When was the last time you heard someone say "Oh my God, that poster of 'Boondock Saints' really turns me on"? Or how about, "This duct tape-covered futon is so cozy; I can't believe you got it at the Jumbo Yard Sale!"
It's sad but true: traditional dorm decor is hardly sexy. Convenience and low budgets often take precedence over aesthetics. Yet college students do themselves a disservice in ignoring the merit of a comfortable, inviting dorm room.
As young, independent adults, most of us are only beginning to explore ourselves and each other as sexual beings, yet few of us take the time to create an environment conducive to physical arousal. When we're uncomfortable, we're too busy worrying about ourselves to pleasure our partners, and sex becomes lackluster.
An absence of excitement and pleasure could cause people to rely on what might be deemed the "Frat Equation:" Alcohol (to blur the lines) minus one roommate (sexiled, of course) will, in the absence of light, result in one regrettable hookup.
Rather than stooping to this level, take the time to elevate the role of atmosphere and privacy in your sex life. Not everyone can enjoy sex in a heart-shaped Jacuzzi amid rose petals (although there are rumors of a portable hot tub somewhere in Latin Way), but you can make an effort by keeping a few simple things in mind.
The basics: keep clean sheets, a tidy floor, and a fresh towel handy for when things get messy. Keep condoms accessible and store them in a cool, dark place, along with lube so your partner has some options.
Always be considerate of roommates, and think twice before barring their access to the room. Consider how it could put a strain on your living situation. If your roommate is particularly bitter, don't expect any favors in the future (also look out for nasty paybacks like lube on your desk chair). You don't have to give all the details, but a simple exchange of class and work schedules can help you avoid embarrassing walk-ins. No one wants to barge in and catch an eyeful; the emotional scarring could rival that of watching "Kinsey" with your parents.
As for lighting options, people's preferences vary. It's nice to switch it up - if you've always turned the lights off, keep them on or have sex during daylight hours and get a nice surprise as you watch your partner's facial expressions (this is also a great way to gauge your success at furthering your partner's pleasure). One general rule of thumb: keep your shades drawn, unless it's April Open House or another peak touring season and you'd like prospective students to know Jumbos are sexually-savvy.
Consider making your partner as relaxed as possible in terms of vocalizations. If you or your partner is exceptionally vocally expressive, evaluate how well sound travels in your dorm or house - you might have realized that the walls of South are exceptionally thin compared to the cinderblock separating rooms in Carmichael. To put your partner at ease with noisemaking, invest in a good music mix to provide background noise so as to muddle the groans and grunts for your neighbors.
The effort you put in just a few small environmental factors to support a relaxed state can actually heighten sexual pleasure. On a physical level, there aren't any specific "techniques" involved; it's just simple circulatory health. When a person is more relaxed, he or she will experience increased blood flow throughout the entire body - including the genitals. With sexual stimulation and arousal the genitals will swell and your partner is well on the way to orgasm.
The mental benefits of a private and pleasant environment are also noteworthy. During sex, if a woman is worrying about a roommate walking in or if she's trying to ignore that Espresso's Pizza box, she probably won't surrender herself to sensations and will have a hard time reaching orgasm.
Both partners should take an active role in noting when and where they can devote a considerable span of time to sex (figuring in foreplay, of course). Don't rule out spontaneity - a quickie might be just the thing to relieve stress after writing a long paper. Just don't do it while your roommate's napping.
