VMI - Questions from a 1st year parent

caesarbc

Member
Joined
Dec 10, 2018
Messages
21
Hello everyone,

My DS will be attending VMI in the fall and I just have a few questions:
  1. Money and banking - how do most of the Rats deal with money? I assume they don't really spend that much given their limited access to off campus activities. I am looking at opening up an account for him at a bank near VMI so he has debit card access.
  2. Clothing and sheets - do we need to pack anything? I am under the assumption that he doesn't need anything except toiletries.
  3. Parent visits and communication - I know he will not have his phone and will only have access to e-mail, but how about on Sunday's during Church time? Will he have access to anything then?
Any insight on other things will be much appreciated.

Thank you all!
 
There will be a list of needed items - it is actually quite extensive and specific- you should be able to find it on the website but it will probably be last years list right now. He will need sheets, they need to be white. Will need a comforter, has to be solid and I think black or dark blue (though that may have changed)

My son is a first and will graduate next month.

My son has a bank account at home, with him and his dad on it so we could deposit money. There is an ATM on post in the PX and there are some in town as well so it doesn't have to be a local bank

The clothing list will be provided - follow it exactly

There is a parent page for rat parents on facebook. If you are on facebook I highly recommend that you search for the Rat Mass 2020+3 parent page - you will need to check messenger for a note from an admin so you can be added.

Primary communication as a rat will be email. He may have some access to his phone on Sunday depending on his Dyke. The first two weeks he really won't have th3 time or energy. Definitely have him choose a church or even chapel on post ( the assistant chaplain will take rats off post for some R&R on Sundays as well). Definitely go for New Market Oath weekend. it's a good experience and your rat will enjoy napping on a hotel and away from post.

My son's Dyke let him take his phone with him off post when he went with the chaplain so he could call home. So that will depend on his Dyke. If he goes off post to church many parishoners will put there phones out in a basket so rats can call so always answer unknown numbers on Sundays. You may also get a call during hell week IF his advisor allows - some do and some don't.

My son let his rat take his phone on Sunday when he was off post and also on away games ( rat plays soccer)


Please feel free to PM me with any questions. It's been a crazy but amazing 4 years.
 
Last edited:
Excellent information from @turtlerunnernc - as usual. My DS is a 2nd now, 1st next year. All points above are great and I would stress sticking to the packing list. There will be things he may be able to have later on, but he will figure that out and you can always send things later. Believe me, they can't have and don't need much as a Rat. Do encourage him to find a church, even if your family is not religious, since it is a great way to get some down time away from post. The area churches will be at the Matriculation fair. He will need some time where he can relax and the local churches are aware of what Rats go through and are extremely kind, generous and understanding.

The only other information/advice that I can think of for you as a parent is to trust the system. Being a Rat is stressful and a tough process to go through for a Rat and parent, but it is a proven process. There will be times, especially in the beginning, where you will question things. Tell your DS to work hard and be humble. He won't be great at everything and will fail at something - they all do and that is not only OK, it's expected - the system pushes Rats to their perceived limits and beyond. They key is to always try his hardest, help others in the things he is strong in and accept help in the things he is not. When your Rat calls there may be times when he sounds down, depressed and/or exhausted. Be as positive and supporting as you can and let him know you believe he can do it.

Congratulations to you and your DS. Tell him to enjoy the summer but stay out of trouble and stay in shape. Run, run, run and when he is done do some pull-ups and run some more.

Feel free to PM me as well with questions.
 
Turtle runner and I have posted a lot about VMI over the past 4 years. Her son and my son are 34 days from graduation! Just plug our avatars or VMI into the search bar within this part of the forum and you will get a lot of hits. Also definitely get on the VMI parent page for Rat Mass 2020+3

Welcome to an extraordinary family!
 
Back
Top