To say the U.S. Naval Academy is a "unique college experience" is an understatement. In fact, the institution's students pride themselves on describing their experience as "not college."

While at USNA, the midshipmen commit to an extremely regimented military structure as well as many other unique and challenging experiences -- one of which is the entire Brigade of Midshipmen live in Bancroft Hall, the dormitory on campus, for their entire four years.

If you find that hard to believe, imagine some of the midshipmen even live with the same roommate for four years. There are arguably pros and cons to bunking with the same one, two or sometimes three midshipmen for four years, but after interviewing some of the midshipmen, it is easy to see the pros vastly outweigh the cons. Their living situation breeds some pretty hilarious stories and cherished memories.

Midshipmen 1st Class Hannah Vincent and Katie Jan -- both members of the Class of 2017 and 4th Company -- have been roommates for three years and will continue into their fourth year at the Naval Academy. But their friendship can be traced back to a couple years prior to becoming midshipmen. Both Jan and Vincent attended the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Camp at USNA in the summer of 2012, and were assigned to the same room then.

"It was nice to live with someone who I felt I could relate to during STEM camp," said Vincent. "We enjoyed each other's company while in Annapolis and continued to stay in touch here and there after we went home."

Vincent is from Columbus, Ohio, and Jan is from Ridgeley, Virginia. Fast forward to 2013, a few months prior to Induction Day at USNA, and Jan and Vincent found out they were to be placed in the same company.

"I think we have helped each other grow immensely," said Jan. "I have always been more of a serious and independent person. Hannah has helped me grow into a more laid back and collaborative person. We have truly become sisters, and I cannot not imagine how other people get through the academy without the strong support of great roommates."

"Katie has definitely helped me mature and create a stronger sense of self," said Vincent. "She was always there to stand up for me and had my best interest in all situations. And it was always such a blast to come back to our room after a long day of class. We always laugh and have the best time together."

Recent graduates Marine 2nd Lt. Corey Garcia and Ensign Zachary Dannelly, of 29th Company, were among the more than 1,000 midshipmen who were commissioned in May. They were also roommates for all fours years. These two comedic young men met during Induction Day at the Naval Academy and did not take a liking to each other right away.

"I remember during plebe summer the cadre made us name all the plebes first and last names in our squad and when Zach got to me he called me Carlos," said Garcia. "So you could say it took me a little while to warm up to him after that. Aside from his messy tendencies it has been a blast rooming with him. We have become brothers and have pretty much shared every experience at USNA together. We even get our hair cut together."

It is obvious these two have a great time together and have formed a very tight and special bond.

"Corey has been the best roommate; he is loyal and always reliable," said Dannelly. "I can always count on him for a good laugh. He always makes sure to give me a hard time about everything, too. I am also gone a lot so I can always count on Corey to remind me of things I missed and ensure our room is up to par for any upcoming room inspections. We take care of each other and even travel on vacation together. We have a dedicated travel van covered in bumper stickers and the license plate reads 'T-Swift.'"

Although mandating an entire student body to coexist in the same dorm together for four years may may seem odd to civilian college students, these midshipmen remind us of the importance of fostering strong relationships with classmates -- bonds that often last far beyond their years at the academy.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from U.S. Naval Academy, visit www.navy.mil/.