Queen’s University is well known for a strong sense of community shared among students. Even during COVID-19, the university is finding new ways to bring students together, no matter where they are in the world.

The Student Experience Office (SEO) – a unit in Student Affairs – is helping lead this effort by coordinating many innovative remote activities on several different digital platforms.

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“The heart of Queen’s is academics, but the student experience is also shaped by our lively campus community and when students connect with each other. Our team is working hard to help students remain connected to the Tricolour community even if they’re not able to be together on campus,” says Meg Ferriman, Director, Student Life.

Virtual community and stress relief

During these uncertain times, the SEO has created various opportunities for students to take a break and calm any anxieties they might be feeling. Their virtual pet stress relief sessions over Zoom have been especially popular. During these group calls, students have been on camera with their pets to spread some happiness with their peers. These Zoom sessions have also given them the chance to share their experiences studying from home and to feel linked with the Queen’s community.

Many other remote activities hosted by SEO also focus on fostering a greater sense of connection by promoting some fun and a bit of friendly competition. The Friday afternoon trivia challenges on Instagram Live bring many students together and they will soon have the opportunity to take part in a game on TikTok, where they can make a short video and challenge other people from Queen’s to recreate it.

SEO is currently planning for its summer activities. Keep up to date with their future events by following them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.