College Students and Sex

September. School’s in session. Or, given the COVID-19 pandemic, some version of school is in session, as academic institutions determine the ideal combination of remote and in-person learning best benefitting their students. Kids will be kids and all, but, generally, the high-school-and-under student group is pretty limited in testing the health-code boundaries. But now, college students … A whole new ballgame.

For some, with newfound (or burgeoning) freedom, combined with all kinds of hormonal influences flourishing, social distancing moves way down the priority ladder. College is all about higher education. So they say. There’s an aspect of college life, though, with more emphasis on the ‘high.’ And ‘education’… well, that can take on many meanings. Throw fraternity and sorority parties, Greek mixers, and other ‘club’ activities into the mix, and well, students are very much into a hands-on, trial-and-error type of learning experience. And what’s more hands-on … than sex.

Recent trends indicate young adults are living at home longer (a definite ‘blocker’ to carnal indulgence) and rumor has it, those 19-30 are having less sex in general, anyway. But rumors are funny things. Anyway, ‘less sex’ doesn’t mean no sex …

Approaches and End Games

Ideally, college students spend most of their time focusing on studying and grades. As healthy adults with healthy ‘appetites,’ that doesn’t mean they don’t have other, less academic, needs. From an emotional/social standpoint, there’s a natural need for a relationship and/or sex. Whether virgin or no, there’s a general approach to ‘getting with the program.’

There are different types of intimacy and different degrees of intimacy within those types. But phase one leading to physical intimacy, is getting out and meeting other people. And while the goal is a ‘good’ time, for some that’s the only goal—with no desire for a full-blown relationship. There are plenty college events both on and off-campus. However, if a relationship is desired, consider attending on-campus events, like concerts, or college-run programs, such as charity or social-political organizations. In these settings, you’re meeting other college students who are not only nice but share the same interests—a precursor to building a relationship (and later, getting it on).

Some college matriculators aren’t interested in a long-term gig, simply wanting to have a good time here and there. Speaking in more age-related vernaculars, that’s ‘sowing wild oats’ and/or ‘thottin’ and boppin.’  In this case, target social events, both on and off campus. There’s a good chance a party is happening nearby on the weekends. Another option for those 21 and over: bars. College towns tend to cater to their potential student clientele; their bars are likely populated with young students also looking to have a good time—and nothing more.

Better Safe Than …

The pandemic notwithstanding, the importance of safe sex is critical. Birth control doesn’t protect against any sexually transmitted diseases. In these unprecedented times, with viruses are mutating and carrying-on: unprotected sex outside a committed relationship is just unwise (read, ‘stupid’). Many college students have multiple sex partners; the odds of catching a sexually transmitted disease increases accordingly. Contracting an STD is horrible, life changing—even if treated or cured with medication. Don’t let lack of protection alter your future (maybe not for the better) or interfere with the good grades you’ve worked so hard for.

Whether you want sex within a relationship or without, it’s important everyone is on the same page. Keep expectations in check.  You may be looking for a relationship, but don’t assume your potential new sex partner is as well. It may not be during hour one, but it’s just better all the way around if all parties know the game plan at some point; it goes a long way toward avoiding heartbreak. Have fun and be safe—both physically and emotionally.

Birds, Bees, Sophomores …

Sex is a natural part of human behavior and interaction, and there are sex scenes in my book series. The characters are past the typical college age (some would say long past), but as sex is a part of life, it’s a part of the stories. In Like Sweet Buttermilk, Rick and Viv Phillips have a sex life ‘for the books’ (get it?). With Obscure Boundaries, Jeff Winthrop and wife, Ruth, struggle a bit with intimacy. Broken Benevolence main character, Cecily, compares sexual experiences—with three husbands. Yes, sex happens in my book series. But these are married adults. Back to the unmarried matriculators …

Attending college is about more than good grades and career development. The interactions, interests explored, and friendships formed are important, too. Healthy, stress-relieving sex is a normal part of that. You’re a college student—just remember to use your head (cue double entendre giggles here).

Until next time, stay serif, be well, and read on (some erotica perhaps?).