Looking after your sexual health keeps you safe and confident. Here’s what you need to know 👇
- Sexual Health at Herts Uni
- Staying Sexually Healthy
- Online Dating and Digital Safety
- Consent and Healthy Relationships
- Need support or advice?
💙 Sexual Health at Herts Uni
Looking after your sexual health is an important part of your overall wellbeing. Whether you’re in a relationship, dating, or not currently sexually active, there are lots of ways the University and Students’ Union can help you stay safe, informed, and supported.
🩺 Staying Sexually Healthy
The best protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is to use a condom every time you have sex and to get tested regularly at your local sexual health clinic.
We recommend an annual sexual health screening — or sooner if:
- You have a new sexual partner
- You’ve had unprotected sex
- You notice any unusual symptoms
Available through Herts SU:
🧡 Free condoms – pick them up from the SU Welcome Desks at College Lane (Mon–Fri, 10:00–16:00) and De Havilland (term-time only).
💙 Free self-testing kits for Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea – available from the SU Desks and at the Oval (College Lane).
💗 Free pregnancy testing kits – available upon request from the Advice & Support team (just ask privately).
You can find more info on local clinics and services here: Sexual Health Services For Students ➜
📞 Sexual Health Hertfordshire – friendly, confidential advice
Call 0300 008 5522 (Mon–Fri 09:00–20:00 | Sat 09:00–13:00)
💬 Online Dating & Digital Safety
Herts’ diverse student community means there are many ways to meet new people — including online! Dating apps can be fun and convenient, but keep yourself safe by following these three steps:
- Protect your identity – don’t share personal details too soon (like your address, last name, or course info).
- Think before you share – never send intimate photos or videos unless you trust the person completely; remember, once shared, you lose control.
- Meet safely – when you meet in person, tell a friend where you’re going and always meet in a public place first.
If something feels wrong or you’re worried about how someone is behaving toward you online, you can speak to the SU Advice & Support team in confidence.
💚 Consent & Healthy Relationships
Consent means agreeing freely and enthusiastically to take part in any kind of sexual activity.
If you haven’t given or received clear consent, sex should not happen.
- A “no” is always a no.
- If someone is silent, unsure, or too intoxicated to consent, that’s also a no.
- Consent can be withdrawn at any time — and must be respected.
If sex happens without consent, it’s sexual assault or rape — regardless of the circumstances.
Herts Uni has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual misconduct and violence.
If you or someone you know has experienced this, support is available:
👉 Sexual Violence Support for Students
This includes confidential advice, emotional support, and help reporting incidents (if you choose to).
🌈 Remember
Sexual health isn’t just about protection — it’s about respect, communication, and confidence.
Everyone deserves to feel safe, informed, and in control of their choices.
💬 Need Support or Advice?
You’re never alone — here’s where to start:
SU Advice & Support Team: su-advice@herts.ac.uk
Sexual Health Hertfordshire: 0300 008 5522
NHS 111 – for urgent medical advice
Emergency (24/7): 999