When I graduate I will get a small animal as a reward, but I can't decide which one. I'd like to have rabbits because are very very cute, able to be litter trained, and can be trained in other ways as well, but they prefer to be free roam (especially if they are large like the flemish giant I want), meaning that I have to rabbit proof my whole apartment. I'd like to have guinea pigs because they are adorable and are comfy in a (albeit quite large) cage, but they can't be litter trained. I'd like to have ferrets because they are little cat snakes and aren't as skittish as other animals and can hold their own, but they are very hyper. Help, I can't choose.

Maybe head to your local animal shelter and see if they have some of any of those species available. That way you can play with them and see in person if you have a preference... and who knows! Maybe the animal will pick you!

You're right, rabbits need a lot of space and a lot of rabbit proofing.

Ferrets are a lot of fun, but they are pretty stinky. They need big cages (which can be heavy and pricey) and/or a lot of time outside the cage. They are often good climbers and/or jumpers, so they can get into a lot of things if you let them free roam. I had a ferret playpen that one of my ferrets could jump right to the top of, so he could get out, which made it pretty worthless! And their poop isn't pellet-y like rabbits and guinea pigs, so it's not as easy to clean.

I found guinea pigs to be pretty easy to care for and not stinky. They're not good climbers or jumpers, so an animal playpen works great for them!

I also like mice and hamsters.

Guinea pigs are super cute, that's what I would choose!

Ferret ferret! Ferret! Ferrrrrrret!

I used to take mine on walks in the park. He'd dig in the sand if there was sand.

I love the stinky ferret stink and miss it so much.

Edit: Did not mean to necro a thread from a departed user, it was at the top of the list I didn't know!

Quite a few people need an animal sitter or are in the middle of a move and need someone to take care of them for a week or two. You could look around for that and see how well you do when you actually have to take care of them.

My sister wanted a snake originally, but agreed to take care of two rabbits for a month. And now she has her own rabbits because they are worth the extra work.

I would suggest a rabbit, BUT one that was raised being handled a lot. You may also want to do some reaserch to find the most docile breeds. Next i would say guinea pig, they can be sweet and fun too, but if not handled a lot when growing up, same as rabbits they can be skittish.
I heard ferrets are VERY stinky and messy.
Whatever you choose, do your research, find one that is docile and sweet, and DO NOT buy a pet from a pet shop please. There are shelters, and reputable breeders.

Ferrets are pretty entertaining and adorable

Ferrets are great but they can be stinky, but as long as you keep everything extra clean and tidy they're really rewarding pets