Queen's UniversityAt Queen's, you are never alone. Our welcoming living and learning environment offers the programs and services you need to be successful, both academically and personally. We provide support to make sure you can be as successful as possible!
This page is meant to provide a general overview of the many resources available to you during your time before, at the beginning, middle and end of your degree. We encourage all students, undergraduate and graduate, to explore each section!
Need support, but not sure who to contact? Email studentaffairs@queensu.ca to get started.
Table of Contents
Orientation & Transitions
- Here are some things you need to do and information to know as you prepare for your graduate studies
- Start your graduate journey with our grad orientation program for a smooth transition into the new academic year
Food Access Resources
Learn more about different programs on campus.
This section provides a list of free or inexpensive food access resources for students both on campus, and in the Kingston community.
Visit the links below for up-to-date information on where to get food, learn about food, purchase food with discounts, and much more!
If you are consistently finding it difficult to afford food, financial aid options can be explored with the Office of the University Registrar (OUR) - Financial Aid and Awards Office.
AMS Food Bank
Weekly access to fruits, vegetables, grain products, and proteins for students in need. Open to undergraduate, graduate and professional Queen's students.
Swipe it Forward Queen’s
Run by Hospitality Services and Student Affairs.
During the academic year, if you don’t have enough money for food, you may access up to 25 meals per semester on campus by being referred to the program. To get referred, you need to connect with a program partner.
If you currently have a meal plan, you have the option of donating one meal per day, up to five per semester, from the current week’s meals (past unused, or future weeks meals cannot be donated). Just let the cashier at the dining hall or retail outlet know that you want to “swipe it forward”!
More information is available on the Swipe It Forward Queen’s webpage.
PEACH Market
PEACH, the Providing Equal Access, Changing Hunger Market is a food-forward initiative operating on a sliding scale. Patrons can select the amount they pay for their food from a list of suggested prices. This operating model strives to uphold people’s dignity and autonomy by providing access to high-quality and nutritious food at a low cost.
With a fresh menu updated daily, PEACH Market welcomes you to stop by to grab a snack or a meal to fuel your day. We are excited to serve and support you during fall and winter terms.
You can find PEACH Market in the School of Medicine Building, Arch St. entrance.
Whole Bowls
Available for purchase year-round in the Mackintosh-Corry Hall MC2 cafeteria, and at the Stauffer Library Cafe and Goodes Cafe during the academic year. Anyone (students, staff, and faculty) can find a complete and warm meal option in MC2 (near the soups). Whole Bowls are made and delivered fresh daily. Check hours of operation for MC2.
Fresh Food Boxes and Mason Jar Meals - check websites for dates and times
Peer Health Educator volunteers put together $5 Fresh Food Boxes and FREE Mason Jar Meal kits for students to purchase and pick up throughout the year. Registration is required.
Good Times Diner
A local student-run service that provides a wide variety of freshly prepared meals to any individuals in the Queen’s community. Open through the fall and winter terms at Chalmers United Church (212 Barrie St, Kingston, ON K7L 2L8).
If you would like to volunteer, applications open in September. For more info, follow on Instagram @queensgtd or like on Facebook at ASUS Good Times Diner. Please email queensgoodtimes@asus.queensu.ca with any questions.
Good Food Box
Accessed through the AMS Food Bank. This program provides students with monthly access to fresh produce. Community partners provide 20 boxes free of charge to Queen's students; further boxes may be purchased through their discounted pricing program. See the AMS Food Bank website for registration and ordering details.
BeWell Blog
Recipes, articles, and more!
Healthy Cooking Sessions – check website for dates and times
Join Peer Health Educator volunteers for a $10 interactive cooking session to learn how to prepare a healthy and budget-friendly 3-course meal, while connecting with other students.
Queen’s Soul Food
Student run organization which delivers the unconsumed food from Queen’s University campus cafeterias to local Kingston shelters every night. The organization was founded in 2007 and has now expanded to bring the unused food from both Leonard Hall and Ban Righ Hall cafeterias to four local shelters as well as the Kingston Street Truck Mission in the winter.
Food that is not collected by Soul Food is also shared with Loving Spoonful Kingston to support their food reclamation program. These food items are distributed to a variety of agencies within the community, providing quality and fresh meals for those who are in need.
