Encourage friends and family to write, but explain to them that they probably won t receive a response because the plebes are so busy. Send pictures of friends, pets, the house, local community events - anything that keeps them in touch with home. Order a subscription to the local newspaper delivered by mail to your mid. Anything that keeps them up to date is greatly appreciated. It also serves as an icebreaker and makes it easier to learn about each other and to make friends more easily.
Mail is very important as a morale booster.
One plebe told of being encouraged to see a letter from home sitting on his desk even though he didn t have a minute to tear it open and read it for two days. During the summer, send packages through the Postal Service.