Making A Good First Impression

I think this should go without saying but..First Impressions are very important, this will be how the majority of people will perceive you from there on out, unless you show them otherwise, but they'll always remember the first impression, if not by memory, then by the way they feel about you.

So, make sure you're groomed properly and be on your most charismatic behavior!

The impression of you that will last is the impression that stands out the most, if you're withdrawn, you'll blend in and people won't notice you, so when you eventually stand out and they take notice of you, that will be their first impression.

So go with a big smile and open arms! You're finally here! University!

If you're worried about the "hierarchy" of University, don't worry about it, most people will be very nice and helpful to you. They're more concerned with their work than anything else. Even if it doesn't appear so on the surface. More on that in a future blog!

Don't be afraid to help people, travel with people in your major, you're less likely to get lost when you're traveling in groups and if you're lost, you're more likely to find the right place sooner.

Don't worry about walking into class late, the lecturers are usually more concerned with whoever is already there, and they won't pay much attention to people entering the room, just take your seat and be a part of the class.

Remember to make a good impression with your lecturers too, the good thing about lecturers, is that they understand that this is a crazy new experience for you and that you probably WILL slip up, so they'll give you chances, they won't take your first mess up first impression as a representation of who you are. but you should definitely make up for it if you do mess up, if you unintentionally disrespected them, swallow your pride and apologize, find their office and do it there if you don't want to do it in the open, they'll respect you for it.

Speaking of disrespect, they worked very hard for their titles and consider it offensive when you don't call them by their titles, so find out if its Doctor and Professor or anything else when you're addressing them.

Due to UWI's admitted anti-student setup, there is a 90% chance YOU WILL NEED your lecturers help in some way besides teaching.

You'll understand what I mean by anti-student setup as you go through the system, it's against you to be frank, but if you can survive here you can survive anywhere! Go forth and make your first day a blast!