First-Year Essential Resources and Tips

Academic success begins early and compounds across the first year. Visit the Center for Academic Excellence for tutoring in core subjects, writing support, workshops, and time-management coaching. Departmental help sessions and professor office hours are reliable places to review concepts and plan for assessments. Use these resources before you fall behind — proactive effort in the first year pays dividends. 

Your well-being fuels performance. The VMI Infirmary and counseling services provide confidential care for physical and mental health, with short-term therapy and referrals when needed. Wellness programming emphasizes stress management, sleep, nutrition, and injury prevention. If stress rises, reach out promptly — honest action keeps you mission ready in the first year and beyond. 

Balance the high tempo with purposeful engagement. Join a cadet club or organization, play intramural or club sports, and connect through ROTC activities. Participation strengthens peer networks, builds leadership, and supports healthy recovery during the first year. Keep contact information for advisers, tutors, health services, ROTC cadre, chaplaincy, athletics, and career development. Schedule recurring check-ins so support is a habit, not a last resort. 

Plan your week with intention: map formations, classes, PT, study blocks, meals, and sleep. Build strong relationships with professors and advisers, seek mentorship from upper-class cadets, and support your brother rats. Act early when challenges arise, celebrate small wins, and adjust weekly. Consistency, humility, and help-seeking are the hallmarks of success in the first year at VMI.

No one goes it alone at VMI. Lean on your Brother Rats, seek guidance and support from faculty and staff, and connect with the strong alumni community. Success is within reach for those willing to commit to No Ordinary College.

Reflecting on the Benefits of VMI: Sadie Smith '26: