Its HERE ONCE AGAIN...... ORIENTATION..... The time when all the newbies coming to the campus and in particular living on the halls of residence flock the campus of the UWI lost, and completely out of their element. I will attempt to give you all my knowledge on exactly what you need to know about campus.... and all the legal information about Hall Orientation..... I hope this will help save lives....
Firstly Orientation will be divided in 2 components.... Hall and Campus.... so i will discuss what u need to know for each... Please take notes if you are a foreigner coming to Jamaica for the first time..... SO HERE GOES
CAMPUS ORIENTATION
Despite what many may say Campus orientation is important... ensure that you carry a decent note book with you to the sessions.... one of the easiest way to make your way around campus is to just ASK QUESTIONS ...... But the programme normally provides guided tours of the campus and faculties..... Take a couple tours you'll be ahead of the rest of the school come Monday morning!!!! lol right like that's important.... well not for Soc Sci but when you have some real pack class over pure and applied you don't want to be caught standing....
That brings us to the next point..... THIS IS VERY VERY VERY IMPORTANT.... LISTEN CAREFULLY------ I MEAN READ CAREFULLY..... Try to go to sessions that show you how to use the UWI WEBSITE..... For first time users and new students this is essential in you registering for classes, tutorials, retrieving notes, submitting assignments..... YOU HEAR WEH ME SEH.... OK... Enough said....Mastering this system will put you ahead of the game in setting a decent time table.... and registering for good tutorial times... as well as all other official UWI Communications....
OK FOOD.... YES WE CANT LEARN ON HUNGRY BELLY....
Many are of the popular view especially when in high school that KFC DEH PAN CAMPUS... in Standard English, That there is a KFC on campus, so its KFC ALL THE WAY..... LOL I will laugh now, but a lesson before u reach.... Mommy give the likkle money fi last u some time..... KFC is there to take that money away.... A word to the wise.... Juicy Cheaper.... Maintenance, Beehive, Students Union, Seacole and Den....((( For those living on HALL ---- GO AND COOK.....))) offer a cheaper alternative.... Nah promote no food stall!!!! dem too thief. $30 dollar for a $15 oreo.... All drinks is $80 or $90.
OK OK.... I Cant teach u everything... Go read you handbook.....
PS. Try not to schedule classes after 2 on a Thursday..... Its a bad idea if you want to leave UWI Mona with more than just a degree... Its sports and club time.... That reminds me.... Try your best to join couple clubs.... and take up 2 sports..... Discuss the benefits later in another POST...
YES THE REAL MEANING OF ORIENTATION...... HALL ORIENTATION
A little story before I start.... Packed all my crap from my yard in mommy's car Drive to Preston Hall only to see di whole place decorated in purple.... A sad day in the life of the Blue Blood Georgian... U and I know that Georgians never get caught wearing that color for the school across the road... but i grew to be ok with it.... Fire bun K.C. is a UWI Mona purple me wear.... 2 different color...STR8.
So advice number one.... Know the color of your Hall
A.Z. Preston Hall --- Purple and White
Mary Seacole Hall--- Black and White
Chancellor Hall------ Gold and Black
Taylor Hole--------- Blue and Whitewash
Irvine Hall---------Yellow and Green
weh di next one name!!!! oh yeh
Rex Nekkle Fools----Maroon and Gold
This way Prestonites can identify the leaches....LOL OK I'm going to be nice!!!!
The real reason is when your shopping for accessories you can buy colors matching your hall.
Ensure that while you pack the best of everything u have from home... Take one pair of sneakers, T-shirt and shorts that you wont need after orientation.....
People who are not going to reside on hall often time have the option of participating in Hall Orientation.... You paid for it in your fees so go query it with Hall Admin......
Don't carry a T.V. you wont get bored on Hall that easily especially when u make an effort to build the hall life....
Take 2 BAGS OF SMALL Balloons--- They will Make Great Decorations For Your Room...... HAHAHAHAHA
In terms of food... For the duration of orientatian... run it like a hurricane shelter... light food .... syrup and cool aid bread and the little stuff... Between campus and Hall you wont necessarily have time to cook.... Plus u just get'n used to the place.....
Ensure that you take the full spectrum of clothes.... Not everything on hall is a Jeans affair.... Carry a couple suits.... Some real dressy tops.... some party clothes,,,,, work clothes,,,,, costumes....trust me....YOU WILL NEED THEM ALL....
OOOO don't leave your instruments at home!!!! carry them.... But don't be a nuisance.... Drumming at odd Hours is not cool.... JUST ASK WIZZY......
Get a pair of headphones you will need them for the computer lab.....
Come with the things that will make u comfortable.... especially since campus gets very very cold in winter.... Fan u can do without for your first 3 months.... Bring a blanket and when u reach try to get a UWI Sweater they are real nice.....
SECURITY
Now on the issue of security..... Its rather simple...... Number 1: WALK WITH YOUR ID.... this solves 80% of your security encounters on campus and on hall. ID = legitimacy
Number 2: when night comes ask for security escort....
Number 3: For those visiting Jamaica make friends fast... We are your ticket to correct prices...
When you are on hall there is a certain sense of safety and peace.... it is false in some sense.... don't mistake us being able to roam about at 2am and 3am for absolute safety..... protect your self.... lock your rooms when u leave.... and for heavens sake if you are the thief and u reading this.... leave di people dem tingz alone....
In terms of household security.... just come to an understanding with your house mates as to what can and can't be done from day 1.......
COMMON AREAS:
OK CLEAN the Stove when u done..... Don't leave the plates in the sink for extended periods.... and for the love of GOD... try fi keep di place better than u keep you yard.....
COME WITH AN OPEN MIND - Orientation is designed to be a fun experience that you will treasure for the rest of your life....