Student AffairsPart of First-Year Foundation, SOAR (Summer Orientation to Academics and Resources) is an on-campus summer orientation program for incoming first-year students and their parents and supporters, run by the Student Experience Office. SOAR aims to help prepare students for new academic expectations, address questions or concerns about university life, and introduce resources and support services for all incoming students.
During this one-day program in July, you will explore campus, talk to staff and faculty as you learn about support resources, get answers to your questions, and make connections with staff, faculty, and upper-year students and your peers! All incoming first-year students and their parents, families, and supporters are welcome.
Program Dates
SOAR Programming varies depending on your faculty/program, so please plan to attend on one of your faculty's days. SOAR is a one-day program and students should only attend one day.
The Faculty of Arts and Science includes students in Arts, Science, Concurrent Education, Computing, Music, Life Sciences and Biochemistry (direct-entry), and Kinesiology, and students in these programs should plan on attending one of the Arts and Science days.
Program Cost
Registration fees for SOAR are $50 +HST for student tickets and $40 +HST for guest tickets. There is a maximum of 2 guest tickets per student. The fee includes all programming, light morning refreshments, an all-you-care-to-eat lunch, and a parking permit for your program day.
*Please note SOAR student and guest fees for students entering the Smith School of Business Bachelor of Commerce program are covered by their faculty.
Registration
SOAR 2024 has now concluded. Thank you to those that attended! Check back in the winter for next year's dates.
Not able to attend SOAR this year? Not to worry! Check out more First-Year Foundation programs and other resources to assist in your transition to university.
Friday, July 5, 2024:
- Faculty of Arts and Science
Saturday, July 6, 2024:
- Faculty of Arts and Science
Sunday, July 7, 2024:
- Faculty of Arts and Science
Friday, July 12, 2024:
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- School of Nursing
- Stephen J.R. Smith Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
- Smith School of Business Bachelor of Commerce
Saturday, July 13, 2024:
- Stephen J.R. Smith Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
- Smith School of Business Bachelor of Commerce
"Everything was useful and I'm so glad I went to SOAR. I don't think I would feel as confident as I do going into university without SOAR."
Student attendee
SOAR 2022
Our SOAR program is jam-packed with opportunities to learn about university life, academic expectations, and campus resources. We also strive to provide opportunities for you to meet and interact with other incoming students, upper-year students, and other families.
Each SOAR day runs 9:00am-4:00pm with optional programming 4:00pm-5:00pm.
SOAR Schedules
Please note all schedules are subject to change
- Faculty of Arts and Science SOAR 2024 Schedule.pdf
- Faculty of Health Sciences SOAR 2024 Schedule.pdf
- School of Nursing SOAR 2024 Schedule.pdf
- Smith School of Business (Bachelor of Commerce) SOAR 2024 Schedule.pdf
- Stephen J.R. Smith Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science SOAR 2024 Schedule.pdf
Parking
A parking pass is included with your SOAR registration. Parking passes are applicable for any designated Queen's surface parking lot and are not applicable for underground parking or on-street parking. Parking is free on weekends and attendees do not require a parking pass on those days.
SOAR Parking Instructions & Map 2024
What to Bring
SOAR takes place in various buildings across campus. We recommend students and guests bring/wear the following:
- Ticket confirmation
- Water bottle
- Comfortable shoes
- Dress for the weather
Please note that photography and videography will be taking place at SOAR for promotional and archival purposes.
Staying Overnight On-Campus
Experience staying overnight in residence before moving to campus in the fall! Relax in comfortable rooms on main campus, located within walking distance to SOAR, Kingston's waterfront and historical downtown. Hurry, space is limited! Reserve a room on campus here.
Enjoy a peaceful stay in the Queen's charming historical hotel, located in a quiet residential area just minutes away from Downtown Kingston and Queen's University. Prices vary by room. Reserve a room at the DGC here.
*When reserving a room on-campus or at the Donald Gordon Centre, please make a note you are attending SOAR in the additional details section for tracking purposes.
Other Options
If you are looking to stay overnight off-campus, Kingston offers may options. Visit the Kingston Tourism website for more information and to begin your overnight accommodation search.
"SOAR was a positive experience for both myself and my daughter. This is a must-do for any first-year student and first-time university parent."
Parent attendee
SOAR 2023
Yes! We encourage students to bring their parents/supporters. SOAR programming includes sessions specifically designed for parents, families, and supporters.
Due to capacity restrictions, each student may bring a maximum of 2 guests. In some instances, we may be able to accommodate an additional guest ticket. Please email us at student.experience@queensu.ca for more information.
Since SOAR programming is tailored for each faculty, we highly recommend you attend on your specific faculty day when possible.
Our First-Year Foundation program provides many other opportunities for students to start their transition to Queen's, including summer webinars, online self-directed courses, virtual socials, and more!
