VMI STP Packing List

mcduffiea

5-Year Member
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Jun 28, 2010
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In looking through the information I have for STP, I have been unable to find a packing list outside of various references to bedding and towels. Should I refer to the packing list VMI gave me for matriculation day to decide what to bring? I figure I won't need to bring quite as much as that list says, but is that more or less the same items I'll need to bring?

Also, when listing dress and appearance guidelines, VMI says that men should wear "shirts with sleeves designed for outer garment wear." What does that mean exactly? Just as long as I'm not wearing an undershirt or a wifebeater then I'll be ok?
 
as far as STP logo t shirts from American Eagle etc are acceptable according to the letter we received, just not tank tops or underwear type t shirts are to be worn as an outer garment. As far as matriculation The hand book lists exactly what you will need and that can also be found on the web site if you didn't receive it yet. I found a link that sells pretty much everything you will need except a few personal items. But you are right in that you won't need all that for STP.

http://linensupplier.com/

http://www.vmi.edu/Admissions.aspx?id=6581&ekmensel=fb5d653b_20_547_btnlink
I posted the link to the new cadet handbook which gives specifics. Hope this helps

From what I was told for STP take what you want for bedding, towels etc...whatever you think you will need in between trips to the laundro-mat will do. Your personal items aren't really restricted. Take gym shorts because they will be evaluating your fitness on the first evening, but then they issue you some of those too. We are sending a larger box fan and 1 pair of sneakers along with clothing and a few towels and a few school supplies. They sent us a letter last week. Didn't you get one yet?
 
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Remember its hot - my son took gym clothese for PT but then for class took cargo,walking short style and collar shirts - polos and button down cotton shirts - and he took his docksiders - no sandels. I did see many kids in just tee shirts (with logos or designs etc)
It sounds from bjkuds that they have relaxed to now just describe shirts as having sleves. They do not want kids there going to class in white tee's, cut offs, halter tops, etc.
My son ended up wearing the shoes they issued to help break them in.
Just remember, while relaxed environment, it is VMI and think they want to have some amount of appropriate attire -
larrys mom
 
The double edged sword of STP is that while you're becoming familiar with the Institute, the Institute is becoming familiar with you.

Think of STP as one long first impression. The upperclassmen will be watching you from a formal closeness, if that makes sense. They won't befriend you, but they will be judging your performance.

If you do well, it's possible that you'll end up with a good Dyke. Many of the rising First Classmen who will be around are still looking for rats--if not for themselves, then for their BRs.

On the flip side, you might find out on Matriculation Day that one your STP Counselors has now become your Cadre CPL or SGT. :smile:

So, the moral of the story:
  • Work hard;
  • Be respectful to everyone;
  • HAVE FUN!, but don't mess around;
  • Focus on academics and getting in shape;
  • Think before you speak, act, or breathe; and
  • Take time to build relationships with professors and BRs alike.

On being respectful, you don't need to call everyone "Ma'am/Sir," but you should use these phrases with your professors and other officers. STP is designed to be a relaxed introduction; no one should be flaming you (yet :thumb:).

Never assume familiarity with anyone but your Brother Rats. (Sidenote: Make this a habit until after Breakout of your Third Class year. I still referred to the members of the Class of 2007 as "Mr./Miss" when I was a Third and they were the Firsts, and it really helped me out.) Don't joke around with your STP Counselors unless they make it clear that they don't mind--and even then, don't assume that just because one is chill with you, all of them will be chill.

Believe me... contrary to the popular cliche, there really are stupid questions. :smile: The guys who work in the Guard Room will keep a list of the stupidest questions they get asked. This doesn't mean you should be afraid, but you might consider asking around to see if any of your future BRs know the answer to a question before asking an upperclassman. As a general rule, don't ask specific questions about what it's like during Hell Week, the distinguished art of straining, or what they had to do for Breakout.

All of this to say... the way you dress yourself is a direct reflection of your attitude. You will be judged by what you wear, so don't be stupid. If they say that t-shirts are fine and you wear dress pants and a tie to class, you're a tool. Seriously... if they say that t-shirts are fine, then t-shirts are fine. But don't think that no one will notice what your t-shirt is advertising.

You're part of VMI now, and VMI is part of you, even though you won't really fit in until your Second Class year. If your clothing makes you look like a fool, you make the Institute look foolish.

