Tufts University sex policy

A central part of college is your first "oh my gosh, I'm so sorry" moment.

The line isn't uttered after a family death. Nor is it said within the context of academic dishonesty.

No, "oh my gosh, I'm so sorry" is a response to the sheer terror of walking in on your roommate mid-nookie.

It's a character-building experience.

Doors are never again opened nonchalantly. You turn each knob with a cautious suspicion you could be entering a danger zone.

You also learn a conventional bed is totally overrated.

Granted, that lesson comes somewhat forcibly. You stake out a comfortable spot on the study lounge's couch -- you know, to avoid a repeat brush with nighttime awkwardness.

At the very least, you first nookie walk-in is a necessary right of passage.

Which is why I wonder what will happen now that Tufts University has instituted a policy prohibiting couples from having sex when a roommate is in the room.

There are obvious questions about enforcement.

More importantly, the rule will dampen the entertainment value of stories from the dorm room war zone.

Because even amid midterms and research papers, one of college's best lessons comes in learning to ignore a set of bodies moving all too suspiciously in the bed beside you.