Even a sex-positive university like this one cannot stress safe sex practices enough.
If you’re looking for condoms, the University Health Center is one way to find them — for free.
“We offer over 20 types of different condoms,” said Jenna Beckwith, the health center’s sexual health program coordinator. “The reason we offer so many is so that there’s a fit for everyone.”
Not only does the health center provide free male and female condoms, but it also allows different student organizations, such as fraternities and sororities, to distribute boxes of condoms on the campus.
Condoms are also available in campus convenience shops, where one can use Terp Bucks, cash or credit.
Resident assistant Tyler Muldoon said he has seen condoms available in the health center.
“Simply having free condoms opens [students] eyes to the other services the health center has to offer,” said Muldoon, a junior economics and supply chain management major. “It is important for students to know that they feel they have a safe place to go so they don’t make poor decisions when it comes to topics like sex.”
Some RAs make free condoms available for residents or provide information about where students can find them on floor bulletin boards, he said.
The health center also provides free lubricant for students. During the 2013-14 academic year, the health center gave out 86,700 condoms — a number that has risen over the last three years.
Trojan is one brand that students can obtain at the university. A February 2015 Men’s Health survey among editors said Trojans offered men the best fit and best experience, as opposed to other brands.
Some students, such as freshman Judy Barron, agree that Trojan is a great brand to use.
“Orange and yellow Trojans are the best,” said Barron, who is enrolled in letters and sciences. “They are fairly lubricated and oddly long. The ribbing also allows for more stimulation for the guy.”
Practicing safe sex is a priority for many students, as some worry about consequences of sexually transmitted diseases, while others worry about pregnancy.
For freshman Nelson Le, condoms are a great resource to avoid issues with money and health.
“From a fiscal standpoint, a $10 box of condoms is cheaper than a $10,000-per-year baby,” said Le, a computer science major. “From a health standpoint, condoms are a great way to prevent giving your partner [STDs].”
