Dissertations are evil things. With word counts swimming before tired third-year eyes as they gulp back their third Earl Grey of the day, Exeposé has decided it’s time to focus on the upsides to dissertation angst.
We’ve all noticed the abnormally high levels of facebook activity in dissertation students, but what hasn’t been heralded is the high number of cute animals being featured.
Taking inspiration from University of Aberdeen’s infamous stress-relief program (hint: it involves puppies), we’ve compiled the best pet photos littering facebook to give you a pile of adorable to relax into.
1. The Cartoon Kittens

As we all know, it’s actually quite annoying when you’re trying to write but all your kittens want to do is watch The Lion King. But what you lose in essay progress is more than made up for in watching Simba inspire kittens to greatness.
2. The Apres Lion King Cat

Third-year English student, Tom Payne, was lucky enough to see the results of Lion King inspiration on his cat. Though tragically his cat is not able to sing (in tune), he has been enthusiastically surveying his dominion with a Mufasa-worthy level of kingship.
3. The Physics Lab-rador*
(*she’s actually a Cocker Spaniel)

While we at Exeposé don’t condone using your pets to do your revision notes for you, we can’t deny how cute they look while doing it. Third-year Physics student, Sophie Wo, can definitely expect paw-some exam results…

4. The Tap Cat

Getting enough liquids during your dissertation slog is definitely important and Alexandra Grainger’s cat has got the right idea. Not only is situating yourself in the kitchen great for easily reachable snacks, but why not go the whole way and just sit in the sink all day? It’s also, we hear, a good way to ensure personal hygiene.
5. The Pavarotti Pup

The middle of dissertation period is not the best time to have your dogs decide it’s time they begin their music career. However, third-year English student, Sophie Lock, has selflessly put aside all work commitments to manage them on the road to stardom. She did seem a little doubtful though saying: “Minnie’s always been very talented, we’re trying to start a double act but Alfie is struggling to read the music.”

6. The Stalker Cat

When Classics MA student, Katherine Hyland, strolled casually home in late March, she couldn’t have known that a cat would enter her life. Though one may like to think of dissertation pets as wholly benevolent creatures, Kat’s tale of being stalked by a cat shows how pets can simply see dissertation season as an opportunity for free food and comfy deskspace. While it is possible that the cat was confused by Kat’s name, don’t be caught out in the same way – stay safe and stay feline aware.
7. The St. Luke’s Library Cat

We know what you must be asking: what can I do to alleviate my stress if I don’t own a pet? Simple – head to St. Luke’s Library and hang out with its cat often called ‘Luke’ (yeah, we have no idea why either). Said to be a wonderful confidant and a good laugh by all, the cat is a great way to distract from work woes. But stay cool – no one wants to look desperate when making friends with a cat.

8. The Animated Alligator

Another alternative to actually owning a pet, is drawing yourself one. Third-year Classics student, Kate Gray, went for the obvious choice of a Sherlock Holmes alligator as her cuddly companion. While we do applaud her admirable punning ability, we are a little worried about her. We hope you are okay, Kate.
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Have you taken any great dissertation pet photos? Let us know, along with any general ‘squee-ing’, in the comments below…
Olivia Luder, Site Manager, and Harriet Wigmore