The opinions represented in this article do not necessarily represent those of the staff of CUIndependent.com nor any of its sponsors.
Hooking up freshman year is a tricky thing to do.
A few days ago, I was on the phone with my nephew who just started his freshman year of college. He is meeting new people, making new friends and even sleeping with girls older than him. I would say he is adapting well to college. The last part of the conversation (the part where he told me he was sleeping around) caused me to reflect on my sex life the past three years. I was definitely not getting any action my first weekend at CU.
There are certain things you must keep in mind about collegiate sex and how it works.
1. No one takes anyone seriously:
(CU Independent Graphic Illustration File/Josh Shettler)
As freshman you are newly exposed to a very attractive student body; you will more than likely hook up with a hottie with a body. Remember that there is an overwhelming amount of new people to keep up with. If you don’t happen to hear back from your one night stand, do not take it personally. A one-night stand is just that, a one-night stand. In this type of relationship, there are no expectations, that way you avoid getting hurt. Sex is serious business, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have fun. Now, I am not saying that a one-night stand may not lead to something more concrete, but just for that one night, have fun and let loose without worrying about what will happen the morning after.
2. Have Respect for your Roommate:
Keep in mind that you are now living in a shared space with your bed only a few feet away from your roommate’s. If you are going to be bringing someone back to your dorm room, shoot your roommate a quick text or phone call and give him or her a heads up so new sleeping arrangements can be made. It all starts with communication. If you give each other a heads up, there is no need to go through an awkward morning the next day.
3. Wrap it before you tap it:
This I cannot stress enough. If you are going to be sleeping around with numerous people, make sure you always use protection. You don’t know what kinds of bugs people are bringing with them to college. Accessing condoms is easy. Guys and girls should both be held responsible for carrying a condom.
4. Resources on Campus:
Campus is full of resources you can take advantage of. Wardenburg Health Center is a great place to go to. You can get free condoms and lubrication, so you don’t even have to spend money on them. Also, if you ever want to get tested for HIV/AIDS or any other sexually transmitted disease, Wardenburg provides the services for free. Testing for HIV/AIDS is available Mondays from 12 to 2 p.m. in UMC 411 and Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. in Atlas and 5 to 7 p.m. in Darley Commons at Williams Village. Further information about STD/STI testing can be found here.
So, in all seriousness, college is full of opportunities to have sex, but keeping these things in mind will definitely ensure that your one-night stands are fun and safe.
I hope to provide you all with information on resources that will make having sex more exhilarating than it already is as well as upcoming events around Boulder like sex workshops that you and your significant other can go to together. Through reading this column, many of you will be able to keep the flame lit in the bedroom. Leave the vanilla sex for the adults. As the saying goes, “be a lady (or gentleman) in the streets, but a freak in the sheets.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Jose Plazola at Jose.plazola@colorado.edu.
