Why Queen's?

Campus Life

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Tue, 04/30/2019 - 11:36

One of the questions that we hear most often from prospective students is “Why should I choose Queen’s?” Here are some of the first-year experiences that you can expect at Queen’s University.

Residence

Queen’s boasts 17 unique residence buildings on campus, hosting more than 4,500 students. In fact, 90 per cent of the incoming first-year class comes from outside of Kingston. Living in residence, you will have the opportunity to meet fellow classmates from diverse backgrounds and experiences and develop life-long friendships, all while being 10 minutes away from the majority of your class locations.

Dining

There are three full dining halls on campus (Ban Righ, Leonard, and Jean Royce) as well as 21 retail food locations for students to choose from. Meal plans are included with your residence fees and includes flexible options for use to suit your lifestyle. Dining locations across campus are able to offer a wide selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Athletics and Recreation

In addition to over 30 varsity teams and clubs, Queen’s offers a number of recreational activities for students of all skill levels. The state-of-the-art Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) houses cardio spaces, studios, weights-lifting zones, squash courts, pool, and two gymnasiums. A variety of fitness classes are offered daily as well as casual recreational times for soccer, badminton, and basketball. If you’re looking for a more organized sport experience, you can join one or more of the intramural leagues or clubs that run throughout the year.

Queen’s also boasts the newly renovated Mitchell Hall which officially opened March 31 and adds more fitness space to support all students at Queen’s University.

Health

Queen's Student Wellness Services supports the personal, academic, and social development of students by providing a range of programs and services. These include comprehensive medical care, travel medicine and education, immunization, and referrals for specialized treatment, counselling services, accessibility services, and mental health resources to support your health throughout your entire university experience.

There is a health clinic and a dental clinic located on campus, and Kingston General Hospital is located a few minutes away for emergencies.

Orientation

Queen’s Orientation Week gives first-year students the opportunity to explore their new home away from home in Kingston with fun social activities and information sessions. You’ll be welcomed into the Kingston, Queen’s, and Bachelor of Health Sciences communities and get the chance to bond with your classmates before classes begin. Ranging from a secret concert to the Sidewalk Sale to off-campus excursions, there are exciting and engaging activities planned each day of the week and something for everyone. If you are living in residence, there are orientation events geared towards helping you get to know your floormates beyond your program as well (and if you’re living off-campus, there are First Years Not in Residence orientation activities as well).

Clubs

Queen’s offers practically every club imaginable. With about 300 active clubs, there is one for almost any activity or interest. Clubs are a great way to network, gain valuable experience – and have some fun!

Arts and Entertainment

The variety of arts and entertainment options for students to get involved in or appreciate as a community member make the student experience at Queen's one of a kind. You can catch a show at the beautiful Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts or visit the Agnes Etherington Art Centre which showcases contemporary and historical exhibits. Audition for Queen’s Players, The Barefoot Players, or Queen’s Musical Theatre if acting is your thing.

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Why Queen's?