My boyfriend and I are talking about moving in together after graduation, but his parents don’t believe in premarital cohabitation. I don’t want to offend them, but it’s our life and I see living together as both economical and smart. What’s a girl to do?

–Contemplating Karen

Dear Contemplating Karen;

This is a huge question! Moving in with your significant other is an important step. It is a great way to get to know your partner and, as you mentioned, it is economical as well.

How long have the two of you been dating? I ask because the longer you’ve been dating, the more it makes sense. If you have a long relationship with this guy and you both trust each other, I think moving in is a normal “next step.”

Instead of worrying about his parents, think first about the two of you in the same apartment. No matter how long you have been in a relationship, things will change once you share the same place.

If this makes sense to you, and it makes sense to him — and both of you are in this relationship for the long term — go for it. His parents are likely to accept it eventually. It may take time. If you think they are open for a conversation, maybe the two of you could sit down with them.

At the least, it shows you care about their beliefs.

Dear Hilary,

I was wondering about support groups. I was recently diagnosed with an STD and I know other students have a wide range of problems. What resources are on campus for people like me who want a friendly, understanding environment?

—Curious

Dear Curious;

Sorry you have been diagnosed with an STD. Kudos to you for reaching out.

There are two places for immediate STD help and information in Mount Pleasant — the Central Michigan District Health Department in Isabella County and CMU’s University Health Services.

Isabella County’s department can be contacted at 773-5921. It is state-run and will not turn you down from anything because of cost. The clinic may have support group suggestions, too.

University Health Services can be contacted at 774-6599. The CMU clinic also may have suggestions.

CMU’s Volunteer Services coordinates the Safer Sex Patrol as well, which may or may not be a great place for you to ask questions. I personally adore the Safer Sex Patrol — I think it is great they promote condom usage and safe ways to have sex.

Dear Hilary,

Hi. I’m getting a car in a couple weeks and want to keep it on campus. I looked online about parking permits and couldn’t find useful information. Do I have to pay for a full, year-long parking permit just to keep it on campus from after spring break until the end of the term?

—K. Dobbs

Dear K. Dobbs;

Good news! I spoke with CMU Police Chief Bill Yeagley regarding this question, and you do not have to pay for a year-long permit to keep your car on campus.

As of Dec. 11, permits are half-price; he estimates the permit should cost around $90. If you can wait until May 11, the price drops again to approximately $40.

Parking on campus is open over the weekend and is not policed; open parking times for on-campus lots are from 4 p.m. Friday until 2 a.m. Monday morning.

There are a couple exceptions to the open parking. Lot 41 by the Towers is restricted at all times, and parking for Washington Apartments also is restricted.

CMU has a lot of metered lots as well, and this is how I parked my car on-campus for a full semester. I do not recommend relying on it however, as it does get expensive quickly.

CMU Parking Services also is quick to ticket. By the end of the semester, I basically paid for a permit in my fines. Not cool!

Although $90 is a fair amount of money, I think it is a worthwhile investment. It is so much easier to leave my car in a lot for a day instead of continually running to it with meter money!

If you have a question for next week’s advice column, you may contact me via e-mail at Farre1hl@cmich.edu, or can contact me anonymously on my Formspring account at formspring.me/HilaryFarrell.