In general, maintain an appropriate attitude. You won't earn the right to be an arrogant jerk until after Breakout. :cool:

Hope this helps!

Jackie M. Briski '09
First Class PVT (Ret.)
 
Excellent reply - thanks for your time RahVaMil2009 - you always do such a terrific job - much better than this mom's attempt to help others coming along! larrys mom
 
Excellent reply - thanks for your time RahVaMil2009 - you always do such a terrific job - much better than this mom's attempt to help others coming along! larrys mom

As a VMI Alumna, there are some experiences I feel I can share with others. But I can only try to imagine the VMI Mom's perspective.

I suppose it's possible that I'll be a VMI Mom, too, someday (HOLY CRAP! :eek:), but at the rate I'm going, that would be another 45 years or so down the road. You know, when I'm Bruno's age. :shake:
 
As a VMI Alumna, there are some experiences I feel I can share with others. But I can only try to imagine the VMI Mom's perspective.

I suppose it's possible that I'll be a VMI Mom, too, someday (HOLY CRAP! :eek:), but at the rate I'm going, that would be another 45 years or so down the road. You know, when I'm Bruno's age. :shake:
RahVaMil is just jealous because I can get away with eating at the Early Bird special and get the AARP discount on my Geritol! (These young whippersnappers - no respect for their elders:yllol:) Little does she know that there are whole classes of cadets at Massanutten who have written her off as hopelessly over the hill with one foot already in the grave:eek:
 
as far as STP logo t shirts from American Eagle etc are acceptable according to the letter we received, just not tank tops or underwear type t shirts are to be worn as an outer garment. As far as matriculation The hand book lists exactly what you will need and that can also be found on the web site if you didn't receive it yet. I found a link that sells pretty much everything you will need except a few personal items. But you are right in that you won't need all that for STP.

http://linensupplier.com/

http://www.vmi.edu/Admissions.aspx?id=6581&ekmensel=fb5d653b_20_547_btnlink
I posted the link to the new cadet handbook which gives specifics. Hope this helps

From what I was told for STP take what you want for bedding, towels etc...whatever you think you will need in between trips to the laundro-mat will do. Your personal items aren't really restricted. Take gym shorts because they will be evaluating your fitness on the first evening, but then they issue you some of those too. We are sending a larger box fan and 1 pair of sneakers along with clothing and a few towels and a few school supplies. They sent us a letter last week. Didn't you get one yet?

Update. you whould have gotten an email saying that shorts wont be issued till matriculation. some kind of fabric issue?
 
Update. you whould have gotten an email saying that shorts wont be issued till matriculation. some kind of fabric issue?

yes we received that...bring your gym shorts:smile:
 
Well I trust that everyone is tucked in and off to a good start for their first (rainy) week in Lexington for STP? Good luck to all of the happy rat's to be.
 
Well I trust that everyone is tucked in and off to a good start for their first (rainy) week in Lexington for STP? Good luck to all of the happy rat's to be.

My Rat to be is doing well. Had a shock of a rather hefty essay due the next morning on day one, but he managed to get it all done. He has already discovered the Writing Center and is taking advantage of it. He also got through the VFT which he was happy to not be last on. They assigned him in one of the middle groups so I think we will call that a win at this point. He is doubling up a bit with a 6 week on line Math class because he didn't fair so well on the Math placement test and needs to get up to speed for Calc 1 by the beginning of the year. VMI is starting a math center now basically equivalent to the writing center because they claim the level of math the kids are coming in with out of HS has fallen off in the last 3 years. I guess DS is a prime example..98% final grade in AP Calc in HS and qualified for Pre Calc on the placement test at VMI. It was a wake up call for him, but he isn't discouraged:smile: He is seeing this as the opportunity of a lifetime which is what it is.:thumb:
 
GOOD NEWS on all fronts!!! I did notice that STP was a little shorter than I remembered, guess first paper due quickly is one way to treat it.
I had heard that VMI was trying to get math up and running - I know my son had trouble last year during calc 3 - there were not many resources available - SO GREAT TO HEAR!!!
I would say he's off to very good start! It is best to get those good study habits, and mentally focusing on academics right off - that way it will be habit (as apposed to treating STP as fun camp).
All of it is excellent intro for August.
You can catch your breath now.... best wishes, larrys mom
 
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