Morning

6:55-7:30 am - Breakfast:  Breakfast is mandatory and is eaten “family style” in the mess hall, with cadets sitting at assigned tables with close friends from their cadet companies.

7:35-11:45 am - Morning Class Time:  Many cadets enjoy occasional breaks in their daily class schedule so that they can enjoy a cup of coffee in the Jefferson Library, grab a snack at Grant Hall, work on assignments, or consult with their professors. Cadets typically have 2 to 3 classes in the morning.

Afternoon

12:05-12:40 pm - Lunch:  Lunch is also mandatory and eaten “family style” in the mess hall.

12:45-1:40 pm - Commandant/Dean Time:  This time is dedicated to larger events for whole courses, whole grades, or all cadets. The focus of the events is either academic or military, depending on the day

1:50-3:50 pm - Afternoon Class Time:  Class periods run either 55 or 75 minutes, depending on the course. Cadets attend class in an assigned uniform, which changes based on the season. . Cadets typically have 1 to 2 classes in the afternoon.

4:10-5:45 pm - Athletics Time:  The phrase "Every cadet an athlete" is taken seriously at West Point. After classes, all West Point cadets participate in some form of athletic activity, be it an intramural, club, or NCAA Division I team. Intramural sports are taken pretty seriously, as companies compete to be the West Point champion in each sport.

Evening

6:30-7:15 pm - Dinner: Dinner at the Mess Hall is optional except on Thursdays. Football season sees Thursday dinners become “spirit dinners,” where cadets show their support for the Army Team. On evening where dinner isn’t mandatory, cadets can use free “grab and go” options or purchase food from any number of local dining establishments.

7:30-11:30 pm - Study /Free Time: Academics at West Point are rigorous, so for Plebes, what West Point calls the freshman class, study is mandatory from 7:30 until 8:30. Plebes and Yearlings, or sophomores, use this time to socialize with classmates while also supporting each other's success. Upperclassmen can go off post during this time.

11:30 pm - Taps:  Taps is the traditional signal for the end of the day on all military posts. At West Point, it is the time cadets must be back in their rooms

Weekends & Free Time

Weekends are more relaxed, and cadets have a lot more freedom than during the weekend.

• Members may own or possess a vehicle during their third year

• Off-campus privileges

• Walking privileges

• Pass privileges - Candidates earn pass privileges throughout the year. Cadets can use their  passes to take advantage of the multitude of activities available throughout region – including those in New York City.

Mess Hall

The Cadet Mess Hall provides three structured meals per day in support of cadet health and wellness. Meals support both cognitive performance for academic excellence, as well as preparation for, and recovery from, exercise and training. Menus are generally structured with 2 different types of animal-based protein, 1-2 types of carbohydrate, 1 vegetable, and 1 dessert. For cadets who prefer plant-based protein sources, a prepared vegetarian option is available upon request and housed under the poop deck. To supplement meals served, cadets are encouraged to utilize a robust salad bar with fresh-cut fruit, greens, raw vegetables, avocado, cheese, animal proteins (diced chicken, hard-boiled egg, flaked tuna), and plant-based proteins (sunflower seeds, chickpeas, beans). Fruit, milk, and yogurt are available in various areas of the mess hall to supplement necessary nutrients.

Additionally, on weekdays during the academic year, there is a grab-and-go facility that opens in between meal periods. Cadets can utilize these products for pre-fuel and re-fuel recovery. Items can include but are not limited to, fresh fruit, yogurt, milk, almond/soy milk, 100% juice, string cheese, granola bars, dried fruit, trail mix, chicken salad packets, tuna packets, crackers, protein bars, hummus, guacamole, cereal, oatmeal, peanut butter, and jelly ingredients, protein recovery drinks, and electrolyte beverages.

There are several other dining options cadets can choose from, especially on weekends or late at night. 

Many of these dining options are on campus and easily accessible.  There are also numerous off-campus dining options in the adjacent town of Highland Falls that cadets walk to or have delivered using popular food delivery apps. 

On-Campus Dining

Off-Campus Dining & Activities