Things to buy for plebe year / life at a service academy.

rainman1193

rainman1193

USNA Class of ‘25
Joined
Feb 4, 2021
Messages
63
As I prepare for life at USNA, is there anything I should purchase to make life easier at the academy. Can be things for dorm room, fitness watches, etc. really any kind of insight, life hacks, simple things that can be used, etc
 
You can use watches after Plebe Summer. Leave the Smart watch with your parents have them bring it to Parents Weekend. Bring a durable watch that can get beat up for PS and for other training later on. Bring broken in running shoes for PS. There isn’t much you need after PS. Some will want some extra socks, t shirts, underwear after PS finishes and you want non-issued stuff.
 
Buy a fan for after plebe summer! Bancroft can get very hot.

On I-Day, you should bring the required paperwork, extra-compression shorts, & broken-in running shoes.

You don't need much. Most things you need are provided to you.

Any luxury or convenience items you want can be easily purchased from the MidStore or Amazon once Plebe Summer ends.
 
If you show up on I-Day with your ID, paperwork, phone, charger, and a few pairs of compression shorts (and sports bras), you’re literally set. Anything else is a bonus — or a burden. Don’t buy or bring anything for your room until near the end of plebe summer and you know what’s permitted.

This is N*ot College, so no trips with mom and dad to Target or Walmart for crates, caddies and candles before showing up. During parents weekend, there is a pilgrimage to Target for things — but again, only after learning what your company allows. Mine got a Brita pitcher and a steam iron. She now has a Nespresso coffee maker, but that came only after 2/7.

Above all, bring a good and humble attitude. That, more than anything else, will serve you well.
 
MidCakePa said:
If you show up on I-Day with your ID, paperwork, phone, charger, and a few pairs of compression shorts (and sports bras), you’re literally set. Anything else is a bonus — or a burden. Don’t buy or bring anything for your room until near the end of plebe summer and you know what’s permitted.

This is N*ot College, so no trips with mom and dad to Target or Walmart for crates, caddies and candles before showing up. During parents weekend, there is a pilgrimage to Target for things — but again, only after learning what your company allows. Mine got a Brita pitcher and a steam iron. She now has a Nespresso coffee maker, but that came only after 2/7.

Above all, bring a good and humble attitude. That, more than anything else, will serve you well.
Click to expand...
“Above all, bring a good and humble attitude. That, more than anything else, will serve you well.”
🥰 🙌 🥰
 
MidCakePa said:
If you show up on I-Day with your ID, paperwork, phone, charger, and a few pairs of compression shorts (and sports bras), you’re literally set. Anything else is a bonus — or a burden. Don’t buy or bring anything for your room until near the end of plebe summer and you know what’s permitted.

This is N*ot College, so no trips with mom and dad to Target or Walmart for crates, caddies and candles before showing up. During parents weekend, there is a pilgrimage to Target for things — but again, only after learning what your company allows. Mine got a Brita pitcher and a steam iron. She now has a Nespresso coffee maker, but that came only after 2/7.

Above all, bring a good and humble attitude. That, more than anything else, will serve you well.
Click to expand...
Everything listed above, plus broken-in running shoes, Those are very important!
 
Paging long-time SAF posters - can anyone find that photo of everything issued on I-Day, the Big Pile O’ Stuff? I think it’s been within the last 3 years, buried in one of the threads that start every year about this time on I-Day Stuff.
 
For the OP, if you search this forum, you'll find lots of ideas. It's a question that frequently arises.
 
Also keep in mind, what's allowed Plebe year does vary by company. For instance, some companies allow mattress toppers, some do not. It's best to wait and see what your company allows and have anything you need shipped or brought to you later.
 
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