A well-known characterisation of university life is how it’s seen as a period of sexual liberty and ‘promiscuity’, with students falling into the arms, and soon after, the beds of strangers after a night of alcohol-fuelled debauchery.
This certainly does not ring true for all students as some enter university in a relationship or embark upon one shortly after starting their degree. However, many of us, at one time or another, have been privy to a one-night wonder, sharing a bed with someone once and once only.
In the strictest terms, a one night stand can be defined as sleeping with a complete stranger once. However, in the small bubble that is university, everyone tends to at least vaguely know of everyone else and, therefore, we have simply chosen to view a one night stand as sleeping with someone once. Sixteen anonymous kind souls disclosed a few details to Her Campus Nottingham regarding those time-sensitive sexual exploits…
Student #1
Heterosexual female
Number of one night stands? 8
In general, back to yours or theirs? All have been back to mine except for one. It’s for safety I think – at uni, you know people will be around, especially if something bad happened.
Worst thing to have happened on a one night stand? I had fancied this sweet, beautiful guy for months and months. We were at this party and he was wearing a massive crucifix round his neck. Anyway, we went back to his and mid-sex, he just put it round my neck. He basically crowned me with a crucifix during coitus.
Most tragic morning after experience? I woke up one morning due to being strangled from behind. I was like, ‘what the fuck?!’ and he said ‘girls like it rough’. I mean, goodbye.
One night stand sex vs. relationship sex? Relationship sex is much better in my opinion, like much better when you actually care about the person and they also get to know how to do it best.
If you carried around a one night stand kit, which three essentials would be inside it? Condoms always, probably some uber credit if you need to leave quickly and a fake number.
Student #2
Heterosexual male
Number of one night stands? 2
In general, back to yours or theirs? Whatever’s easiest.
Worst thing to have happened on a one night stand? A girl couldn’t find the toilet and she just pissed on the bedroom floor.
Most tragic morning after experience? Having to clean up the piss.
One night stand sex vs. relationship sex? Relationship sex, it’s just more intimate.
If you carried around a one night stand kit, which three essentials would be inside it? Condoms, money to get home and a breath mint.
Student #3
Lesbian female but have slept with a couple of guys when very drunk
Number of one night stands? 16
In general, back to yours or theirs? Mine. It’s safer and I can chuck them out easier.
Worst thing to have happened on a one night stand? Got with this really young-looking guy whilst very high on MD. Mounted him and then we fell off the bed and I bust my lip open. There was blood absolutely everywhere, even all over my door. Nonetheless, I decided it was okay to carry on. The guy ended up being like ‘I can’t do this, my mouth is filled with blood, it’s too grim’. Yeah, that was cute.
Most tragic morning after experience? I slept with one of my housemates and almost vommed because the room just stank of dick. Kicked that fool out quick ting.
One night stand sex vs. relationship sex? Relationship sex, just because you know what each other likes and it’s more intimate.
If you carried around a one night stand kit, which three essentials would be inside it? A toothbrush, fresh knickers and a giant baton strap-on.
Student #4
Straight female
Number of one night stands? 9
In general, back to yours or theirs? Always back to mine, no chance you’ll see me doing a walk of shame. Plus, I tend to vom after nights out so I don’t want to do it in a stranger’s house.
Worst thing to have happened on a one night stand? He came over after a night out and we were just lying there in my bed, fucked off our faces. He got up, and I followed him to see where he was going and he threw up in two separate toilets and a bathtub. I gave him mouthwash, and then he decided to get undressed in our bathroom, therefore so did I and then we had sex.
Most tragic morning after experience? My housemate thought the guy had left so came into my room and we chatted for a good 10/15 minutes. Then when she left, he emerged from underneath the duvet. He had been going down on me the whole time.
One night stand sex vs. relationship sex? Relationship. The first time I had sex in a relationship, it was the hottest but also sweetest sex I’d ever had and the pillow talk afterwards was great.
If you carried around a one night stand kit, which three essentials would be inside it? Morning after pill because I cba if the condom splits, handcuffs and my inhaler – I need to breathe.
