College is all about experimenting, usually with majors, caffeine intake, and whether you can survive on instant noodles. But for a growing number of students, the real exploration is happening in a much more personal area, the nightstand drawer. Yes, we’re talking sex toys. 

Before you cringe at the thought of your classmates reading the word vibrator in the school paper, hear me out. Toys aren’t embarrassing, they’re empowering. They’re tools for self-discovery, stress relief, and yes, better sex—whether that’s solo or with someone else.

Far from being taboo, they’re actually tools for self-discovery, stress relief, and healthier relationships. Sex toys can be intimidating to those who may not indulge, but once you know what is out there, you can figure out what you like and what works best for you. 

Okay, here’s the thing no one really tells you: sex toys aren’t weird, they aren’t desperate, and they definitely aren’t just for people in movies. They’re actually one of the healthiest, easiest ways to figure yourself out. Think of them as training wheels for pleasure, where you get to explore your body on your own terms, without pressure, awkwardness from someone else being there. 

They’re also good for more than just fun. Orgasms can help you sleep better, ease cramps, and take the edge off stress. 

Toys can also make sex with your partner better because you know what works for you, and you can actually explain it instead of just hoping the other person magically figures it out.

Bottom line: learning to enjoy your own body isn’t just about pleasure. It’s about confidence, health, and taking the shame out of something completely normal.

Vibrators are the most popular starting point—little bullet vibes if you want something discreet (and dorm-room friendly), or larger wand styles if you’re after more power. Dildos come in every shape and style imaginable—silicone, glass, colorful, realistic, you name it—and don’t let the stereotypes fool you, plenty of people of all genders use them.

Couples’ toys are another category, with cock rings and wearable vibrators designed to be enjoyed together. Curious about anal play? Butt plugs are the starter kit (and yes, lube is absolutely mandatory). Then there are the wild cards—remote-controlled toys, suction toys, and even ones that look like completely innocent household objects.

Here’s the thing: sex toys are fun, but they’re also going inside your body. That means safety isn’t optional—it’s non-negotiable. A bad toy choice or sloppy cleaning can cause infections, irritation, or worse. Treat your toys like medical equipment and they’ll actually keep your sex life healthier, not riskier.

The bottom line is pleasure and safety go hand-in-hand. Take this seriously, and you’ll get all the fun without the fallout.

At the end of the day, sex toys are about knowing yourself, taking care of your body, and not being ashamed of wanting pleasure. College is messy, stressful, and full of late-night decisions you may or may not regret—but this doesn’t have to be one of them.

So whether you’re single, in a situationship, or just trying to survive classes, remember: prioritizing your pleasure isn’t selfish. It’s smart, it’s healthy, and it’s one of the few kinds of homework you’ll actually enjoy.