Partners in Mission Food Bank
Food hampers with several days worth of groceries; baby supplies and pet food may also be available
No referrals are necessary – clients are required to come in or call to arrange a time for an intake interview.
Martha’s Table
A caring place where people in need can have a nutritious meal and find the social support of a community of friends and volunteers.
Student discounts are available with the presentation of a valid Queen’s University student card at many grocery stores in Kingston:
- Metro, 310 Barrie St - 10% discounts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
- Loblaws, 1100 Princess Street - 10% back in PC Optimum points every day with a valid PC Optimum card
- Food Basics, 33 Barrack St. - 10% discount on Tuesdays
- Bulk Barn, 145 Princess St., 1201 Division St., and 830 Norwest Rd. - 10% discount on Wednesdays
Healthy Eating on a Budget - Tips by Canada’s Food Guide - Healthy eating doesn’t have to cost more. You can choose many different healthy foods when eating on a budget.
Good and Cheap PDF Recipe Book (PDF, 7.7 MB) – by Leanne Brown - Kitchen skill, not budget, is the key to great food. This cookbook is a celebration of the many delicious meals available to those on even the most strict of budgets.
Food Insecurity and Mental Health - A third to one half of students being classified as food insecure globally. This info sheet outlines some of the impacts of food insecurity on mental health, as well as some examples of food security programs that have been developed on campuses across the country.
Housing & Food
Residence:
Learn more about Queen's residence.
Off-Campus Housing:
- Queen’s Community Housing - University-owned off-campus student rental property management
- Local landlord listing service for available student rental units
- Off-Campus Living Advisor: guidance and advice about finding housing, leases, insurance, moving in, moving out and neighbour issues
- Subscribe to our monthly Living in Kingston newsletter
- Map of Queen's Campus and Map of Kingston
- Enjoy a nature trail: Cataraqui Trail, Lemoine Point Conservation Area, and K&P Trail
- Downtown Kingston
- City of Kingston: information for residents including garbage, recycling, parking and property-related services and rules
- City's Event Calendar
- City of Kingston Newsletter
- Dining halls and retail food outlet hours
- Meal Plans for students in residence and students living off-campus
- Supports and services for students with severe allergies
- Special diet information and support
- Check out The Scoop nutrition blog to learn about a variety of topics such as how to navigate nutrition on campus and build a healthy relationship with food
- Follow @queensfood on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with what’s cooking on campus!
Financial Aid and Finances
Office of the University Registrar (OUR)
The OUR provides all information on fees, awards, registration, exams, student awards (scholarships, bursaries, government financial aid programs), records, tuition and fees, exams, timetabling, student cards, convocation, transcripts, and academic calendars. The OUR is located in Gordon Hall, 1st floor.
Queen’s offers a range of financial aid, including scholarships, bursaries, loans, and emergency assistance. Visit Financial Aid and Awards to learn what’s available and how to apply.
Academics & Careers
The Guide to Registration and Fees is a comprehensive resource about course selection and registration, enrolment, and tuition/fee payments.
Need course selection advice? Consult with an academic advisor in your Faculty/School.
Faculties offer academic advising to support you in progressing through your degree or program. Learn more about academic advising options through your faculty website.
Academic advising for Arts and Science students
Academic advising for Smith Engineering students
Academic advising for Health Sciences students
Queen's Student Accessibility Services (QSAS) for students with disabilities
Mitchell Hall; main floor.
Academic accommodation planning, documentation requirements, adaptive technology, disability, exam support, peer note taking.
If extenuating circumstances like a health condition, family member death, or traumatic event are impacting your academics, you can apply for academic consideration through your faculty/school.
Student Academic Success Services (SASS)
Stauffer Library, main floor
Professional writing and learning support, general and discipline-specific academic skills workshops and English as a Second Language (ESL) support.
Career Services
Career Services (3rd floor, Gordon Hall) is the central provider of career education and employment services at Queen’s. Career Services supports and empowers informed decision-making about employment, career direction, further education, and co-curricular goals. Learn more about remote job searching, career guidance, professional development opportunities, and more.
Skills Cards
Skills cards are a physical and digital set of 44 cards. They describe a comprehensive list of skills that Queen’s students can develop during their studies here (both in and outside of classes), and that correlate with skills employers seek.
