According to Options for Sexual Health, sexuality involves many aspects of being human.

The four major components of sexuality are:

• Sensuality
• Intimacy and relationships
• Gender/sexual identity
• Sexual health

Each of these components is influenced by an individual’s values, culture, experience, and spirituality. Understanding our sexuality fosters and encourages the development of good relationships throughout our lives, both with ourselves and others. It is important to approach sexual well-being from a positive and respectful place, to ensure pleasurable and safer sexual experiences that are free of coercion, discrimination and violence.

The college years are a time of tremendous transition and growth, which can include learning about sexuality. Students make a lot of decisions about their sexuality during this time, including whether to abstain from sexual intercourse or to become, or to continue being, sexually active. You may find yourself exploring the gender of your partners, considering the type of contraception to use and navigating the intensity of relationships.

Alternatively, you may choose to forgo relationships altogether and instead look for “friends with benefits” or the occasional hookup. Although it might seem like everyone is doing it, the truth is plenty of students aren’t. While the hookup culture in college is becoming more common you should not feel pressure to engage in intimacy. Never let others push you into doing anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe – the first time and every time after.

When engaging in sexual activity:

• Make decisions you’re comfortable with.
• Talk to the other person(s) about safer sex practices, such as getting tested for STIs and birth control options.
• Talk openly and honestly about your fears, worries and feelings.
• You have the right to retract consent no matter how long you’ve been with someone or how many times you’ve done something.
• You have control over your own body and no one else has the right to tell you what to do with it.