Morning

• 6:55-7:30 a.m. - Breakfast: Breakfast is mandatory and is eaten “family style” in the mess hall, with cadets sitting at assigned tables with friends from their cadet companies.
• 7:35-11:45 a.m. - Morning Class Time: Many cadets enjoy occasional breaks in their daily class schedule so they can enjoy a coffee in the Jefferson Library, grab a snack at Grant Hall, work on assignments, or consult with their professors. Cadets typically have two to three classes in the morning.

Afternoon

• 12:05-12:40 p.m. - Lunch: Lunch is also mandatory and eaten “family style” in the mess hall.
• 12:45-1:40 p.m. - Commandant/Dean Time: This time is dedicated to larger events for whole courses, whole grades, or all cadets. The focus is either academic or military, depending on the day.
• 1:50-3:50 p.m. - Afternoon Class Time: Class periods run either 55 or 75 minutes, depending on the course. Cadets attend class in an assigned uniform, which changes seasonally. Cadets typically have one to two classes in the afternoon.
• 4:10-5:45 p.m. - Athletics Time:  The phrase "Every cadet an athlete" is taken seriously at West Point. After classes, all 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 cadet companies compete to be the West Point champion in each sport.

Evening

• 6:30-7:15 p.m. - 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 evenings when dinner isn’t mandatory, cadets can use free “grab and go” options or purchase food from local dining establishments.
• 7:30-11:30 p.m. - Study /Free Time: Academics at West Point are rigorous, so for plebes, what West Point calls the freshman class, study is mandatory from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Plebes and yearlings, or sophomores, use the remaining time to socialize with classmates while also supporting each other's success. Upperclassmen can go off post during this time.
• 11:30 p.m. - Taps: Taps is the traditional signal for the end of the day on all military posts. At West Point, it is the time when cadets must be back in their rooms.

Weekends and Free Time

Weekends are more relaxed, and cadets have a more freedom and leisure time than during the week, including:

• Owning or possessing a vehicle during their third year

• Off-campus privileges

• Walking privileges

• Pass privileges - Candidates earn pass privileges throughout the year. Passes can be used to enjoy a multitude of activities 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 two types of animal-based protein, one to two types of carbohydrate, a vegetable, and a dessert. For cadets who prefer plant-based protein sources, a vegetarian option is available upon request. To supplement meals, cadets are encouraged to visit 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.

Additionally, on weekdays during the academic year, there is a grab-and-go facility open between meal periods. Cadets can enjoy these products to pre-fuel and refuel recovery. Items 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, jelly, protein recovery drinks, and electrolyte beverages.

There are several other dining options that 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 nearby Highland Falls that cadets can visit or use apps to have food delivered.