Useful tips for Writing Studio Participants

Tips from Author, Writer and Pree Alumnus (2024) Pamela R Haynes FRSA. Here’s a complete list of essentials for staying in student housing at UWI, Mona, in Kingston.

1. Reusable water bottle
2. Travel kettle
3. Teacup/mug. Plate or small bowl
4. A set of cutlery
5. Pantry items (tea, coffee, sugar, milk, snacks)
6. A case of bottled water
7. Bedding (sheets, pillowcases, blanket, and pillow) are provided but if you have a special pillowcase then bring it with you.
8. Mattress protector.
9. Hangers for clothes
10. A travel iron
11.  Towels (are provided) and washcloth
12. Shower slippers (flip-flops)
13. Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc).
14.  Disinfectant wipes or spray
15. Laptop and a universal charger
16.  Extension cord/power strip
17. Notebooks, pens, and sticky notes (You may be given homework)
18. First aid kit (painkillers, band-aids, etc.)
19. Umbrella (Jamaica’s weather can be unpredictable)
20. The classrooms are a good walk from the student accommodation. If you have a physical disability, then a walking stick may be useful
21. Sensible walking shoes
22. Mosquito repellent
23. Fan (our rooms had AC which was essential). A cardigan, I know, but some students found the AC in our classrooms too cold.
24. Download the Uber app and book your trips around Kingston via the app only
25. Security guards are on hand 24 hrs if you need them.  Housekeeping will change the bed linen on selected days during the week and change towels on request.
26. Ask for the WiFi password.
27. Breakfast and lunch are provided. But there are different vendors on site for you to purchase Jamaican snacks, fruits and drinks. KFC is an experience like no other. I strongly recommend the cornmeal porridge from Juici Patties which will set you up for the day.
28. The Calabash Literature Festival is on just before Pree in Treasure Beach on the South coast of the island, so why not arrive a few days early (although it may be impossible to find accommodation near the venue) or extend your stay and visit Devon House, the Bob Marley Museum or August Town. Marie Whittington from One Stop Cutural Tours JA offers bespoke packages for all visitors to Jamaica.