August 22, 2024

Issue 4

Stay up-to-date with all the latest happenings in residence and on campus.

Building Community Together 

Living in a residence is a new experience for many students – it presents a lot of exciting opportunities, but it can also come with some unique challenges. To ensure your home away from home is safe, inclusive, and supportive, we ask all students to work with their new community and Don to build a community agreement.  

The Community Agreement is an agreement you will write together outlining the type of community you want to live in. You have already committed to the Residence Contract, This is a chance to develop your own agreement to reflect the specific values and behaviours you want to see in your community. 

Take some time before arriving to think about the values that are important to you and what you hope to get out of living in residence. On September 4, your Don will host your second community meeting, where you will meet with your neighbours and roommates to discuss and establish your Community Agreement. 

If you are living in a room with roommates or sharing a washroom with another student in a single plus room, you will also be expected to complete a roommate/canmate agreement.

Before you get your keys

Prior to your arrival, please ensure that you submit your photo for your student ID card and sign the residence contract. Failure to complete these steps will result in the inability to receive your keys or proceed with the check-in process.

Zone Cards & Move-In Map

You will receive an email with a zone card for your residence building. You will need to print the zone card in colour prior to your arrival. Zone cards provide your directions to get to your residence building unloading zone, and the route to your designated parking lot. After you unload, you can park for up to 3 hours in your designated parking lot for free. Please set your zone card on the dash of your vehicle. Let your family members know they should plan to depart as soon as they can to make room for students and their families arriving after you.

Don't use google maps, Waze, or other apps for your directions on Move-In day. Many roads have been closed or turned into one-way streets to ease congestion. By following your zone card directions, you will save time and help to ensure an effective process.

Download our Move-In Map for a preview of all the routes. if you are moving in on Friday, keep a close eye on your Queen's email for specific early-move-in instructions.

Room Inspection Module 

Completing the room inspection module is a critical first step when you move into residence. This assessment process allows you to validate the current condition of your room and helps you avoid unnecessary charges at the end of the year for damage that were not incurred by you. Rooms are inspected and repaired throughout the summer months, however, sometimes things can get missed. 

Perform a visual inspection to confirm the current condition of your room to avoid being held responsible for any preexisting damage. Some examples of things to look for are wall or floor repair, missing furniture or other damaged items. This inspection should take you about 5 minutes to complete and log.   

For a tutorial about completing your Room Inspection, you can refer to the Room Inspection video.  

This module will be available on the Student Residence and Dining Portal once you have checked in residence.

Pack mindfully without cardboard

This year, as you prepare to move into residence, we encourage you to go green and leave the cardboard packaging behind! Opt for reusable bags, plastic totes, laundry baskets, or suitcases/backpacks instead. These eco-friendly alternatives can be easily packed up and taken back home with your parents or supporters.

What to Bring

• A personal computer

• Bedding (check your buildings page for bed sizes), and consider ordering from Campus Linens ahead of time.

• Pillow

• Ethernet cable

• Wireless router (optional)* — More information on Residence IT Services.

• Small fridge* (3.5 cubic feet or smaller) Some rooms already have fridges included. Check the buildings page for information.

• Reusable water bottle

• Reusable coffee thermos or mug

• Reusable mask

• Reusable shopping bags

• Earplugs

• Bathrobe and container for soap, shampoo, etc.

• Shower flip flops

• Laundry basket or bag

• Desk lamp

• Hangers

• Memory foam

• Alarm clock

• Storage boxes for your room

• Favourite books and decorations

• Sticky-tack adhesive for decorations

• Dishware and eating utensils

• Small first aid kit, thermometer, hand sanitizer, flashlight and batteries

• Winter clothing

• Semi-formal wear

What to Leave at Home

• Beer bottles and drinking games 

• Alcohol and illegal drugs 

• Hotplates, toaster ovens, microwaves, rice cookers, or small cooking appliances 

• Candles, fireworks, or firecrackers 

• Halogen lamps or sunlamps 

• Large stereos 

• Furniture – rooms come furnished, and you are not permitted to remove any furniture from your room 

• Weapons of any type or size (martial arts weapons must be stored outside of residence) 

• Pets – with the exception of approved service animals, or if you're living in a pet-friendly unique community

• Single-use plastic water bottles 

Please note Queen’s is a 

• Smoke and vape free campus

• Bottled water free campus 

Webinar Replays are now available!

If you missed the Move-In Webinar or the Jean Royce Hall Webinar, replays are now available!

Moving in on August 30? Volunteer to help on August 31!

If you are interested in volunteering to help with move-in, we would love to have you join our team. You can sign up here and if you complete your shift, we will waive your room and board fee for August 30. Please indicate that you are an incoming first-year student on the form. This is a great way to meet new people, have fun, and give back to the community!

Dietary Needs? Meet with Theresa, Our Registered Dietitian!

If you have a food allergy or other dietary needs, be sure to book an appointment with Theresa, our Registered Dietitian to discuss food options on the meal plan to meet your dietary needs and how to make safe and informed dining choices.

Theresa will be available on Move-In Day, August 31, to discuss your dietary needs with you. Don't miss this opportunity to ensure a smooth start to your dining experience!

Orientation Week Details

​​​​​​Fall Orientation for undergraduate students is made up of University Orientation programming and Faculty Orientation programming. Both aspects of Fall Orientation are designed to support your transition to University and get you prepared for the school year ahead!

University District Safety Initiative

The University District Safety Initiative (UDSI) aims to decrease disruptive behaviours and strain on emergency services that have historically arisen when large street parties take place during move-in and orientation. The City of Kingston has a protocol to address safety concerns regarding conduct in the residential areas near the University, and will enact the University District Safety Initiative from August 29 at 11:59 pm to September 9 at 11:59 p.m.