They study together. They are average college couples, and chances are that even though they share a bed, they maintain separate living spaces. Patel estimated that in a 72-hour period recently he spent five hours in his own apartment. He spent most of the remaining 67 hours with his girlfriend, LSA junior Divya Jain. Patel and Jain are a typical college couple - they stop short of signing a lease together but generally gravitate to one of their places.
Students regard sleepovers as a normal part of college life.
Pamela Smock, associate professor of sociology and associate research scientist at the Institute for Social Research's Population Studies Center, reviewed past studies on cohabitation earlier this year. LSA senior Kelley Kozman agreed that attitudes toward sex are more relaxed, but she argued that is not the main reason why she and her boyfriend sleep over at each others' places. With conflicting class schedules and hectic daytime routines, couples often find that the evening is their only chance to spend time together. It is easier to sleep over than to make the trek home. Sleepovers between friends are common as well.