Preparing for Matriculation @ VMI

ThatRatsMom

5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 27, 2013
Messages
12
Got the shopping list, going broke getting everything...as I understand it, Rat/cadet laundry is done onsite, and I heard they give the student a marker to write their name on their belongings when dropping them off. I am curious about labeling of sheets, undershirts, socks, etc. Would it be acceptable to label items prior to arriving (small, professional print with last name, first initial, middle initial)

thank you for your help:rolleyes:!
 
Doing the exact same thing. So far just have bought undergarments and a foot locker..... I think we get a laundry number on arrival, and then label all of our stuff with that number instead.

Curious: Has your son received his financial aid letter yet? Still waiting on mine...
 
Don't label anything. There is a specific way that cadre will teach them to do it with a stencil that will basically be on bedsheets, undershirts, towels and uniforms. They also have to be placed on the right spot on the apparel and the bedsheets (So they show who they belong to during inspection). Laundry is done weekly so make sure you essentially have two weeks of t-shirts, black socks and athletic socks and underwear because you thrown a bag out on Monday and don't see it again until later in the week (I think it was Friday but its been a decade). Hope this helps.
 
Doing the exact same thing. So far just have bought undergarments and a foot locker..... I think we get a laundry number on arrival, and then label all of our stuff with that number instead.

Curious: Has your son received his financial aid letter yet? Still waiting on mine...

Nope, no letter yet! that is a frustrating wait for her! (let us know when you get yours!):thumb:
 
Don't label anything. There is a specific way that cadre will teach them to do it with a stencil that will basically be on bedsheets, undershirts, towels and uniforms. They also have to be placed on the right spot on the apparel and the bedsheets (So they show who they belong to during inspection). Laundry is done weekly so make sure you essentially have two weeks of t-shirts, black socks and athletic socks and underwear because you thrown a bag out on Monday and don't see it again until later in the week (I think it was Friday but its been a decade). Hope this helps.

I was thinking of getting these very small iron-on labels for socks and such, so these would be frowned upon....got it, thanks!
 
Wait. What list? I didn't get one...


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If you are having trouble getting the XL flat sheets, Target online was a good source this time last year. Also GoBros online for Thorlo boot socks.
 
supplies for rats

http://www.linensupplier.com./
I used this company when DS matriculated a few years ago. It saved me a lot of running around. The only thing that didnt work well was the blanket because it caused lint even after several washings. Good luck to all:thumb:
 
If you are having trouble getting the XL flat sheets, Target online was a good source this time last year. Also GoBros online for Thorlo boot socks.
KarenH, thank you for the GoBros info, was wondering about locating right type of boot socks in extended sizes....
LOL, does anyone know of a "sock scholarship"? What an exciting HS graduation present!
 
Some cotton sheets wrinkle pretty much no matter what. Is that an issue for a rat? Saw the post from bjkuds about lint. I just don't know what creates an issue and what doesn't.
Also, the handbook references "blanket, quilt or comforter." DS already has twin xl down comforter. Does that really work, or is it too problematic for however they have to do the hay thing?
Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom!
 
STILL waiting for the financial aid letter.... Let us know if anyone gets anything! I've been checking PostView like 3 times a day.
 
Yes, thank you to all the folks who have been down this "getting ready for VMI" road already. This information is very helpful. And if anyone has any other advice on items on our supply list...please share :)
 
splashdog...I wasn't sure how to answer sheet question so asked my 4th year: "No issue - the sheets, comforter, everything gets folded/ rolled into a ball (depending on how fast you're moving) and set on top of the rolled hays regardless. The comforter should be fine - again, anything can be made small when one is panicked enough."
As long as comforter is a dark, solid color they will be grateful for it in winter when the snow blows in through the closed windows. Cadets/alumni seem to have a love/hate relationship with barracks..."spartan" fits. I've been in cell blocks with more amenities :eek:
 
splashdog...I wasn't sure how to answer sheet question so asked my 4th year: "No issue - the sheets, comforter, everything gets folded/ rolled into a ball (depending on how fast you're moving) and set on top of the rolled hays regardless. The comforter should be fine - again, anything can be made small when one is panicked enough."
As long as comforter is a dark, solid color they will be grateful for it in winter when the snow blows in through the closed windows. Cadets/alumni seem to have a love/hate relationship with barracks..."spartan" fits. I've been in cell blocks with more amenities :eek:

Yes we do. More Hate than Love :) They designed the state prison to look/be exactly like Barracks.

I have read this thread and held off on commenting but decided to chime in. Maybe Bruno will to.

1. Do NOT put name tags in anything. It will mark your Rat as a Mama's boy/girl and they will stand out. 'Standing out' is not good.

2. Why are you Mothers doing so much for your child? This is your kids journey - not yours. I know you are invested in their success and this is a way you are expressing care & concern … but my advice is 'let go' on this stuff. To the extent you do it you are robbing them of the self reliance muscle they will need by the ton on August 23rd.

Yes … I know that sounds harsh. And I know what you don't … I know what Cadre and the Rat Line is actually like. I am trying to help your child have a better experience.

3. I too have a Daughter attending next fall. I/we have stood back and done NOTHING to help her prepare besides sit down with last year's download Cadet handbook and tell her 'read this'

She will have her debit card and while at STP will go to Walmart in Lex and buy stuff on her list. Most likely she'll forget something. Regardless - it will be up to her. That is because we learn more from our mistakes than we do our success.

4. As re Financial Aid or any other matter - when in doubt: call. VMI is small and personal. A call to Thom Brashears in Fin Aid will answer any/all questions. I know they are working the pile of applications right now and hope to have answers by end of month/1st week April.

