As the new semester begins here at William Paterson, love is in the air — but so are STDs. With gas prices being raised and a simple can of soup no longer costing 99 cents, who has the money for a baby?

Sure, abstinence is an option, but it’s definitely not for everyone. Instead of using hopes and prayers, here are some resources you can use on campus to ensure you’re having a safe semester.

Whether you’re in Century Hall or Skyline Hall, you’ll always have a residence assistant, or RA, for all of your questions, no matter how personal.

Every semester, RAs are required to create a bulletin board that gives out free condoms of all different brands and kinds. Declan Timmons is an RA of High Mountain East, and he was happy to share a little bit about his duties on campus.

J: So tell me a little bit about the RAs’ duty regarding contraceptives?

D: So, a majority of our duty is us giving information more than actually distributing them, but we do have events where we do distribute condoms, as well as information about safe sex and where you can find condoms on campus.

J: How do you make it known that residents are able to come to you if they need anything regarding sexual health?

D: We have our programs where we discuss it. I’m always reminding residents that I’m available if they need anything or have any questions. We recently had an event where we sat in a circle and discussed safe sex, and a lot of the residents enjoyed it. It was really successful.

J: Is there any message that you would like to send to residents or any other fellow Pioneers about safe sex and utilizing resources on campus?

D: As far as my residence, don’t be afraid to reach out to your RA about anything; we might’ve been there or known someone who’s been there, so we can help out. For everyone else, the Counseling, Health, and Wellness Center is really nice, and don’t be afraid to grab a fistful of condoms.

Let’s be honest: Condoms aren’t cheap. But neither is tuition, so you might as well take advantage of it. The Counseling, Health, and Wellness Center is located at Overlook South D floor.

At the front desk, there are free condoms, lubricant packets and even Kotex tampons and pad bags occasionally. They’re right at the front, so there’s no interaction needed, and it’s a 100% judgment-free zone.

They do go fast, so you better make sure you get there fast. You can even give them a call at 973-720-2360 and ask them if they have any free condoms left if you don’t feel like making that walk for nothing.

But what happens if it’s too late for that? The good news is they also provide emergency contraceptives.

If you’re looking to get more personal, the Counseling, Health, and Wellness Center also offers free sexual health services that can ensure your semester is protected. Don’t be part of the more than 50% of people who have a sexually transmitted disease, or STD, and don’t know it.

Free STD testing is available, as well as Pap tests to check for cervical cancer, which is usually caused by the STD known as human papillomavirus, or HPV. Part of practicing safe sex is staying up to date on your STD testing before and after intercourse with a new partner or even the same one.

These next services are for all the lady Pioneers. Even if you aren’t currently having sex, there are still ways that you can make sure your vaginal health is being taken care of.

The Counseling, Health, and Wellness Center also offers free gynecological checkups given by professionals. You can also get free pregnancy testing and counseling with absolutely no judgment.

As previously mentioned, you are also able to get Pap smears and other kinds of cancer screenings to stay ahead of your health and make sure that there are no warning signs. They can also show you how to give yourself a breast exam every month if you’re a do-it-yourself kind of girl.

There is really no excuse to not know what’s going on in your body when you have this many resources in the palm of your hand. Do yourself a favor and check out the Counseling, Health, and Wellness Center for all of your sexual health needs. Because let’s be honest, who has time for genital herpes when midterms are only a couple months away?