It often helps to talk your problems through with a friend or student counsellor. Advice on contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, AIDS and abortion can be obtained from the student medical centre, your local GP, family planning service, Niteline or local hospital. Sexuality Many students explore and come to terms with their sexuality while at university. If you think you are homosexual or bisexual, it may help to talk through your feelings with a student counsellor or by phoning Niteline or the Gay and Lesbian Switchboard. The Gay and Lesbian Switchboard runs a 24-hour helpline.
Most colleges have a society for gay, lesbian and bisexual students.
Some students suffer a crisis of faith when they leave home for the first time and this can be particularly unsettling. If this happens to you, it may be worth speaking to the college chaplain or a student counsellor. Any addiction, whether it be to drugs or alcohol, or any other substance, needs proper treatment. Alcohol is a known depressant and although it may make you feel better at first, the initial boost only lasts a short time. Prescribed medication can react dangerously with alcohol, drugs or other illegal substances.