IT’S NOT FOR EVERYONE

If you crave challenge and are seeking a place that strengthens your character, tests your limits, and prepares you to stand out: This Is Norwich. 

Corps of Cadets or Civilian Lifestyle

Whether you join the Corps of Cadets or choose the civilian lifestyle, you’ll gain confidence, discipline, and leadership experience that sets you apart in any career field.

From that first time you step outside your comfort zone, you’ll discover what you're capable of.

A Different View of The Hill: Sam Eckholm Tells the Norwich Story

 

Renowned Social Media Creator Offer's His View On Norwich

“I walked away from every conversation I had with Norwich students thinking to myself how our country is in great hands. Anyone who can make it through four years here, balancing everything Norwich throws at you, is already a rockstar...”

Watch Sam's Full-Length Video at The Reveille

 


Sam Eckholm is an internationally recognized content creator and storyteller and founder of SE Media, reaching more than 2.5 million followers and 500 million views worldwide. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and a veteran, he was recently named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for Social Media. He has partnered with the Pentagon, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Secret Service, the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy, NATO allies, and leading defense contractors.

 

We're for those that seek more than a degree. 

You want to explore ideas and experience education through action. That kind of learning takes initiative, and Norwich is built for it. Here, you’ll take on real projects early, working alongside faculty who bring deep expertise and care about helping you succeed. You’ll learn to think through problems and follow through on solutions, whether you’re designing a structure, writing code, or preparing for clinicals. 

Across every academic program, Norwich gives you space to build confidence through experience and discover what you’re capable of.

Architecture students working on project plans

Classroom lessons are just the start

Geology and Engineering Students working on an outdoor project

through hands-on projects and teamwork

We're in it together.

At Norwich, cadets and civilian students share more than a campus — they share challenges, ideas, and experiences that set us apart. Side by side, you’ll learn from different perspectives, support each other, and build bonds that last.

 

You’ll find your place quickly, surrounded by people ready to share your drive. From student clubs to campus events, there are countless ways to get involved, push yourself, and make college more than just earning a degree.

From the day you arrive, Norwich feels different. This is a place where you’re supported, pushed, and encouraged to grow. Students from every background come here with big goals — and help each other chase them.

 

Between the clubs, specialty units, athletic teams, and campus events, there's no shortage of ways to get involved. Find your people. Build your community. By getting involved, you'll be making strong connections and growing together.

“I Will Try!” is more than our motto, it's a mindset. It's a belief forged over 200+ years that trying is an act of bravery; learning comes from struggling; and succeeding is going beyond what you thought possible.

 

At Norwich, you're part of a community that pulls and inspires you to discover just how far you can go.

We're for those ready to compete for more than wins.

Choosing Norwich means joining a team that’s about more than the scoreboard. You show up to games and practices with purpose. You support your teammates and stay focused through pressure and setbacks. When you fall, you get back up. Again and again. Whether you’re in varsity, club, or intramural sports, you’ll build strength that goes beyond physical ability.
 

This is where discipline becomes habit. Where effort turns into impact. Norwich Athletics will shape the way you lead, listen, and compete.

Corps and civilian student standing side by side.

You come as you are

Women's lacrosse players passing the ball on Sabine Field.

and rise to every challenge, together

A corps and civilian student in graduation garb embracing with diploma in hand.

in a community that feels like family.

Ignite Your Inner Leader at Leadership Challenge Weekend

Experience a weekend of self-discovery, personal growth, and camaraderie. Through hands-on challenges, leadership classes, and the cadet experience, you’ll build confidence, resilience, and lasting friendships. Whether you're preparing for college on a military or civilian path, this program will push you beyond your limits and show you what you're capable of.

Register for a Leadership Challenge
Image of LCW participants in a group

Explore Norwich - Spring Open House

Visit the Birthplace of ROTC, where we accept challenges and turn them into achievements. Join us in March to discover why Norwich takes you beyond your expectations and brings out your greatest potential.

While you're with us on campus, you'll have many opportunities to discover all the benefits, challenges, and transformative experiences Norwich offers.

Register for Open House
Norwich Regimental Band

We're for those that seek leadership shaped by service.

You don’t become a leader by seeking a title, but by learning to follow first. When you join the Corps of Cadets, you begin a journey that builds confidence through accountability and purpose through discipline. It starts with the Rook experience.You learn to follow before you lead, to listen before you speak, and to grow through every challenge you face. Whether you join the Corps of Cadets or choose the civilian lifestyle, you’ll face real expectations — and real rewards. You’ll gain confidence, discipline, and leadership experience that sets you apart in any career field.

 

This model of leadership has been at the heart of Norwich since our founding by Captain Alden Partridge in 1819. It’s built to shape citizen soldiers, graduates who understand that real leadership is rooted in service to others and a commitment to something greater than themselves.

Rooks in the barracks being instructed by cadre.

Where your confidence to lead begins by learning to follow

Rooks on the UP doing push ups with cadre encouragement.

and discovering new challenges

Sophia Righthouse on UP leading others in formation.

transforms you into the leader you were always meant to be.