Having a couple of University students, I can confirm that the cutting exists, and that it is predominantly due to stress relief.
One campus I know of has a DBT based support group that is very popular, and has been helpful for one of my own kids. re:10 to 20 years ago, it was most likely there but not as popular to speak about. MTV as well as online sites have brought it out into the light and in a way has made it easier for secret cutters to speak out.
The DBT support group (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)uses Mindfulness, and teaches coping techniques to allieviate stress other ways, but you have want to make the change.
After speaking to several people who cut, it appears to be a lure to relieve stress, even if scared by the sight of blood.

I can tell you when I was in college there was plenty of binge drinking, binge eating followed by either laxitives or ipac, not to mention bulimia brought on by the 'freshman ten".

I have and do suffer from trich, and for the first and only time in my life I was not teased about it.

Susan,
This is not my business to talk about meds, but if I could just jump in here and say that Lithium has helped some people with trich..that being said, good luck. Hey I thought it was freshman 15?:)been there!

Cutting makes the parties go away. Sometimes.

Gwen, I understand. You are a wonderful person, do not forget that, and focus on that. It is hard. You are not alone. Words may not help, but somehow knowing you are not alone brings comfort.
I'm with you.

Thank you Stephany! You're a great person too -- I've really enjoyed reading your insightful comments. Thank you so much for your support.

Gwen, I think of you often. Walk on , knowing someone is lifting you up. It's me.
You can do this. Do not ever stop, and do not ever give up. :)