Bedsider

Dispatches from a College Sexpert: Summer in the City

It’s my first summer in DC and it’s already hot and humid. The heat can be exhilarating and exhausting (kind of like an internship) and I’m looking forward to taking advantage of all that a summer in the city has to offer. And after three summer internships in three different cities, I’ve learned a few things. So, for the first post of a weekly “Dispatches from a College Sexpert” series, I present my dos and don’ts for balancing business and pleasure during a summer internship.

You:

I’m so busy during the school year between classes and extracurriculars that I am exhausted by the time any break rolls around. Even though working every day 9-5 (or 6, or 7) has been hard to get used to after nine months of later classes, going home without homework to do or e-mails to send is so relaxing.

1) DO catch up with friends you missed during the year or the TV watching and reading you weren’t doing in your dorm room.

2) Don’t let the heat leave you feeling exhausted or dehydrated—drink lots of water.

3) DO invest in a good pair of commuter shoes (your feet and work shoes will thank you).

Your Surroundings:

I’ve already done many of the tourist-y DC things thanks to my 8th grade trip, but really exploring the nation’s capital without a tour bus or lanyard is something I’m looking forward to. Guide books have been helpful, but the local newspapers, Facebook pages, blogs, and locals themselves have helped expand my summer bucket list, which includes finding (and eating) the best falafel (doesn’t that look delicious?), burger, and, of course, cupcake in DC.

1) DO take advantage of longer summer nights to explore the city—and if food and drink is a priority for you, don’t forget about happy hour!

2) DON’T buy too many LivingSocial/Groupon/Google Offers to use during your time in the city.

3) DO find new places to get busy in a new city with a new (or existing) partner—just make sure it’s legal (especially if it’s outside).

Your Friends:

The summer split-up of college friends is always hard since living on (or near) campus means we’re used to having all-access passes to our friends lives. Unlike previous summers, this year I plan to be proactive in keeping in touch with friends from school, but also to make new friends here to explore the city with.

1) DO grab coffee with other interns and go to happy hours or student mixers to bond with new people from different schools, careers, and places (the payoff potential for new friendships, relationships or career opps can be pretty high).

2) DON’T neglect your friends from school. Make an effort to set up Skype or phone dates (even if it takes 7+ emails and a Google search of time zone differences).

3) DO learn how to be on your own in your apartment or in public spaces—it may be weird at first but gets better with time.

Your Sex Life:

Not being immediately surrounded by hundreds (or thousands) of fellow students can make dating look daunting, but you’re still surrounded by thousands of students living and working in the city. And if you already have a partner you’re ready to get busy with, don’t let the heat outside reduce the heat between the sheets.

1) DO bring cash and condoms when you’re going out—you never know when you (or a friend) will need them.

2) DON’T leave a bar (or party) with someone you don’t know (not a good idea on campus, even worse idea off campus).

3) DON’T have sex in the water, as it increases chances for infection. If you feel you must, remember that condoms and water don’t mix well, so choose another form of birth control to prevent pregnancy.

That’s all I got for today, but check back next week for an update on another kind of Independence Day worth celebrating!

“Open City” image by NCinDC.

*****

Catherine Rivera is an intern for Bedsider. When she’s not counseling, teaching, researching or writing about sex and relationships, this Stanford University student can be found passing out condoms to her fellow students, mentoring middle school girls, indulging her sweet tooth , reading the news, or attempting to get inside the heads of her four younger brothers. Catherine doesn’t have a personal tumblr (yet), but you can follow her on twitter @cmrivera2013.