Incoming Students and Families

I'm coming from a warm climate. How hard is it to adjust to Vermont winters?

Everyone adjusts differently, but Vermont winters are cold and snowy. Bring warm layers, a winter coat, gloves, a hat, and weather-appropriate footwear. Students often bring additional winter clothing back to campus after a fall break.

When will I get my class schedule?

Before the semester begins, you will work with a professional academic adviser in the Center for Academic Success and Achievement. Your adviser will help build your schedule and register you for classes. You can view your completed schedule in BannerWeb.

Can I help choose my classes?

Yes. Your academic adviser will talk with you about your academic needs, interests, and preferences before building your schedule.

Does Norwich accept dual-enrollment credit?

Norwich may accept eligible dual-enrollment credit. Your academic adviser can help determine how your completed coursework applies to your degree program.

Can I change or drop a class after the semester starts?

Students may be able to drop a class during the designated withdrawal period. Talk with your academic adviser before making a change, especially if dropping the class would bring you below 12 credits and affect your federal financial aid.

How do I access my Norwich email and online accounts?

You can access Norwich email and other University applications through sso.norwich.edu. Contact the Norwich University Help Desk if you have not registered your account or cannot sign in.

What is the CADETcard?

The CADETcard is the Norwich University student identification card for both cadets and civilian students. You may use it for meals, residence hall and barracks access, library services, and approved campus purchases.

How do I view my student bill?

You can view your account and updated billing information through the University's online billing system. Contact the Bursar's Office with questions about charges, payments, insurance waivers, or account access.

Can I have a car on campus as a first-year student?

First-year students are generally not permitted to keep vehicles on campus unless they receive an approved exception. Any student bringing a vehicle must follow Norwich University registration and parking permit requirements.

Can I send packages to campus before I arrive?

Norwich may accept student packages shortly before the official arrival period. Check the current mailing instructions and delivery dates before sending anything to campus.

How big are the dorm rooms?

Many first-year students live in double or quad rooms. A typical double room is approximately 12 feet by 14 feet, or 168 square feet. A typical quad room is approximately 14 feet by 20 feet, or 280 square feet. Room sizes and layouts vary by building.

What kind of storage comes with my room?

Rooms generally include wall lockers or closets, drawers, shelving, and under-bed storage. You may also bring compact organizers or drawer compartments that fit within the available space and meet residence life requirements.

When will I find out who my roommate is?

Civilian students can view housing assignments in NULiving after completing the housing application and assignment process. Rooks may receive their room and roommate information when they arrive.

Do I need to complete the housing form if I'm joining the Corps?

Yes. Incoming cadets should complete all required housing forms, even though they will live in Corps-designated housing.

Do I need to bring sheets or blankets?

Rooks are issued linens and blankets. Review the current Rook packing list before purchasing or packing bedding.

Should I bring a shower caddy?

Yes. A small, practical shower caddy is helpful for carrying personal items to and from the shared bathroom facilities.

What are the showers like?

Barracks bathrooms include multiple shower stalls. Bring the personal care items listed on the current Rook packing list.

What should I expect from my academic adviser?

Your professional academic adviser will help you understand degree requirements, build your first-semester schedule, register for classes, and answer questions about placement tests, transfer credit, and academic planning.

Can I retake a placement test?

You may have an opportunity to retake a placement test after arriving on campus. Talk with your academic adviser about the test and your academic program.

Do I need to take a language placement test?

Language placement tests are generally intended for students who have previous experience in a language and may be ready to begin above the introductory level. Contact your academic adviser if a placement test appears on your account unexpectedly.

What's the difference between the Corps of Cadets and ROTC?

The Corps of Cadets is Norwich University's military lifestyle and leadership program. ROTC is a separate program that provides branch-specific military education and training. Cadets participate in both programs, but joining the Corps does not necessarily mean that a student has made a military service commitment.

What happens during Rook Week?

Rook Week introduces incoming cadets to Norwich University's military and academic environment. Activities may include uniform issue, drill and ceremonies, physical training, academic programming, and briefings about college and Corps life.

What's Rookdom like after Rook Week?

Once classes begin, Rooks balance academics with Corps and ROTC responsibilities. They wear uniforms, follow Rook standards, participate in training, and settle into a more regular routine throughout the first semester.

What does a typical weekend look like for a Rook?

