Residence Connection

A newsletter for parents & supporters of students living in Residence at Queen's University.

Black Histories and Futures Month

February is Black Histories and Futures Month, an opportunity for us to reflect on the experiences and acknowledge the accomplishments of our Black community members.

Every Wednesday in February, students are able to enjoy exciting menu features in our dining halls during dinner.

We are encouraging all students to explore the Queen’s and Kingston Community Calendar for events, activities and resources highlighting Black arts, culture, history, research, community, and more.

Jobs in Residence

Applications for casual Residence jobs are open! Your student can apply to join our incredible team for the 2026–2027 academic year as a Residence Admissions Assistant, Move-In Assistant, or Jean Royce Hall Peer Ambassador.

Applications close on March 3, 2026, at 9 am ET.

Arts and Science Majors Night

March 12, 2026

3:30–7 pm in Grant Hall

Choosing a program is one of the many important decisions students make in university – but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Majors Night is an annual event for students in the Faculty of Arts and Science to compare different programs, ask questions, and explore what fits their interests and future goals.

Students can:

• Meet students in every Department Student Council (DSC) to ask questions about their experiences
• Connect with advisors from Academic Advising, Career Services, and Peer Academic Support Service (PASS)

Learn More

Tips for managing Virus Season

Various respiratory and gastro-related ailments are circulating in Kingston (and elsewhere!) at this time of year. We are reminding students how to manage their symptoms, when to seek help and how to help prevent the spread of GI illnesses, as well as coughs, colds, flu, and COVID-19. We encourage them to avoid going out while sick and take extra precautions for 10 days.

Encourage them to call their doctor or Student Wellness Services if they:

• Have other health issues (e.g., asthma, diabetes) that worsen when sick.
• Experience severe fatigue, dehydration, or fever lasting more than 5 days.
• Have worsening symptoms after starting to recover.

In emergencies (e.g., severe shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion), they should call 9-1-1 or go to the KHSC emergency department.

Academic and well-being resources during midterms

It is important for your student to maintain healthy study habits throughout the term, and especially during periods of heightened stress like midterms. Encouraging them to use the resources provided by Student Academic Success Services (SASS) can help enhance their academic performance and overall well-being.

Your student can level up their study skills by checking out an upcoming workshop or booking a one-on-one appointment with a SASS staff member or upper-year peer volunteer.

Students should also ensure they are eating healthy meals, getting 7–9 hours of sleep every night, and staying active! They can follow Student Wellness Services on Instagram for health tips and information from peers, or book a free session with a wellness coach.

Off-Campus Living

As your student prepares to move into the off-campus community next year, we want to ensure they have access to information and support to help them find a place to live that’s right for them.

Encourage your student to book an appointment with the Off-Campus Living Advisor (OCLA) office or review the Off-Campus Student Living Guide if they’re seeking assistance and resources navigating the Kingston rental market.

OCLA can support students with their housing or housemate search, reviewing lease agreements, working through housemate conflicts, staying informed about Kingston bylaws, and more.

Top up your student’s Flex $ Balance   

Receive 12% bonus Flex $ when you top up your student’s balance by $125. Flex $ loaded on their student card is accepted across campus retail food locations. If your student has a Flex $ balance at the end of their first year, it will carry over into further years of study.

Dining Hall Updates

We continue to celebrate Black Histories and Futures Month with dishes inspired by Jamaican, West African, and East African cuisine. Upcoming events and initiatives include Iftar and Suhoor meals for those observing Ramadan, weekly Bonus Bite features, and a pop-up from our Registered Dietitian.

Stay Connected

If you missed last month's Residence Connection newsletter, you can catch up on previous issues here.

You can also subscribe to The Pulse for monthly news and information from across Student Affairs.