You asked:

How does hooking up work in college -- does everyone just have sex?

It doesn’t really matter what everyone else is doing: No one can tell you whether or not to have sex! (And no, there isn’t a real campus standard.) What you should do is set your own limits without compromising your comfort zone just because you’re enrolled in college. Take these precautions to make sure your comfort level is respected:

• Avoid putting yourself in situations that isolate you with a stranger. When heading to a party, decide who you’re leaving with and stay with them.

• Don’t leave your cup unattended. Unfortunately, date rape drugs are a reality in some social settings.

• Look out for your friends by checking if they actually want to leave with that guy or girl. (It is a lot less painful than finding out later that something went horribly wrong.)

• Obviously, if you choose to hook up, be sure to protect yourself.

Also, keep in mind that hooking up in a shared room can be awkward for all parties in the room. Chatting with your roommate about it can save you from even weirder situations. Set up some mutually agreed-upon rules about use of the room so you won’t be unpleasantly surprised.

Name: Liz Cruger
School: College of William and Mary
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology and English lit
Her deal: This is Liz’s second year as an R.A. for freshmen. She is also involved in several campus activities, including pep band and the belly dance club.

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