Queen’s University Welcomes 4,800 First-Year Students for Move-In Weekend

Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, welcomed approximately 4,800 first-year students this past weekend as they moved into residence halls ahead of the academic year. The majority of students arrived on August 30, 2023, with classes set to commence on September 2, 2023.

“Move-in is a meaningful chance for the university community to welcome its newest members and help create a positive start for students, their families, and their supporters,” said Corinna Fitzgerald, Interim Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs. The weekend’s activities were designed to ensure a smooth transition to campus life.

As students settled into their new environments, they participated in a variety of orientation events organized by the Queen’s Student Experience Office. The festivities kicked off with “Welcome Home Night” on August 30, featuring crafts, a movie, and sports activities. On the following day, first-year students took part in the Tricolour Parade, which led them down Union Street to Richardson Stadium. There, they were introduced to student leaders, learned the university’s cheer, known as the Oil Thigh, and enjoyed a picnic lunch before continuing with faculty-specific orientation programming.

To accommodate the influx of traffic around the campus, Queen’s Student Affairs collaborated with the City of Kingston and local law enforcement, including the Kingston Police, to implement temporary road closures and parking restrictions. Officers were stationed at critical intersections to ensure that vehicle flow remained smooth during the busy move-in period. Students moving into Victoria Hall or Ban Righ Hall were directed to turn right off University Avenue onto Bader Lane.

In addition to facilitating the move-in process, Kingston Police emphasized the importance of community safety. The University District Safety Initiative (UDSI) was in effect from August 28 to September 7, resulting in an increased police presence in the University District. Officers were authorized to issue Administrative Monetary Penalties for violations of nuisance party, noise, and other municipal by-laws, as stated in an official release from the police department.

This weekend’s activities not only marked the beginning of a new academic year but also fostered a sense of community among incoming students. As they embark on their educational journeys, the supportive infrastructure at Queen’s aims to ensure that students feel welcomed and engaged from their very first moments on campus.