Second Year Student
Ahoy there!
My first year was eye-opening and a culture shock. I was exposed to many different events and met new people at the FYE mixers. Through Guild Fest, I learned that UWI offers a plethora of activities, clubs and ways to enjoy campus life.
It has been a roller-coaster of a ride so far and I am enjoying every minute of it.
Third Year Student
My first week was fun because I took part in the FYE activities, which helped me to get dorm essentials and kitchen utensils that I needed to settle down.
It also helped me to get to know the area surrounding the halls of residence and meet friends. I actually met a few of my current friends at FYE events.
And if I could go back, I would make better connections with students in the years above me and take advantage of the knowledge they have to offer.
Third Year Student
Enthusiastic—that’s how I felt during my first week at The UWI. I was more than ready to begin classes, reconnect with friends, and be a part of campus life. But things didn’t go as I had planned. That initial excitement slowly faded, and before long, I felt present but not making a difference, a disconnect from the student experience I had envisioned.
Over time, I learned about the many programs and incentives to foster my holistic development, and my passion was reignited. Just as much as university is about academics, it’s also about personal growth, building meaningful connections, and becoming part of a community.
We just have to take the first step. Ask questions, do the research, or simply show up and get involved. Now, my enthusiasm has more than doubled, and I’m proud to say I’ve truly enjoyed my campus life at The UWI from my first year to now.
Second Year Student
One thing I know now and wish I’d known back in my first year is that things don’t have to be perfect for you to make progress; they just have to be moving toward something. I used to think I had to have everything lined up—my schedule, my goals, even knowing who I would have as friends. That pressure often got me into overthinking things without ever starting or reaching out. But what really matters is that taking those little steps, even when everything is uncertain, really drops you further down that road.
Looking back to my first week of university, I could summarize the whole experience with the word disorienting. It was a whole new experience trying to get adjusted to a new pace of life and information. It has the quality of stepping into a fast-flowing current but not having learned how to swim. But looking back, I realize that being lost at the start does not necessarily mean that you will stay that way; it is all part of the process.
Third Year Student
My first year at UWI was great but sometimes stressful due to the workload.
The UWI FYE program was very helpful, especially the online video sessions about registration and entrance processes and UWI Clicks for navigating the UWI portal and My E-learning. In-person events like FYE mixers and UWI-Life helped me make friends outside my faculty and other events focused on student inclusion and well-being, like the UWI First-Gen Ceremony, provided useful insights and tips. Overall, UWI FYE had a very positive impact on my first year.
Third Year Student
Before entering UWI, I had somewhat of a pessimistic mindset however, the First Year Experience (FYE) was an eye-opener, showing me how hard everyone worked to ensure inclusion. My favorite FYE event was Guild Fest, where the variety of clubs and activities helped me feel part of UWI, balance my academics and develop new talents and skills.
Third Year Student
My first year has quickly become an experience of a lifetime, filled with excitement, thrill and ambition. Before my first day at UWI, I attended several FYE mixers, which were excellent icebreakers that introduced me to campus life. Talking and interacting with current students at the UWI St. Augustine campus left me with lasting impressions of opportunities, talent, excitement and comfort. I even jumped at the chance to dance at one of the mixers and had an amazing time.
Additionally, UWI Clicks was an essential tool for understanding the procedures for course coordination and registration.
Third Year Student
The virtual guide was an essential resource during my first year. The FYE BUZZ helped me grasp expectations and benefit from the insights of past students. For more technical aspects, like navigating the UWI portals, I relied on UWI Clicks, which was all new to me since I’d never used such institutional software before. However, the most enjoyable part was the UWI FYE mixers! Meeting new people from my department and exploring UWI on tours was incredibly fun and memorable. And of course, there’s always more to discover if you just dig a little deeper!
Second Year Student
One thing I know now that I really wish I knew in my first year is that it’s okay to not be okay. I got my acceptance to UWI super last minute and walked in not knowing a single soul. I felt completely lost, like I was thrown into the deep end without a life jacket. It seemed like everyone else had a plan or people to lean on, and I was just… floating.
But what I didn’t realize back then is that UWI actually does have a support system. From orientation to academic advisors, and even some amazing mentors I met along the way, there were people who helped me find a silver lining, who reminded me that I could still ground myself and breathe. If I could go back, I’d tell myself, “Girl, you don’t have to figure it all out at once.”
Fast forward to now, and things look so different. In my newest semester, I’ve met some truly kind-hearted peers who’ve made me feel seen, supported, and less alone. Those connections, along with the guidance UWI offers, made everything feel a whole lot lighter and reminded me that sometimes, the best parts of your journey come after the roughest start.