Campus was alive with the excitement of fresh beginnings over the weekend as first-year students moved into residence and took part in orientation activities. Thanks to careful coordination with city partners, Queen’s welcomed more than 4,650 incoming undergraduates to 17 residences with a smooth and efficient move-in process. Approximately 550 students moved in on Friday, Sept. 1 and approximately 3,950 more arrived Saturday, Sept. 2.

“The point in the year when students return to campus is the most significant milestone of the year. A university would not exist without its students. Move-in weekend is a thrilling time for the campus as the university comes back to life. It takes extensive preparation and hundreds of people on the ground to make sure new students and their families arrive in a welcoming and supportive environment,” says Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Matthew Evans. “I want to thank all the many university staff members and student volunteers who were on hand all weekend helping give our new students a memorable start to their Queen’s experience.”

New measures were in place to help ensure an efficient move-in experience for everyone, including directing half of the arriving students and their families to Richardson Stadium, where they picked up their keys, chatted with staff and other families, and waited until there was space in front of their building for quick unloading.

“Move-in is truly a team effort, and I want to thank everyone involved, including our many community partners, for making the experience as smooth as possible for the newest members of our community,” says Ann Tierney, Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs. “Staff were on campus from early morning into the evening, welcoming students, providing directions, helping to unload vehicles, answering questions, and resolving last-minute registration issues. The move-in atmosphere on campus is always so exciting as the new university year begins. I think it’s something our students and their families look back on fondly throughout their time at Queen’s and beyond.”

The weekend also marked the beginning of fall orientation. On Sunday, all incoming undergraduates paraded to Richardson Stadium for a pep rally and official welcome.

At the event, they heard from Queen’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane.

And they learned the Oil Thigh and how to cheer “Cha Gheill!”

Student orientation leaders also addressed first-year students and prepared them for faculty orientation events, which began after the Richardson welcome.

Orientation events continue until Sept. 10, including the Tricolour Open House at the ARC on Thursday, Sept 7, a variety of faculty events, and the ASUS Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, Sept. 9, which connects students to the Queen’s and Kingston communities with a market on University Avenue featuring booths run by university departments, clubs, and local businesses and non-profits. The proceeds of the sale are donated to Kingston-based charities.

Learn more on the Fall Orientation webpage.