5. Stop worrying about which sheets/comforters. If they are not ideal - replace them later. Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Only advice I'd have on these is make them as plain as possible. Again - DO NOT MAKE THEM STAND OUT

Back in our day we were issued comforters - everyone's was red. I still have mine. If I were you I'd find a plain red comforter and go with that.

I would not send the down comforter. The cadet laundry would eat that alive should it need cleaning.

6. Best socks for military use are made by prior service Marines - see covert threads.com

I sent some to my son who is in Infantry in the Marine Corps and he swears by them. He had guys begging him for them. They will cut down on blisters by factor of 10. Also - Monkey Butt powder is excellent foot powder.

7. My advice for getting your kids ready for VMI is not on the 'what to bring' list. No, its is much more simple:

Make them run.
Make them do push ups, pull ups, sit ups and run.
Run some more.
Run even more than that.
Run hills.
If you live in the country and where it would not seem unusual - run with a rifle. (preferably a blue gun - i.e., an inert training rifle)

But run.

8. Final word of advice. Let your kids enjoy what time they have between now and matriculation. If they are staying in shape and on track to graduate that is all that matters. Don't micromanage all of their preparation for VMI - it will most likely add to the pre Rat Line anxiety. Take that energy you have to 'do something' and channel it into writing letters (actual on paper) once they are in Lexington

And even better - don't forget them when they are 3rd's as that is worse than being a Rat.

Everyone loves a Rat. Everyone hates a 3rd. Save some love for your 3rd to be.

Good luck to all.
 
+1 to VMI82. You nailed it. As my prestrain was running down our street last August with his "mock" rifle I couldn't help but wonder what the neighbors thought. They have to want it and own it. Best of luck to all your DD and DS's.
 
Yes we do. More Hate than Love :) They designed the state prison to look/be exactly like Barracks.

I have read this thread and held off on commenting but decided to chime in. Maybe Bruno will to.

1. Do NOT put name tags in anything. It will mark your Rat as a Mama's boy/girl and they will stand out. 'Standing out' is not good.

2. Why are you Mothers doing so much for your child? This is your kids journey - not yours. I know you are invested in their success and this is a way you are expressing care & concern … but my advice is 'let go' on this stuff. To the extent you do it you are robbing them of the self reliance muscle they will need by the ton on August 23rd.

Yes … I know that sounds harsh. And I know what you don't … I know what Cadre and the Rat Line is actually like. I am trying to help your child have a better experience.

3. I too have a Daughter attending next fall. I/we have stood back and done NOTHING to help her prepare besides sit down with last year's download Cadet handbook and tell her 'read this'

She will have her debit card and while at STP will go to Walmart in Lex and buy stuff on her list. Most likely she'll forget something. Regardless - it will be up to her. That is because we learn more from our mistakes than we do our success.

4. As re Financial Aid or any other matter - when in doubt: call. VMI is small and personal. A call to Thom Brashears in Fin Aid will answer any/all questions. I know they are working the pile of applications right now and hope to have answers by end of month/1st week April.

5. Stop worrying about which sheets/comforters. If they are not ideal - replace them later. Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Only advice I'd have on these is make them as plain as possible. Again - DO NOT MAKE THEM STAND OUT

Back in our day we were issued comforters - everyone's was red. I still have mine. If I were you I'd find a plain red comforter and go with that.

I would not send the down comforter. The cadet laundry would eat that alive should it need cleaning.

6. Best socks for military use are made by prior service Marines - see covert threads.com

I sent some to my son who is in Infantry in the Marine Corps and he swears by them. He had guys begging him for them. They will cut down on blisters by factor of 10. Also - Monkey Butt powder is excellent foot powder.

7. My advice for getting your kids ready for VMI is not on the 'what to bring' list. No, its is much more simple:

Make them run.
Make them do push ups, pull ups, sit ups and run.
Run some more.
Run even more than that.
Run hills.
If you live in the country and where it would not seem unusual - run with a rifle. (preferably a blue gun - i.e., an inert training rifle)

But run.

8. Final word of advice. Let your kids enjoy what time they have between now and matriculation. If they are staying in shape and on track to graduate that is all that matters. Don't micromanage all of their preparation for VMI - it will most likely add to the pre Rat Line anxiety. Take that energy you have to 'do something' and channel it into writing letters (actual on paper) once they are in Lexington

And even better - don't forget them when they are 3rd's as that is worse than being a Rat.

Everyone loves a Rat. Everyone hates a 3rd. Save some love for your 3rd to be.

Good luck to all.

Excellent advice on all counts. I might add that for those of you who are going to STP- that is a good time to ask your questions directly to the Commandant's staff. You will grow to love Walmart as you visit Lexington. It's the best Walmart in the country I think- and it was kind of comical to me to see all of the Rat's with Parents wandering the aisles on Parents weekend looking for essentials. It's all there with the exception of the sheets. But really if you just look in the new Cadet Handbook (link is on this page: http://www.vmi.edu/Content.aspx?id=7343 ) 99% of your questions are answered. The sheets unforetuantley are a gbig deal- but I believe that a couple of mom's have posted links to get them easily and with minimal fuss. Otherwise- RUN! DO PUSHUPS! RUN SOME MORE! DO MORE PUSHUPS!.
Enjoy the last couple months of your life as a High School Senior! AND Finally- don't forget that you are not enlisting- you are going to a Military COLLEGE. So hone your study skills and understand that If you run an 11 minute 2 mile, do 100 pushup and 100 situps on the APFT- and fail your classes- you are a really physically fit ex-cadet
 
Got mine yesterday..... $17,000 in "VMI Local Scholarships" for my freshman year! Definitely covers that $12k I needed for room and board.... Does anyone know if the extra can be used for STP? :biggrin:
 
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