Student #5
Heterosexual male
Number of one night stands? 25
In general, back to yours or theirs? I would always try and come back to mine, so my housemates could come in in the morning (2nd year laughs) but it’s probably about even. In general, it’s easier to go back to mine but I do enjoy a walk of shame/stride of pride.
Worst thing to have happened on a one night stand? One of us wet the bed. Still not sure which one.
Most tragic morning after experience? I don’t remember leaving Crisis and we woke up in the morning with sick everywhere and all over us. I blamed her but quickly realised it was me. She cleaned the sheets and we cuddled all day.
One night stand sex vs. relationship sex? Relationship sex by an absolute mile, but one night stand sex provides the best stories.
If you carried around a one night stand kit, which three essentials would be inside it? A pack of gum for the morning shit chat, my onesie for the walk home and, I’ll be safe, a condom.
Student #6
Heterosexual female
Number of one night stands? 12
In general, back to yours or theirs? Back to mine, just safer that way.
Worst thing to have happened on a one night stand? He had a small willy. We were spooning and then it just kind of happened. And I was feeling some sort of movement but just wasn’t getting anything from it at all. Thankfully, he couldn’t see my face.
Most tragic morning after experience? There was one guy who just wouldn’t leave. I pointedly said that I was going to the shower and he was like, ‘yeah I’ll just sit and watch the TV’. I had to give him my number so that he would go. He then texted me immediately like ‘hey babe, just on the bus xxxxxx can’t believe I got to sleep with you xxxxxxxx’ W h y.
One night stand sex vs. relationship sex? Relationship. When you’re having a one night stand, you have no choice but to go with what you know. Whereas, in a relationship, they know what you like and you can be a bit more eccentric.
If you carried around a one night stand kit, which three essentials would be inside it? Condoms, probably one of those pack of cards like ’500 ‘get out quick’ excuses’ and baby wipes.
Student #7
Straight male
Number of one night stands? 12
In general, back to yours or theirs? I’d say back to mine, usually because they’d be uncomfortable in-case one of their housemates overhears.
Worst thing to have happened on a one night stand? Condoms have split a few times and I’ve absolutely shat myself.
Most tragic morning after experience? Slept with a virgin and there was blood absolutely everywhere – my hands, the mattresses, the walls.
One night stand sex vs. relationship sex? I’m sure I’d prefer relationship sex but one night stands are fun, though I’m getting bored of them now.
If you carried around a one night stand kit, which three essentials would be inside it? Extra condoms, maybe some lube and my toothbrush.
Student #8
Straight female
Number of one night stands? I’m not exactly sure but about 18.
In general, back to yours or theirs? Mine please, the walk of shame is so much easier for guys.
Worst thing to have happened on a one night stand? I brought this guy back, we did the deed and he popped to the toilet, not realising that my bedroom door locked automatically. When he came back and found himself locked out, he knocked on my door but I was so drunk that I was just passed out by this point. He couldn’t leave because all his belongings were in my room. He proceeded to knock on all the other bedrooms on my floor and ask them for help. My housemate opened the door to this half naked (and pretty hench) guy thinking it was one of the girls, and screamed. They then spent about 5 minutes banging on my door until I finally woke up and admitted him back in with a half-hearted apology.
Most tragic morning after experience? I once brought someone back when I was on my period. Attempted to do it in a tidy manner but realised it was just not going to work. So he reluctantly gave up and was very sweet about it. The next morning, I found this empty pill packet. I googled the name on it and it was a brand of Viagra. He had medicated his dick up for no reason.
One night stand sex vs. relationship sex? Relationship 100%. You just feel so much more comfortable and you know what each other likes etc.
If you carried around a one night stand kit, which three essentials would be inside it? Pair of leggings in case of a walk of shame, baby wipes (for make up as well as the rest – guys just don’t understand the ongoing need for a tissue). And I guess a condom because safety first? Make that a few condoms.
Watch this space for Part 2…