It depends a lot on your security classification too. If you are in a level 1 (federal system does levels, states do max, medium, or low) prison, with other sho

It depends a lot on your security classification too. If you are in a level 1 (federal system does levels, states do max, medium, or low) prison, with other short-timers and non-violent offenders for the most part, it's not as bad. When you are on a level 4/maximum prison yard, like FCI Beaumont aka "Bloody Beaumont" or San Quentin, then you are surrounded by true predators and need to prepare yourself accordingly.