- Book appointments
- Sign-up for events and workshops
- Browse job postings and apply online
Career Prep Modules
The Career Prep Modules are a series of self-directed resources designed to support your career development on your schedule.
Major Maps
Need help finding your way through Queen’s and beyond? Get major-specific advice on academics, extracurriculars, networking, international opportunities and career development all in one place. Queen's Major Maps provide suggestions - you don’t have to follow all the recommendations. Use them to plan ahead, and find your own way at Queen’s!
Grad Maps
Get program-specific advice on academics, research, networking, building experience, and launching your career all in one place.
Exam Supports
Work one-on-one with staff from Student Academic Success Services (SASS) to get help preparing for exams or to produce engaging papers and reports.
- Appointments are free
- You can choose to attend online or in person
- For undergraduate and graduate students
- Visit Instagram for additional ways to connect like workshops and events
Staying Healthy for Exams
- Learn how to manage test and exam anxiety. Get tips from SASS and Student Wellness Services (SWS)
- Read exam tips in CampusWELL, a monthly online magazine about wellbeing
- Find spaces for prayer, meditation, and reflection on the Campus Map
Where to Study on Campus
In addition to the Queen's Library, individual study seats can be found in several student services spaces.
- Queen's University International Centre (QUIC), Mitchell Hall 208
- Four Directions (4D) Indigenous Student Centre, 144 and 146 Barrie St.
- Bookable study spaces for Indigenous students
- The Ban Righ Centre, 32 Bader Lane, for mature, women-identifying students
- Call 613-533-2976 or stop by
- Adaptive Technology Centre (ATC), Stauffer Library
- ATC offers bookable study spaces, services, computers, assistive devices, specialized software, and workshops for students registered with Queen’s Student Accessibility Services (QSAS)
- The Student Experience Office (SEO) Lounge, LaSalle 224
Exam Schedules
- Your exam schedule is posted in SOLUS (only in-person locations are listed)
- Some online exams may be remotely proctored
- Students writing with exam accommodations are emailed details the month before exams start. Check your queensu.ca email, including junk and clutter folders
- Questions? Contact the Exams Office
Exam Protocols
- Your student card is required at all exams. Request a new one from the Registrar's Office if you don't have yours
- Familiarize yourself with exam procedures
- Read the latest info from the Exams Office including what you need to bring on the day of your exam
- Find everything you need to know about exams
- If you need to miss an exam or academic requirement due to illness, or extenuating circumstances, submit a request for academic consideration through your faculty/school
Academic & Tech Resources
Campus Bookstore
A not-for-profit corporation for course materials, textbooks, clothing, frames, grad rings, Queen’s and general merchandise and more! Located at 30 5 Field Company Ln, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6
Libraries
Queen's libraries provides access to hundreds of research databases, journals, magazines and newspapers, articles, books, video, music, images, and other content, along with bookable study spaces.
Student IT Services
The IT Support Centre provides technical support for widely used systems and software such as email, web browsers, antivirus software, etc. Walk-in support is available in Mackintosh-Corry Hall Room B205
Wellness
Student Wellness Services (SWS) offers confidential, integrated health and wellness services to all students. Services include publicly funded physical, sexual, and mental health care, accommodation planning and advocacy for students with disabilities, and peer-led health promotion activities. SWS can be found in Mitchell Hall, main floor
- Counselling Services
- Mental Health Group sessions
- Health Services - Physician and nurse booked appointments and same-day clinics
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Resources
- Health Promotion - Peer health education, Mental Health Training
- After-hours and 24/7 supports
Get your minimum weekly recommended 150 minutes of physical activity! The state-of-the-art Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC), rated A+ in The Globe and Mail’s student satisfaction survey, offers programs for all fitness levels. Intramurals, workouts, pickup sports, or swimming promote healthy living and help manage stress. Full-time students are ARC members and can attend all Gaels regular home season games for free!