Saturdays may include training, University events, or football-related Corps activities. Sundays generally include less formal programming and may provide time to attend religious services. Rooks still follow applicable uniform, dining, movement, and conduct requirements during the weekend.

Will I have any free time during the day?

Rooks may use time between classes for studying, physical fitness, required corrections, and other approved activities. Their schedules and freedom of movement are more structured than those of civilian students, especially during the early part of Rookdom.

When can Rooks use their phones?

Phone access is limited during Rook training. The orientation session indicated that Rooks receive a brief phone period on Sunday evenings. Review current Corps guidance before arrival because schedules and policies may change.

Can I join the Corps after starting as a civilian student?

Yes. Civilian students may apply to enter the Corps after beginning at Norwich. Students making that transition generally complete the Rook experience and may be housed with the incoming Rook class rather than with students in their original class year.

Do I need experience to join the Drill Team?

No. Many students join without previous drill experience. Cadet leaders provide training and help new members develop the necessary skills.

Should I get my hair cut before I arrive?

Incoming male Rooks may have their hair cut before arrival, but they should not shave their heads bald. Haircuts are also typically included during the opening days of Rook training. Follow the current appearance standards provided by the Corps of Cadets.

What are the appearance standards for cadets?

The Corps generally models many of its appearance standards on U.S. Army regulations. ROTC branches may have additional requirements for hair, cosmetics, jewelry, tattoos, and personal appearance. Confirm current standards with the Corps of Cadets and your ROTC detachment.

Do all Corps students participate in ROTC?

Corps students enroll in ROTC courses for the branch they select. Students who have not completed their ROTC selection should work with Admissions or the appropriate University office before arriving on campus.

Do all ROTC students arrive on the same day?

No. Arrival requirements may vary by ROTC branch, scholarship status, athletics participation, or pre-orientation training. Follow the official instructions provided by Norwich University and your ROTC detachment for the current academic year.

If I've already served in the military, do I wear my rank during Rook Week?

No. During Rook training, students participate as Norwich Rooks and do not wear outside military rank on the Norwich uniform. Students leaving campus for official military duty should follow the uniform requirements of their service or unit.

Should Naval ROTC students bring uniforms from previous training?

Keep and bring uniforms issued through official Naval ROTC training unless the Norwich Naval ROTC department provides different instructions.

How do varsity athletics and the Corps work together?

Rooks who participate in fall varsity athletics balance team responsibilities with required Corps training and events. Coaches and Corps staff coordinate schedules, and a Corps athletics liaison may help students manage competing obligations.

Will I attend practices during Rook Week if I'm a varsity athlete?

Fall varsity student-athletes may participate in both team activities and required Corps events. Follow instructions from your coach and Corps leadership regarding practices, meetings, and mandatory training.

What clothes should athlete-cadets bring?

Bring the clothing and equipment required for your sport. Students who may travel with a team should also bring any required business attire. During Corps activities, Rooks must wear the prescribed Norwich uniform or arrival attire.

What medications can I bring?

You may bring prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Prescription medications should be documented on your required medical forms, and you should follow all instructions provided by Health Services.

Can I bring vitamins, supplements, or a first-aid kit?

You may bring legal vitamins and supplements, along with a small first-aid kit. Review current University and Corps requirements before packing any medication or supplement.

How do I refill a prescription while I'm at Norwich?

You can arrange prescription services through a local pharmacy. Health Services may also help you coordinate your medical needs while you are attending Norwich.

What if I have trouble submitting my medical forms?

Contact Health Services if you cannot upload a form because of its file size or another technical problem. Submit documents containing medical information only through a method approved by the University.

How does Norwich support students with medical or accessibility needs?

Contact the appropriate University office before arrival if you have medical, mental health, accessibility, or accommodation needs. Reaching out early gives staff time to review your documentation, discuss available support, and explain the next steps.

What should I know before moving to Vermont?

Prepare for changing weather, including cold temperatures and snow. Bring clothing you can layer, sturdy footwear, rain gear, and winter items. It is also helpful to review the packing list and campus resources before you arrive.

Do commuter students attend Orientation?

Yes. Commuter students participate in new student Orientation and should attend the programming designated for civilian and commuter students.

Can parents and family members attend Orientation events?

Family members and guests are generally welcome at public events such as the Welcome Ceremony and New Student Oath Ceremony. Access to students during Corps training may be restricted, so review the current Orientation schedule and event guidance before making plans.