"Don’t let getting an STI ruin the fun."
Freshers’ Week marks an exciting chapter for many students, filled with new friendships, independence, and relationships.
However, it also brings heightened risks of sexually transmitted infections without proper precautions.
The UK Health Security Agency’s latest data reveals STI rates remain high, particularly gonorrhoea and syphilis, despite a recent decline.
More than 350 STIs are diagnosed every day among those aged 15 to 24, making this age group the most affected.
Myths around STI risks, symptoms, and prevention persist, influencing young people’s choices and behaviour.
For South Asian students, cultural stigma can add another barrier to open conversation.
DESIblitz debunks seven STI myths students must stop believing and shares expert guidance to stay protected.
You Can Tell if Someone Has an STI by Looking at Them
A common misconception is that STIs always show visible symptoms.
In truth, many infections remain asymptomatic, especially in their early stages.
Gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis can quietly progress without warning signs.
Dr Hamish Mohammed, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, explains: “Rates of STIs remain high among young people, but there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself.”
He adds that students should not rely on appearance alone: “Testing is the only way to know your status and prevent infection spread.”
With over 350 diagnoses made daily among young people, regular testing should be an integral part of student life.
NHS sexual health clinics offer free, confidential services that make this easy and accessible.
STIs Only Affect People Who Sleep Around
There is a mistaken belief that STIs only affect people with multiple partners.
However, infections can be transmitted even after a single unprotected encounter.
Freshers’ Week increases opportunities for casual sexual contact, making awareness more important.
Laura Domegan, Head of Nursing at Brook, stresses: “Young people often tell us they feel awkward or uncertain about how to raise the subject of condoms, particularly with new sexual partners.”
She encourages open discussion, explaining: “No one should be embarrassed or ashamed for wanting to take care of their sexual health.”
Talking openly with partners about sexual health ensures risks are understood and mutual protection is agreed.
Normalising condom use helps students prioritise their wellbeing while enjoying relationships safely.
Condoms Are Unnecessary if You Trust Your Partner
Trust in a relationship does not guarantee STI safety.
Many infections show no symptoms, meaning a partner could unknowingly carry an STI.
Dr Mohammed emphasises: “Starting university is an exciting time – don’t let getting an STI ruin the fun.”
He encourages students to view protection as part of the excitement rather than a burden: “Using condoms is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk.”
Gonorrhoea is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, making prevention even more critical.
Untreated infections such as chlamydia and syphilis can cause serious, irreversible health issues.
Freshers should openly discuss STI protection before becoming intimate to ensure mutual safety and confidence.
All STIs Are Permanently Life-Changing
While some STIs can cause lasting complications, most are treatable with early diagnosis.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are curable with antibiotics, though delayed treatment may lead to infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Syphilis requires early intervention to prevent severe issues affecting the brain, heart or nerves.
HIV is manageable with proper treatment, allowing people to live healthy lives.
Dr Mohammed highlights: “Testing is free and confidential and gives you peace of mind as you start the new academic year.”
Early testing helps prevent complications and stops transmission to others.
Students can use walk-in clinics or home self-sampling kits, making sexual health care easier than ever.
Vaccines Are Only for Childhood Illnesses
Vaccinations play an important role in STI prevention.
HPV vaccination is offered to schoolchildren and remains available for free until age 25 for those who missed it.
It protects against most cervical cancers and other cancers affecting people of all genders.
The MenACWY vaccine protects against meningitis strains and is offered before university, but anyone who missed it can still receive it free through their GP.
Vaccines for hepatitis A, B and mpox are available through sexual health services for higher-risk groups.
Dr Mohammed urges: “Make sure you are up to date with all your free NHS vaccines before starting university.”
This simple step is a powerful way to safeguard sexual and overall health.
STI Testing Is Complicated and Expensive
Many students assume STI testing is awkward, expensive or time-consuming.
In reality, testing is free and confidential at NHS sexual health clinics.
Students can choose walk-in appointments or discreet home self-sampling kits.
Laura Domegan encourages students to normalise testing, saying: “Talking with friends on campus can help normalise condom use and support more students to feel confident in taking control of their sexual health.”
She explains that peer discussions help make these conversations less intimidating, building a culture of openness.
Early testing protects health and provides peace of mind, while NHS services make it accessible and discreet for students.
STI Prevention Is Only About Condoms
While condoms are vital, STI prevention should be a comprehensive approach.
This includes vaccination, regular testing and open communication with partners.
Students should be aware of STI symptoms and seek medical advice promptly if concerned.
Domegan adds: “We want students starting a new university to feel confident discussing condoms with the people they are having sex with.”
She stresses that talking about sexual health should feel natural and empowering, not embarrassing.
Freshers should combine prevention methods, including condoms, vaccination and testing, to enjoy a safe and confident university experience.
STIs remain a significant concern for students, particularly during Freshers’ Week, but breaking myths is the first step in prevention.
Condom use, regular testing, vaccinations and open communication are all crucial tools.
Cultural barriers should not prevent students, especially those from South Asian backgrounds, from discussing sexual health.
Talking openly builds confidence and creates safer relationships.
University life should be about enjoyment, learning and growth, not preventable health risks.
Prevention is far easier than treatment, and taking control of your sexual health ensures a positive start to student life.
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