- AMS Health and Dental Plan for undergraduate students
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SGPS Health and Dental Plan for graduate students
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Students who do not have valid Canadian provincial/territorial insurance must enrol in UHIP. Learn more about Health Insurance Coverage
Equity, Safety, & Security
Accessibility Services
- Academic accommodations due to a disability, and academic accommodation planning for students with disabilities
- Accessibility services are located in Mitchell Hall, main floor
Human Rights & Equity
- Queen’s Human Rights & Equity Office offers Human Rights Advisory Services, Equity Services, the Accessibility Hub, Sexual Violence Prevention and Response, as well as training and educational modules
- Located at B506 Mackintosh-Corry Hall
Safety & Security
- Queen's safety support services, resources, and the SeQure app
- 24-hour Emergency Report Centre: Call 613-533-6111 24/7 or use a Blue Light Emergency Phone
- Sexual Violence Prevention and Response
- Harassment and discrimination procedures
Connections & Community
Faith and Spiritual Life offers multi-faith, non-judgmental support for religious, spiritual, personal, and financial problems, concerns or crises. Faith and Spiritual Life strives to facilitate a welcoming, peaceful, and safe space. Chaplains also provide support, ceremonial services, interfaith community development and spiritual support to students, faculty, and staff. Find Faith and Spiritual Life in Michell Hall, 2nd floor.
The Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre (4D) is a home away from home for Queen’s Indigenous community. The centre’s programs include: cultural and wellness programs, events and workshops, 1:1 advising, tutoring, personal support and cultural counselling, elder services, traditional teachings and ceremonies, a kitchen, laundry, and study spaces. Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre is located at: 144-146 Barrie Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3J9.
The Allyship & Belonging Student Calendar is a central hub for finding and promoting events and initiatives across campus specifically for equity-deserving students and students wanting to become better allies. Students, staff, and faculty are welcome to submit events via the Allyship & Belonging Student Calendar Event Submission Form.
The Queen's Shift Project has created many student opportunities and initiatives which centre equity-deserving student experiences, provide opportunities for dialogue, and improve campus culture at Queen’s.
The Inclusive Queen's website
Learn about the resources, programs, and new initiatives that are helping us to build a campus that embraces diversity and empowers all members of our community to thrive at Queen’s.
Queen's University International Centre (QUIC)
The centre provides an informal gathering place for the international members of the Queen’s community to network and receive non-academic advice. Supports and programs are offered to students interested in internationalizing their education on campus or through study, work, or travel abroad. Located in Mitchell Hall, 2nd floor.
Find information on study/work permits, visas, health insurance, entry to Canada, and more.
The Ban Righ Centre welcomes women of diverse backgrounds and all ages, especially those returning to university after a time away, and offers community, personal, practical, and financial support. The Ban Righ Centre is located at 32 Bader Ln, Kingston, ON K7L 2S8.
Student Conduct and Care is comprised of the Student Conduct Office, Non-Academic Misconduct Intake Office, and Care Support Services. The team works with campus partners and students to support a thriving and safe Queen's community by responding to and resolving non-academic misconduct, and by providing services to support holistic student success and well-being.
Yellow House Student Centre for Equity & Inclusion is a safe, comfortable, and accountable space for queer, racialized, and marginalized students to create community, to feel empowered, to empower others, to celebrate, and to honour their histories. Yellow House seeks to engage students in initiatives that actively dismantle oppressive, racist, and colonial ideologies and practices.
Visit the Yellow House's website for resources that empower, build, and support students in the Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities on campus by centralizing and highlighting information and spaces pertinent to QTBIPoC students' lives.
Located at 140 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2V8, Canada
Student Government & Extracurriculars
Alma Mater Society (AMS)
Your undergraduate student government. Learn about clubs, the Student Life Centre, the Queen's Journal, Walkhome, job and volunteer opportunities, and more! Located in the the LaSalle Building, 146 Stuart St.
Society of Graduate & Professional Students (SGPS)
Graduate and professional student government, health and dental plan, grants, job and volunteer opportunities, committees, orientation, events, workshops, advisors and more! Located in the second floor of the LaSalle Building, 146 Stuart St.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Information on how to get involved, become a student leader, clubs, events, opportunities for volunteer and paid positions, and more!
Queen's Allyship & Belonging Student Calendar
The Allyship & Belonging Student Calendar is a hub for events and initiatives across campus for equity-deserving students and students wanting to become better allies. (Students should note that some events are open to specific demographics of students only. Use the filter tool to find the right events for you.)
If you wish to submit an event to be included in the Allyship & Belonging Student Calendar, please fill out the Allyship & Belonging Student Calendar Event Submission Form.
Nov
24
Sunday
Solidarity Swim
Nov
25
Monday
FSL: Snack Time
Nov
26
Tuesday