Ahoy there!<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
It has been a roller-coaster of a ride so far and I am enjoying every minute of it.[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column_inner][et_pb_column_inner type=”1_2″ saved_specialty_column_type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/sta.uwi.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2026\/05\/Chrissel-.jpg” alt=”Chrissel FYE” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#000000″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”]Chrissel Smith
\nThird Year Student<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#a1ccce” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/sta.uwi.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2026\/05\/Jadyn–e1778864777881.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#000000″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”]Jadyn Roberts
\nThird Year Student<\/p>\n
Enthusiastic\u2014that’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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s also about personal growth, building meaningful connections, and becoming part of a community.<\/p>\n
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\u2019m proud to say I\u2019ve truly enjoyed my campus life at The UWI from my first year to now.[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/sta.uwi.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2026\/05\/matthew-3–e1778866982600.jpg” alt=”matthew-” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#000000″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”]Matthew Beekhoo
\nSecond Year Student<\/p>\n
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\u2014my 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.<\/p>\n
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.[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/sta.uwi.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2026\/05\/clifford-1–e1778867559779.jpg” alt=”Clifford FYE” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#000000″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”]Clifford Bailey
\nThird Year Student<\/p>\n
My first year at UWI was great but sometimes stressful due to the workload.<\/p>\n
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.[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/sta.uwi.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2026\/05\/kerylssa-e1778867955749.jpg” alt=”kerylssa FYE” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#000000″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”]Kerlyssa De Verteuil
\nThird Year Student<\/p>\n
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.[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/sta.uwi.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2026\/05\/Jagdipsingh-e1779114511514.jpg” alt=”Jagdipsingh FYE” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#000000″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”]Stephen Jagdipsingh
\nThird Year Student<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Additionally, UWI Clicks was an essential tool for understanding the procedures for course coordination and registration.[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/sta.uwi.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2026\/05\/emily-e1779114322214.jpg” alt=”emily FYE” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#000000″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”]Emily Chattergoon
\nThird Year Student<\/p>\n
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![\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/sta.uwi.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2026\/05\/Chelsea-.jpg” alt=”Chelsea- FYE” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#000000″ module_alignment=”center” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”]Chelsea Mohammed
\nSecond Year Student<\/p>\n
One thing I know now that I really wish I knew in my first year is that it\u2019s 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\u2026 floating.<\/p>\n
But what I didn\u2019t 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\u2019d tell myself, \u201cGirl, you don\u2019t have to figure it all out at once.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fast forward to now, and things look so different. In my newest semester, I\u2019ve met some truly kind-hearted peers who\u2019ve 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.[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Stephan Partap 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"dipi_cpt_category":[],"difl_page_category":[],"class_list":["post-115","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\r\n