who understand why your snake needs heat lamps, or why you can’t go out until you’ve walked Luna the Labrador.
Plus, it’s just nice to live with people who get it — who won’t freak out if your cat leaves a half-chewed mouse outside their door (true story).
Let’s be realistic — you probably shouldn’t adopt a Great Dane in your first-floor flat. But there are loads of pets that can thrive in the right student digs:
Cats (independent, low-maintenance, and happy in a flat)
Small dogs (especially if you’ve got a yard or access to parks)
House rabbits or guinea pigs (clean, quiet, and surprisingly affectionate)
Reptiles (low-allergy, great for routines)
Fish (hypnotic and calming, plus no noise complaints)
Always check the terms of your tenancy and talk to your landlord before bringing a pet — some may require written consent or charge a small pet deposit. (Student Housing don't, but you need permission first)
Is your pet comfortable with change? Some animals hate moving house.
Will you be around enough to care for them properly? No pet deserves to be left alone all day while you’re at the SU bar.
Is your accommodation suitable? Ground-floor flats and houses with gardens are often best.
What’s your plan for holidays? Pets aren’t just for term time!
Having a pet at uni is a commitment, not just a cute aesthetic. But if you’ve got the time, energy, and love to give — it’s completely worth it.
Living with a pet at uni isn’t for everyone, but for me (and Pickles), it’s been the best decision I’ve made. My Lincoln digs feel like home, my stress levels are lower, and I’m never truly alone — even when everyone else has gone home for reading week.
So if you’re a student who misses their dog from home, or someone thinking of adopting a furry (or scaly) flatmate, don’t write it off. There are pet-friendly options in Lincoln. And with a bit of planning, you could be living your best student life — with a paw print on your duvet to prove it.
Ready to start your pet-friendly house hunt? Check out our available pet-friendly Lincoln digs at:
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Journalism Student
Hey there! I’m Emma, a second-year journalism student at the University of Lincoln
