It also helps to cover the tank up with a dark towel and only leave it open in the front or almost covered all the way. You won't always have to do it, but it can make a difference in making that snake feel "safer sooner". Once it feeds well, you can remove the towel. Although its a good idea to keep the back, sides and perhaps most of the top "blacked out" anyway. The snake might be more willing to chill out "in the open" if its not quite so exposed...

Just make sure your towel doesn't touch any of the heat sources

And yes, a little patience now can mean a easy and successful start to a very long and great time with your snake