The ultimate start-of-semester checklist for your love life and sexual health
Because settling into campus life isn’t just about buying shower caddies

Welcome (back) to college life! Between orientation, roomie icebreakers, and figuring out how to work the laundry machines in your dorm or apartment, the start of a new semester can be exciting! A new semester means new classes, new friends, and maybe a new situationship, too. Whether you’re adding some flirty study sessions to your calendar or navigating a first-time hookup, we’ve got some tips to help you keep your sexual health on point.
Here’s your ultimate checklist to help set you up for a semester (and school year tbh) that’s safe, fun, stress-free, and pleasure-filled.
1. Stock your “just in case” drawer
From classes to social commitments, we know you’re probably booked and busy this semester. So doing a little advance planning now can help you be prepared whenever a hook-up hits your schedule. You can keep condoms and internal condoms on hand to help prevent STIs and pregnancy. Lube can be your bestie for friction-less, more pleasurable sex. And emergency contraception has your back if you’ve had unprotected sex but want to prevent pregnancy. Just keep in mind that EC can be used up to five days after unprotected sex, and you’ve got options. Keeping your drawer stocked with some of these items can save you from any last-minute stress if things heat up and you’re in the moment. And the cool thing is, many campuses even offer free safer sex supplies, so check out your school’s student health center or find a health center close to your campus.
2. Make space for convos before you make out
Consent is hot, ya’ll. Think about it as a conversation that’s keeping everyone safe, respected, and turned on. Talking about boundaries, STI testing, and birth control before sex doesn’t kill the mood. It builds trust and confidence, and can help you lock in to fully enjoy the moment. A simple “Are you into this?” or a clear “Do you want me to grab a condom?” can be exactly the thing needed to set the tone for a sexual experience that’s fun and pleasurable for everyone involved.
3. Build your support system early
New semester, new situations, and sometimes new situationships. It can be helpful having people—and resources—in your corner, especially during those more stressful moments in the semester. Find your friends that make you feel seen and are the people you feel comfortable debriefing with after a first date or hookup. Save the numbers for your campus health center and counseling services. And know where to go for STI testing, birth control, or even just safer sex and relationship advice on campus or nearby.
4. Get on the same page with your roomies
No matter if you’re living in the dorms, an apartment, or at home with the fam, sharing a space doesn’t mean sharing everything. Talk to your roomies early and set some ground rules for your shared space. Get on the same page about guests and overnights. Keep your personal items, like toys, meds, or birth control, stored somewhere where they feel secure. Clear communication now can help to avoid those passive-aggressive sticky notes later.
5. Give yourself permission to take it slow (or say no)
From dating to hookups to finding your soulmate, it can sometimes feel like you have to “keep up” and do things because it might feel like “everyone else is.” But don’t worry about doing it all, just focus on doing you. Focus on what feels good for you, whether that’s entering into a relationship, keeping your sex casual, or focusing on school and self-care. You don’t owe anyone access to your body. Ever.
Make this semester yours
College is a time for new experiences, but it’s also about learning what feels right for you. So set yourself up with the tools, conversations, and confidence that’ll help you have experiences that feel good, safe, and aligned with what you want this semester and beyond. So stock up, speak up, and don’t be afraid to check in with yourself along the way. Remember: your boundaries and your health matter most.
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