When to arrive for I-Day?

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kingneptunesdaugher2022

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Jan 26, 2018
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Hi, all!

One of USNA 2022 here, looking for advice from the years of experience found on this forum.

I-Day 2018 is Thursday, June 28. I live about 7.5-8 hours drive from Annapolis and we are driving down on Wednesday the 27th. My parents are planning to stay with me Wednesday night and then stay again (by themselves obviously) on Thursday night. I had thought about getting to Annapolis on the afternoon/evening of the 26th and then have a full day there before I-Day. What do you all think of this?

Respectfully,
kingneptunesdaughter2022
 
I’d agree with your thinking. Travel creates stress sometimes and the less you have leading up to i day the better. I flew out to the east coast by myself and I got there early like you’re planning, with a free full day in Annapolis. It’ll be nice to see the town with your parents too.
 
kingneptunesdaugher2022 said:
Hi, all!

One of USNA 2022 here, looking for advice from the years of experience found on this forum.

I-Day 2018 is Thursday, June 28. I live about 7.5-8 hours drive from Annapolis and we are driving down on Wednesday the 27th. My parents are planning to stay with me Wednesday night and then stay again (by themselves obviously) on Thursday night. I had thought about getting to Annapolis on the afternoon/evening of the 26th and then have a full day there before I-Day. What do you all think of this?

Respectfully,
kingneptunesdaughter2022
Click to expand...

You can join the hundreds of other Plebes-To-Be, most with a slightly hunted look in their eyes, strolling DTA (Downtown Annapolis) with family.

Any future mid, sometime next September, will become very familiar with DTA (Downtown Annapolis) on foot, while on town liberty, due to lack of car and dollars. Depending on what P2B wants to do, you can drive the 30 miles or so to Baltimore, visit the National Aquarium or Fort McHenry, or go the other way to DC, hit the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum or many others. Sometimes a distraction takes away the awareness of the unknown waiting to fall on a new plebe’s head after the last hug with family on I Day.

And, it’s time to post:
Annapolis Restaurants/Where To Eat 2016/ I-Day CVW Visit Graduation PPW
https://www.serviceacademyforums.co...t-2016--I-Day-CVW-Visit-Graduation-PPW.47991/
 
Entirely up to you...and your views might change as I day nears. It's easy to be eager and confident 5 months out, but you might be wishing for that last night in your own bed the day before. Annapolis is a great place to hang out, and if you are outgoing, its likely that you will meet future classmates walking the streets the day before. Some people might like that, some people might just want to be alone with their own thoughts. Don't go early just to "get familiar" with Annapolis...there will be plenty of time to do that in the next 4 years.
 
pleber16 and usnavynurse: Thank you--I was hoping that arriving early would minimize some of the stress (and fatigue maybe) from traveling all the day before. Excited to hear that others who have come before me have found that arriving earlier can actually diminish stress.

CaptMJ: I hadn't even thought about making the short drive to DC or Baltimore but sounds a like a nice way to be closer to Annapolis and but also keep somewhat distracted in the hours before I-day. And thank you for the restaurant guide...awesome info!!

Old Navy BGO: That thought kicking around in the back of my mind. I am excited to make plans and get to Annapolis now but I can very well see myself wanting that last night in bed, even if it means upwards of 8-10 hours of car time and less to relax on the day before I-Day. My interest in arriving early isn't driven by my desire to familiarize myself with DTA :)D feeling awesome throwing around the lingo) as much as I want to be as relaxed and rested as possible when reporting on the morning of the 28th. I am just curious if, in your knowledge/experience, spending a full day before would help do to that. But I completely see your point of view and am grateful for your honest opinion.

Thank you to everyone who has replied!! I appreciate your time and your invaluable input. Very thankful to have found a community like this.

Respectfully,
kingneptunesdaughter2022
 
This is an individual choice. With the long car drive an extra day might be nice. Just realize that sleeping in a hotel bed with whomever else is in your family you won’t get much space or even sleep. Depends on the person. Some leading up to the day will sleep well, some won’t. Some will want some alone time and others won’t. You know yourself and family. If you can get a hotel suite (unless your renting a house) can help to get some space and spread out some.
 
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We are flying in from CO on 26 June, and I am already looking forward to our "extra day" for my P2B to show me around Annapolis! (He's been there twice, me never) - I also heard it was smart to have time to set up a bank account, if not already done, and do a few other miscellaneous things that we'll get info on in the Permit to Report packet. Extra time sounds smart to me!
 
Adding in on this as a current plebe, I completely agree with getting there a day early. I found that it relaxed me and allowed me to get my mind right before I-Day. Do something fun and relaxing on your last day of freedom for a while. For example, I got up around 0900 and went on a run around Annapolis. It's a beautiful area, and I personally enjoyed the alone time to myself. I also walked on the Yard and sat along the sea wall for a while. Go out to eat with your parents. If they're like mine, they will just love to spend time with you. Six weeks can seem like forever for them and they'll miss you. If you are traveling alone, possibly meet up with other future plebes and grab some ice cream. Just make sure you have fun.

So yeah, I'd definitely recommend getting there a day early.
 
One of the buildings on the Yard has a 2-story "History of the Navy " display. It was fascinating. If you or your parents like history, your family will love visiting that museum building. (Sorry, I can't remember which building it was, but a map should tell you.) DS and I walked around for 2.5 hours in the museum and still did not see everything on display. There is also the multi-level mid-store on the back side of Bancroft . Cantler's has fabulous meals. If your budget allows, definitely go a day or two early to explore. Did I mention the mid-store ?- a favorite of Class of 2020 moms......
 
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