Students are being urged to practice safer sex and get checked for sexually transmitted diseases.
A Union of Students in Ireland survey shows that almost three quarters of students have had unprotected sex and that 70% have never had a STI test.
As part of a joint USI/HSE awareness campaign, 40,000 sexual health awareness packs will be distributed in colleges and universities across the country this week.
USI president Gary Redmond said that sexually active students are taking too many risks.
Over 60% of STIs are diagnosed in the 20-29-year-old age group.
Dr Stephanie O'Keeffe of the HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme said "research tells us that 18 to 24-year-olds know about the importance of using contraception, but fail to use it consistently and often take risks particularly when sex is not planned for."
