How to Live in a Dorm for Free at the Air Force Academy

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the U.S. Air Force, you may have considered applying to the Air Force Academy, one of the most prestigious and competitive military academies in the country. The Air Force Academy offers a rigorous and rewarding education that prepares you for leadership roles in the Air Force and beyond. However, you may also be wondering how much it costs to attend the Air Force Academy and live in a dorm on campus.

The good news is that living in a dorm at the Air Force Academy is free of charge for cadets. The academy provides on-campus housing and meal plans for all cadets as part of their education, which is valued at more than $416,000. However, living in a dorm at the Air Force Academy also comes with certain responsibilities and expectations that you need to be aware of before applying. Here are some things you need to know about living in a dorm at the Air Force Academy.

Dorm Room Options and Amenities

The Air Force Academy has two dorm buildings for cadets: Vandenberg Hall and Sijan Hall. Vandenberg Hall houses Squadrons 1-23, while Sijan Hall houses Squadrons 24-40. Each squadron consists of about 110 cadets who live, study, and train together. Each cadet has their own room, which is about 9 feet by 12 feet in size. The rooms are furnished with a bed, a desk, a chair, a dresser, a closet, and a bookcase. The rooms also have internet access and cable TV.

The dorm buildings are modern and well-equipped, offering amenities such as fitness centers, lounges, laundry rooms, kitchens, barber shops, beauty salons, day spas, and credit unions. The dorms also have 24/7 security and staff who provide maintenance, cleaning, and support services for cadets.

Meal Plan Options and Dining Facilities

The Air Force Academy provides meal plans for all cadets living in campus housing. The meal plans include breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekdays, and brunch and dinner on weekends. The meals are served at Mitchell Hall, one of the largest and most advanced dining facilities in the world. Mitchell Hall can serve over 4,000 cadets in less than 30 minutes. The meals are nutritious and varied, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.

The academy also has several other dining options for cadets, such as Arnold Hall Food Court, Fairchild Hall Falcon Center, Polaris Perk Coffee Shop, Subway, Domino’s Pizza, and Dunkin’ Donuts. These dining locations are open on nights and weekends, offering snacks and beverages for cadets.

Rules and Regulations for Living in a Dorm

Living in a dorm at the Air Force Academy is not only free of charge but also free of choice. All cadets are required to live in campus housing throughout their four years at the academy. They are also required to follow certain rules and regulations that govern their daily life in the dorms. Some of these rules and regulations include:

• Cadets must attend breakfast and lunch on weekdays during the academic year.
• Cadets must maintain their rooms in a neat and orderly manner at all times.
• Cadets must respect the privacy and property of their fellow cadets.
• Cadets must adhere to the curfew hours set by the academy.
• Cadets must abide by the honor code and core values of the academy.

How to Apply for Living in a Dorm at the Air Force Academy

Living in a dorm at the Air Force Academy is not something you can apply for separately from applying to the academy itself. To live in a dorm at the academy, you need to be accepted as a cadet first. Applying to the academy is a competitive and challenging process that involves meeting academic, physical, medical, and moral standards. You also need to obtain a nomination from an authorized source, such as a member of Congress or the Vice President.

If you are interested in applying to the academy and living in a dorm for free, you can find more information on their website² or watch a virtual tour³. You can also contact their admissions office or visit their campus to learn more about their programs and facilities.

Conclusion

Living in a dorm at the Air Force Academy is a great opportunity for students who want to pursue a career in the U.S. Air Force. Living in a dorm is free of charge for cadets, as well as providing them with housing, meal plans, amenities, services, and support. However, living in a dorm also comes with certain responsibilities and expectations that cadets need to be aware of before applying. Living in a dorm at the Air Force Academy is not only a privilege but also a duty that requires discipline, integrity, and excellence. If you are ready to take on this challenge and join the ranks of the future leaders of the Air Force, you can apply to the academy today.