I'm utilizing my son's account. My son is a 4/C USCGA Class of 2025. During Swab Summer it's a great thing to receive weekly care packages from home (No caffeinated items and everything should be shipped in a USPS Priority Mail Medium-size flat rate box or something the same dimensions or smaller). After Swab Summer finished my son said, "Please don't send anymore care packages. I don't have space." After Swab Summer and CAP week is finished, you will have everything you need to begin the school year. Also, there will be ample time to pick up any miscellaneous items you want at either the Coast Guard Exchange, Cadet Store, or out in town (Target, Walmart, etc.). Be mindful though of what personal items are allowed or prohibited, manner of display or storage, and your limited in-room storage limitations because not all companies rules are identical (they're supposed to be uniform rules, but interpretations by senior cadets and company officers differ). During our weekly phone calls my son's always says, "Dad, I don't need anything and I don't have anywhere to put it anyways." Chase Hall has a giant storage room where cadets can place their unauthorized or excess personal items (suitcases, musical instruments, etc.). My son is a trombone player with the Windjammers Drum and Bugle Corps, Cadet Jazz Band, and Cadet Concert Band. He brought his personal trombone from home to USCGA, and at first, couldn't store his instrument in his room. Later, he routed a special request chit and received permission to store it in his room. Before receiving permission to store it in his room, he would keep it in the storage room. He said, "Dad, it's a hassle to keep going back and forth from the storage area and asking the duty personnel for the storage room lock keys. They're not always readily available." As far as Day 1 is concerned, only bring what's on the list or what you have received prior permission to bring; i.e. musical instruments, specific sports equipment, etc.