ROTC Lifestyle

I was just wondering how much free time you might have when involved in NROTC. I don't expect a lot of free time, but I was considering going to the University of Texas and a couple of my friends will be there. I just want to know if I can expect to be able to hang out with them or not.

ROTC lifestyle is going to college. It's not much more than just taking another class. You can definitely expect to be able to hangout with friends. I have three good friends in ROTC.

FeartheGoat said:

I was just wondering how much free time you might have when involved in NROTC. I don't expect a lot of free time, but I was considering going to the University of Texas and a couple of my friends will be there. I just want to know if I can expect to be able to hang out with them or not.

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Son will be at UT-Austin in the NROTC Marine Corps Option this fall. Reading through some the program material, it indicates that participation in other college activities is encouraged (meaning "have some fun"), but do not forget that you are here for a reason - NROTC - and that NROTC activities should be highest priority...in other words, don't miss PT, drill, etc in lieu of intramural sports or hanging out with friends! I did also notice a mandatory 10 hrs of study hall per week for Freshman in the NROTC building (Steinham Hall). I think this is a GOOD thing. I attended UT back in the day and it is a HUGE university, easy to get lost "other activities". If I had been mandated to have 10 hrs of study hall, my first year may have gone a little better UT and Austin are great though and would not have traded my experience for anything....Hook 'EM!

SETXDad said:

Son will be at UT-Austin in the NROTC Marine Corps Option this fall. Reading through some the program material, it indicates that participation in other college activities is encouraged (meaning "have some fun"), but do not forget that you are here for a reason - NROTC - and that NROTC activities should be highest priority...in other words, don't miss PT, drill, etc in lieu of intramural sports or hanging out with friends! I did also notice a mandatory 10 hrs of study hall per week for Freshman in the NROTC building (Steinham Hall). I think this is a GOOD thing. I attended UT back in the day and it is a HUGE university, easy to get lost "other activities". If I had been mandated to have 10 hrs of study hall, my first year may have gone a little better UT and Austin are great though and would not have traded my experience for anything....Hook 'EM!

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I agree with that. Regardless of whether or not it's required, it's a good idea to make sure you've got time set aside in a place you can study.

What about dorms? I know at A&M they have dorms only for members of ROTC, but I haven't heard anything about this at UT...

FeartheGoat said:

What about dorms? I know at A&M they have dorms only for members of ROTC, but I haven't heard anything about this at UT...

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Not sure of the dorm situation there, but A&M is a "military" school with many ROTC students, so Corps Cadets have a lot more opportunity to room together. Son purposeful choose UT over A&M (second choice) in order to be in a smaller unit....just his choice. He did list he was looking for another ROTC student to room with on his dorm applications, but thats up to housing folks to ultimately decide. If you are interested in UT and looking for roommate...PM me and I'll get you in touch with son. Good luck...heard A&M slots were full.

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FeartheGoat said:

What about dorms? I know at A&M they have dorms only for members of ROTC, but I haven't heard anything about this at UT...

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Now at A&M they have dorms for more that ROTC- my oldest son has such a good time in his that he is no longer there. Beware the northgate!