Editor's note: This article contains mentions of sexual assault.
Alongside new classes and new beginnings, the start of the Fall semester also brings the possibility of new romantic and sexual experiences for students across Grounds. Meet-cutes in the classroom can turn into one-night stands and matches from dating apps can be the start of a long-term partnership. Regardless of your relationship status or sexual trajectory, it is important to know about the sexual health resources available to you as a student.
Below, three sex and relationship beat writers from The Cavalier Daily’s Life desk discuss their approaches to navigating sexual health on Grounds and beyond.
What free sexual health resource do you find most valuable on Grounds?
Ingrid Gay, Life Editor: Last January, Student Health and Wellness partnered with Student Council to announce free Plan B for all students — an over-the-counter form of emergency contraception specific to the prevention of pregnancy after unprotected sex. Since college life can be unpredictable at times, having a “plan B” can help ensure that life stays on track for students. According to Danielle D’Andrea, director of marketing and communications for SHW, approximately 850 free doses of Plan B were provided in Spring 2026. At other pharmacies frequented by University students like the CVS on University Avenue, emergency contraception can cost up to $49.99 pretax. By offering it for free, the University ensures that students can get the healthcare they need in a crunch without worrying about the high price tag.
Summer Hoffman, Staff Writer: Currently, over 50 percent of all cases of college sexual assaults happen during what has come to be known as the “Red Zone” — a period of time that begins on the first day of classes and ends the last day of Thanksgiving break. Therefore, it could not be more necessary to discuss the resources SHW offers surrounding sexual assault.
While these are not services anyone wants to think about needing, the University offers several free resources to support sexual assault survivors during their time on Grounds. These resources range from the 12 free virtual therapy sessions every student gets with Counseling and Psychological Services to emergency contraception, referrals to off-Grounds support and hotlines. Although it feels odd to say these are my “favorite” resources, I feel as though knowing about these resources are crucial to ensuring your time on Grounds is safe and healthy.
Madigan Wirkus, Staff Writer: Although the conversation around sexually transmitted infections is not glamorous, as college students, it is a conversation worth having. SHW offers free STI screenings periodically throughout the semester that detect HIV 1 and 2, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and hepatitis C. Remember, sex is the most enjoyable when it is safe and protected, and taking advantage of these free STI screenings at Student Health and Wellness is one of the best ways to ensure this.
What tips or recommendations do you have for navigating conversations on sexual health and safety with partners?
IG: I am a firm believer that conservations about sex should not be limited to the bedroom. Candid discussions about boundaries, preferences, contraception and other key components to safe, enjoyable sex can and should happen before intimate moments occur. While often unsexy, these conversations have made sexual health and pleasure more of a priority — and something taken more seriously in the moment.
SH: Sex and sexuality is one of the most human experiences in adulthood, so I think it is of the utmost importance that they are handled with care in conversation. Sometimes, it’s easy to get so wrapped up in what we want to say ourselves, we forget that there is another individual with their own wants and needs who also deserves to be listened to. Whether it be with a long-term partner or a one-night stand, the art and importance of active listening cannot be overstated. As important as it is to speak your truth, it is equally important to listen to your partner. When you are truly listening — rather than simply contemplating your response — you can understand someone’s point of view. Only then can productive conversation surrounding sexual health and safety transpire, which usually lends itself to greater enjoyment, safety and pleasure overall.
MW: One of the best ways to have a productive conversation regarding sexual health and safety with your partner starts by looking inwards. Oftentimes, we allow conversations with partners to be stagnant because we have not even taken a moment ourselves to understand our boundaries. I think everyone should take a step back and deliberately acknowledge what they like and do not like, what they are willing to try and where they will draw a line — and all that lies in between. Like with every important conversation we have, clear intentions and wants deliver the best outcomes. Once you get clarity and a firmer understanding of your boundaries, what follows will be safer and more satisfying.
In your opinion, what aspect of sexual wellness is not discussed widely but navigated frequently by students?
IG: For students with female anatomy, one not-so-fun milestone for turning 21 is the pap smear — a cervical swab to screen for cancerous cells. With routine tests every three years — unless otherwise recommended by your gynecologist — cervical cancer can be detected early, making it a lifesaving medical procedure. Despite its importance and the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control, only an estimated 63.7 of women aged 21-29 have been screened.
Full transparency — pap smears can be uncomfortable, but talking through the procedure and expressing your candid thoughts with your healthcare provider can relieve a lot of stress around the test. All in all, while the procedure lasts only one to three minutes, it is essential to maintain proactive sexual health.
SH: Often, college is depicted in the media as sex, parties and rock ‘n’ roll. Unfortunately, this can lead to those who have a different day-to-day to feel excluded or insecure about their perceived lack of experiences. However, research shows that this mainstream depiction of college is not totally in line with reality. In 2024, in its annual survey of the freshmen class, The Harvard Crimson found that 68.6 percent of the Class of 2028 had entered college without having had sexual intercourse. This contrasts with the stereotype in popular culture that in college, everyone is having — and has had — bountiful amounts of sex.
In reality, not only are most people entering college without having had these experiences, but our generation is having less sex on average than previous generations. All of this is to say that there is no timeline to sexuality. While perhaps not as openly discussed, having not lost your virginity in college is a completely normal thing.
MW: When discussing sex, I’ve found that the physical component is all too often in the spotlight while the emotional one is pushed aside. Let me be loud and clear — it is normal and healthy to experience lots of emotions when being sexually active. I have noticed that when we discuss sex, we typically reach for sentiments about how it was physically, rather than “it made me feel special and valued” or, conversely, “it made me feel more drained than I anticipated.” Understanding that there is value in addressing the emotions that come along with sex rather than just physical sensations lets us be more in touch with the experiences we enjoy — and avoid the ones that have not fed us emotionally.
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