The Best of Dining Halls
The first time I stepped into Leonard Dining Hall, I nearly ran back out the door.
These were my first days at Queen’s and the crowded lines, clamouring students, and countless options were more t…
The Journal’s guide to residence living
The first intimidating steps into residence come with dozens of tricks.
Each residence hall has its own culture, complete with the traditions and history that are never covered in the University br…
Mastering the balance of work and play at university
Open schedules, multitudes of extracurriculars and heavy workloads all mean one thing—high school’s over.
This isn’t meant to scare off incoming students though. Ian Garner, academic skills outreac…
The pragmatic advice I wish I received in first year
I have nothing but nostalgia for first year, but there are certain aspects of being a Queen’s student I wish I had known about.
You know, to save time.
It’s okay if you don’t love Orientation Week…
Get to know your frosh leaders
Each faculty has their own unique orientation week designed to break down barriers and make memories between new students.
While activities, schedules and themes vary among the faculties, the leade…
There’s a club for that?
Whether you’re an activist or an astronomer, university is more than lectures and tests.
With over 250 clubs to pick from, you’re not only your major—you’re a stage manager, a juggler or a poker ch…
The art and science of ArtSci frosh week
How do you inspire 2500 teenagers to bond with each other, on a shoestring budget, in four days or less?
You cover them with shaving cream and hope for the best.
Like clockwork, a new batch of stu…
Commerce Frosh Week: from probation to commendation
Following two year’s worth of changes made to their week’s events, training and culture, Commerce’s faculty orientation week has been cleared of their probationary status.
This probation period ca…
Roundtable: Meet Your Frosh Leaders
While everyone’s frosh week is a unique experience to themselves, it never hurts to know beforehand what it might be like.
Every year, nine unique Orientation Weeks are run that welcome new studen…
A Sentimental look back at first year
As an incoming second-year student, reminiscing about my first year in residence isn’t too difficult. I can still vividly remember the sound of my peers’ warnings that our Don was making rounds and…
West Campus isn’t so bad
In the late summer of 2014, after months of anticipation, I was finally preparing to enter my first year at Queen’s. However, when I learned the name of my residence placement, my stomach dropped –…
What can $8.75 get you?
I was so nervous going into first year of university that I read every FAQ, FYI and Q&A I could find to avoid making familiar frosh mistakes. While I had course selection nightmares like everyo…
Fundraising efforts to benefit campus and community
For many students, the Queen’s Shinerama campaign is associated with memories of deafening cheer-offs, bottle drives, car washes and an ongoing commitment to bettering the lives of Canadians living…
Point/Counterpoint: Is the University’s drinking ban during Orientation Week effective?
YES: Alex Green, Contributor
Orientation Week is a time to introduce new students to the university, but inclusion shouldn’t depend on whether or not you’re willing to do a keg-stand.
The residen…
Kingston Hot Spots
Study Spots
Sipps: On top of amazing coffee drinks and food, this cute coffee shop downtown has nice big tables in the back that are perfect for a major study session with your friends.
Cogro: Cog…
Know your Frosh Weeks
Of course you’re excited for your Orientation Week, but how much do you know about the others?
Queen’s runs nine, unique Orientation Weeks that welcome new students each year, frosh or not. Each …
Reaching for the tam
Every September, first-year engineering students enthusiastically attempt to remove a tam from the top of a grease-covered pole in a pit of mud, an annual engineering Orientation Week event known …
Talking Heads: If you could give advice to your first-year self, what would it be?
“Work harder academically. Being an Eng I underestimated how hard it would be. But other than that it was a fucking great experience socially. Sorry, I swear too much.”
Keshav Sharma, Sci ’18
…
Undergraduate certificate programs at Queen’s
If you think you’re limited to only your chosen degree plan at Queen’s, you may want to think again.
Queen’s has a lot to offer, giving students the opportunity to explore and learn outside of thei…
A how-to for the halls
At some point in every university student’s life, they will be faced with the gut-wrenching food of their campus cafeteria.
The cafeterias in Ban Righ and Leonard Hall may at first seem like a fres…
Kingston’s hot spots
There are many hidden and not-so-hidden gems in Kingston — but it can be overwhelming to find them in your first term.
But whether you want to study, grab a bite to eat, or simply relax, there are …
Talking Heads: What did you expect coming to Queen's?
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Commerce on probation
This year, Commerce orientation leaders can expect to be watched more closely after a body of the University Senate put them on probation last September.
On Sept. 25, 2014, a Notice of Probation w…
Frosh Week through the ages
Upper-year students welcoming first-years to campus is one of the oldest traditions at Queen’s. But for nearly as long as the tradition has existed, it’s been accompanied by discussion and debate r…
Student clubs inspire and infuriate
With over 250 student-run clubs, Queen’s has more clubs per capita than any school in North America except Harvard.
Getting involved in a student-run club gives students the opportunity to be part…
Drinking decisions
As incoming first-year students are likely already aware, Queen’s residences are alcohol-free during Frosh Week.
This policy, which came into effect in the fall of 2011, was the product of discuss…
Major decisions, minor worries
Decision-making is tough. That’s a fact of life.
University is no exception. Here, making hard choices seems to be a lifestyle.
With what seems to be the world on your shoulders during plan selecti…
The balancing act
For incoming first-years, the mere prospect of experiencing university can be overwhelming.
Queen’s undergraduates and administrators say it’s important for students to have realistic ideas of what…
Venture outside the bubble
Restaurants
Casa Domenico
One of the best Italian restaurants in Kingston, Casa Domenico is a great romantic date spot. With flavourful appetizers and pasta dishes, this restaurant will leave you w…
Alcohol education a priority
For the fourth consecutive year, alcohol will be banned from residence buildings during Orientation Week.
The alcohol ban, which was enacted following the deaths of two students in 2010, is part of…
