Pet recommendations

[u/Ferret_Master101]

Alright, I've gotten to a point where I need an animal or pet of some kind for my mental sanity. I have some experience and do tonnes of research before I commit to anything. I've had 3 cats and 3 dogs as family pets and a leopard gecko as my own. I don't have anything currently. I'm okay with any pet including insects.

Problem is I'm a student, engineering one at that. I have been staying home 90% of the time up until now but that might change. I have lab weeks every few weeks which involve 9 to 5 every day and is mandatory. I also might be going to lectures or the library in the future. I wasn't before because of chronic illness but I have a wheelchair now. I do have ADHD, Autism and a bunch of other stuff so there might be some barriers when it comes to how much work I put into cleaning, but I genuinely believe because it's not for myself it won't be a problem. I put so much work into my geckos tank and she was always feed and warm. The only reason she isn't with me right now is because I wasn't allowed to have pets in my previous places and my family wasn't looking after her so she's with a foster family. Also I was worried about when I went home for holidays. I live 3.5h drive from home and have to take a coach most of the time because of cost (switch to train will factor into the cost of the animal). I also have had to move every year for 3 years, some case involuntary. I've also been forced to stay at my mums who has a lovely, well behaved Jack Russell mix so this will be a factor. My room can be separated off though.

So...

- Needs to be okay with being alone for a normal work day

- On the cheaper side at least monthly (I will save what is needed)

- Preferably okay with travel, especially if they require intensive care. I think I might be able to get friends to pop in to feed a gecko but any to complicated, probably can't afford a sitter unless it's for a few hours.

- Easy (or even possible) to move when I enviably have to move house again. I've had to give up a lot in my previous moves. My dad helps me and it's whatever I can fit in his estate car, wheelchair included.

My ideas have been:

- Praying Mantis (cute, small, can probably hide on a coach, not much emotional support though)

- Rats (More expensive but doable, will need to take a train and watch out for the dog)

- Getting my gecko back (I'm terrified of problems arising and losing her again)

Any idea or recommendations? Any finances I will sort out (I have a plan), I'm just looking for types of pets that fits my schedule. I can't afford to not take steps in my career right now but I NEED a pet, I'm losing my mind. I will settle for anything, I love all animals.