April is a busy month on campus, as students complete end-of-year exams and move, either within the City of Kingston or elsewhere.

Queen’s University has again partnered with the city to provide moving-related resources and information to students.

“Our goal is for the moving process to be as straightforward and stress-free as possible for students and their family members,” says Joan Jones, Queen’s Student Community Relations Coordinator. “This includes working with our city partners to make it easy for students to dispose of reusable items that can also have a positive impact on the community.”

To get an early jump on clearing out unwanted but good quality items, the city is hosting a giveaway day on Saturday, April 22. Residents are invited to put out reusable items for neighbours who might want them. .

Moving boxes are now for sale at the Student Life Centre front desk, Union Street entrance to the John Deutsch University Centre. Check the websitefor details.

The annual Drop and Shop takes place Thursday, April 27 through Sunday, April 30 at MacGillivray-Brown Hall, 218 Barrie St. Please note there is no service on Monday, May 1.

Students can donate gently-used clothing, books, and household items, with the profits from the sales of items going to provide access to sports events to local children. The remaining items are donated to a local thrift store. No furniture can be accepted.

For students looking to dispose of unwanted items including garbage and items that cannot be recycled, the Progressive Waste Solutions transfer station at 1266 McAdoo Lane will have extended hours on Saturday, April 29 from 7 am to 4 pm and Sunday, April 30 from 9 am to 2 pm.

Students moving out are also reminded to contact Utilities Kingston as soon as possible to finalize their account. A minimum of five business days' notice is necessary to ensure utility services are set up or finalized on the date requested. A form is available online to help ensure the process goes smoothly. Remember, the only person authorized to make any changes to the account is the person whose name appears on the bill.

The City of Kingston also provides information online for property owners and what is expected of them during the move out period. The city requires that all yards and municipal property be maintained and clear of garbage, debris, furniture, appliances etc. Enforcement staff will be out during move-out to issue warnings, orders and, where necessary, lay charges.

The city wants to remind property-owners and landlords that fines can now also be imposed for illegal placement of garbage on city property by tenants.

For more information visit the student section on the City of Kingston website.