Under the Rock: A guide to safe sex supplies on campus 

Navigating college life comes with its fair share of challenges, but finding safe sex supplies shouldn’t be one of them. Students at the University of Connecticut have access to numerous resources, many of which are available throughout the whole school year. 

The Student Health and Wellness office (SHaW) offers a range of sexual and reproductive health programs including the “gloveBOX,” a service which has been providing free safe sex supplies to UConn students since 2019. SHaW’s six variety-pack options contain different types of condoms, lubrication and related supplies in a discreet package — at no charge to students. 

Any active student can easily request a “gloveBOX” using SHaW’s webpage, at s.uconn.edu/glovebox, up to three times per semester. The boxes can be sent to dormitory mailrooms or picked up in Wilson Hall during operating pick-up times, also available on the program webpage. Because they are sent using University Mail Services, SHaW cannot mail to off-campus locations or to apartment complexes, encouraging affected students to pick up instead. 

Free individual condoms are also available at SHaW’s main office in the Hilda May Williams Building, located on Glenbrook Road near Swan Lake and the engineering and chemistry complexes. In addition to the wide range of health services based there, students can also get tested for different types of sexually transmitted infections and discuss contraception options with SHaW’s medical providers. Although those tests are not free, most insurance carriers pay for them and related sexual health services according to Planned Parenthood. 

Students can also acquire safe-sex supplies at some other convenient locations. The on-campus pharmacy, also located in the Hilda May Williams Building, carries a number of condom and lubrication options. These include specialty styles not regularly included in the “gloveBOX” due to only being sold in retail quantities. Emergency contraception pills, sold under the “Plan B” brand name, are also available over the counter for just $15. According to SHaW, students do not need a prescription, just their student ID card, and can pay using Husky Bucks, cash, credit, debit or even charge the purchase to their fee bills. 

The Rainbow Center, UConn’s intersectional cultural program, often stocks free condoms, lubricants and other supplies. The center regularly sponsors events and programs around sexual health and wellbeing, including periodic HIV testing through local partners. The Rainbow Center is located on the north end of the fourth floor of the Student Union. 

SHaW’s new “Wellness-to-Go” vending machine in the Student Union can dispense safe sex and other health products. The machine offers condoms, emergency contraception and pregnancy tests alongside a variety of medicines and accessories. Right next door, the Union Central Exchange also has certain varieties of condoms and health items in addition to their convenience store offerings. 

Off-campus, retail drugstores like CVS Pharmacy offer a selection of condoms, lubrication and even sex toys. Planned Parenthood, a group of nonprofit sexual health centers, has locations across the state including one in Willimantic. SHaW says these centers often provide a variety of safe sex supplies for free. 

It’s understandable that students may have questions about sex, relationships and reproductive health. SHaW also offers a judgement-free, anonymous space to ask those questions to “The UConn Sex-perts“. Similar to the old “Dear Abby” column, this dedicated group of trained student volunteers and SHaW staff members publish informative answers to those questions in a welcoming and collegial environment. If students would rather talk face-to-face, they’re also available for “drop-in” peer support sessions at various times on weekdays. 

“Drop-in hours are a great option for students who have questions about sex and sexual health, are looking for a non-judgmental, laid-back environment to discuss a sex related concern or issue or are interested in improving their sexual health and personal well-being,” according to the program’s webpage. 

With access to free safe sex supplies and numerous programs, UConn students are in no shortage of ways to reinforce their sexual health and well-being. For more information about the many programs sponsored by Student Health and Wellness, visit studenthealth.uconn.edu.