Any advice from those who’ve gone before me?

Hi all! I (19f) am joining the Navy Nuclear program, currently in DEP, and I ship out December 2nd.

I was curious if there’s any advice you all wish you knew or feel I should know before I leave. This can be about the schooling, live on an aircraft carrier, or how to transition to an officer later in my career.

For added context, I graduated high school in 2025 with a 4.2 weighted gpa. I did a year of college, focusing on chem, physics, and calculus. I also had some engineering classes, because I was a Mechanical Engineering major.

I am hoping to go MMN, as I prefer the mechanical side of things over the electrical. I did not sign for a submarine contract, so, as I understand it, I will be on an aircraft carrier. Lastly, I plan to do my 20 years and I hope to become a nuclear officer at some point during that time.

Overall, I’d just like some general advice or guidance on what to expect and how to prepare myself.

Thank you in advance for any and all who share their thoughts.