We’ve consulted dozens of students to see what guys and girls should and shouldn’t do when it comes to sex.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Some students’ names have been withheld or changed because of the topics discussed.

College brings all sorts of challenges: moving away from home, making new friends and, of course, sex.

There are all sorts of scenarios students navigate when it comes to sex, whether it’s a one-night stand or a within a long-term relationship. The rules of sex are sometimes obscure, which often leads to awkward situations. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

We’ve consulted studies by the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior — the Indiana-based research study about human sexual behavior — and have spoken with scores of students to compile this list of dos and don’ts to help you navigate any and all scenarios.

DO communicate with your partner

“Generally, miscommunication is a bad thing,” said Bob, a junior mathematics major. “Make sure everyone’s on the same page.”

While it may be uncomfortable to talk about sex, dozens of students agreed communication is key, whether it’s talking about preferred positions or birth control. And while we’re on that subject …

DO use birth control

“Adults using a condom for intercourse were just as likely to rate the sexual extent positively in terms of arousal, pleasure and orgasm than when having intercourse without one,” according to the Indiana report.

Men often report a loss of sensitivity when using a condom, but both men and women agreed using a condom is critical to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. And many agreed birth control pills were a smart investment.

“I started using the pill for health reasons long before I was having sex — I recommend it to all of my friends for that reason alone,” said Ashley, a sophomore English major.

DO prepare yourself

This doesn’t just mean you should carry condoms or take birth control. Sex is a major milestone in a person’s life and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

For women, the first time (or few times) can be painful, so they should plan accordingly.

“It’s important to use lubricant, especially for people who haven’t had much sex,” a sophomore bioengineering student said. “Lubricants are important for women’s health to prevent stuff like vaginal tearing.”

DON’T choose your partners carelessly

Most agreed the most satisfying sexual experiences take place in emotionally-connected and well-practiced relationships. The survey suggests men who have sex with someone they’re in a relationship with experienced “greater arousal, greater pleasure, fewer problems with erectile function, orgasm and less pain during the event.” But that’s not to say casual sex is out of the question.

“I subscribe to the belief that if you want to do it, you should do it, but if you feel like you’re going to regret it, don’t do it,” Ashley said, adding “random drunk sex” isn’t particularly fun, but is good for a laugh a few weeks after the fact.

DON’T stay in one position for too long

“Any position can become boring if you do it long enough,” said Stephen, a freshman civil engineering major.

For sex lasting between a minimum of 10 minutes and a maximum of 30, several students suggested changing positions two to five times.

“Don’t keep going for too long — sometimes it’s too much,” Ashley said.

DON’T do anything you’re uncomfortable with

“If you can’t go to a store and buy condoms, you’re not ready to have sex,” said a sophomore bioengineering student. If you feel uncomfortable in a sexual situation or don’t feel you’re ready to have sex yet, don’t push yourself.

“I’ve never felt that I needed somebody else to feel whole and happy,” said freshman Arabic major Elise, a virgin who doesn’t feel she is missing out by not having sex.

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