Residence Connection

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

22-hour Quiet Hours in Residence

22-hour Quiet Hours are now in effect throughout Residence to support a focused environment  as students prepare for their exams and complete end-of-term assignments.

Quiet Hours are from 9 pm each evening to 7 pm the following day. Courtesy hours are from 7–9 pm. Courtesy Hours provide students with a brief break to engage with their community while still respecting the need for a calm and considerate environment.

If your student finds that Quiet Hours are not being respected, they can call the front desk for assistance.

Healthy Eating During Exams

Having quick, nourishing food options on hand makes a big difference during exam season. Here are some ways students can stay fuelled and focused:

• Fresh TO GO selections like salads, snack boxes, fruit and veggie cups, or hummus cups are available at select retail food locations across campus for easy grab-and-go convenience.
• EXPRESS to-go meals can be requested from dining hall cashiers. Your student can view Today’s Menu for quick planning.
• Many food retail locations, including The Lazy Scholar, Location 21, and Wally's, offer “Build-Your-Own” options, so students can customize meals with nourishing ingredients that suit their tastes.

These choices help students eat well and save time – perfect for those long study sessions!

Student Affairs Exam Supports

During exams, units across Student Affairs provide students with support, programs, and events. Here are some highlights:

• Students can book writing and academic skills appointments (in person or online) with Student Academic Success Services (SASS).
• Faith and Spiritual Life is hosting Cookies and Conversation Exam Drop-Ins from Monday to Friday, December 8–19.
• Group Fitness classes at the ARC are free with your student’s membership from December 8–13 and 15–19.

Study spots

• All students are welcome to study at QUIC throughout December. Mitchell Hall 208, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm.
• QTBIPoC students (queer, transgender, Black, Indigenous, and/or students of colour) can study at the Yellow House Rideau location. Monday to Friday, 10 am–4 pm, Rideau Building, third floor (207 Stuart St).
• Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre (4D) welcomes Indigenous students to stop by and study throughout December. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm, 144–146 Barrie St.
• The Student Experience Office (SEO) is open for quiet study time Monday to Friday, December 3–19, 1–3:30 pm, JDUC 216.

Winter Break University Closure and Reopening

To maintain a quiet study environment for all students during the exam period, students are required to leave Residence by 3 pm the day after writing their last scheduled exam, or by noon on Saturday, December 20 at the latest.

If your student needs to extend their Residence stay beyond 3 pm on the day after their last exam, or if they need to stay over the break, they must fill out the appropriate forms on the Residence and Dining Portal by December 14 at 11:59 pm.

The last meal before Winter Break closure will be brunch at Leonard and Jean Royce dining halls on December 20. The first meal back will be dinner at Leonard and Jean Royce dining halls on January 4.

Queen's Residences will be closed for the Winter Break from noon on December 20, 2025, to January 3, 2026, at 7 am.

Winter term classes start Monday, January 5.

For students staying in Kingston over the break 

• The Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) will operate on a holiday schedule from December 20 through December 23. The ARC will be closed for the Winter Break as of December 24 and will reopen on January 3 at 8 am.
• Students can join a downtown coffee shop meet up with the International Centre (QUIC)  on December 28 or January 3, 2–3 pm. Location to be shared with registrants.
• Explore Kingston! Students can visit the City of Kingston’s event calendar for local events, discover local trails, skate at indoor and outdoor ice rinks, and more. 
• Campus Security and Emergency Services will continue to operate 24/7 during the Winter Break closure.

Winter Term Residence Fees

A reminder that the second half of your student's Residence fees are due on January 10, 2026. Fees will be posted to your student's SOLUS account.

Winter Term Residence Fees were scheduled to be posted to SOLUS today, Thursday, December 11. We now anticipate fees will be posted by Wednesday, December 17. We apologize for any inconvenience.

There are multiple ways you can pay Residence fees. Please find a list of payment methods on the Registrar’s How to Pay Page.

Job Opportunities in Residence

Your student has the opportunity to continue being a part of our Residence community next year as a Residence Don, Front Desk Representative, or Residence Program Assistant.Encourage your student to learn more about these opportunities.

Applications close January 9, 2026.

Health & Wellness on Campus

Several viruses continue to circulate, including the flu and COVID-19. 

• Students are encouraged to get their flu vaccine and/or COVID-19 vaccine over the break if they didn’t do so this term.
• Does your student need a prescription renewed for the Winter Term? We recommend they do so over the break with their home healthcare provider. Otherwise, they can book an appointment with Student Wellness Services (SWS).

Students who need to miss an exam or academic requirement due to illness or extenuating circumstances can submit a request for academic consideration through their faculty/school.

Learn more about academic consideration for extenuating circumstances.

Winter Term Dining Preview

We have a busy line-up of special menu features and events next term! Inspired menu features, prepared in consultation with student groups, will be offered in recognition of religious and/or cultural observances and celebrations including Lunar New Year, Black Histories and Futures Month, and Holi. Additional supports and dietary accommodations will also be offered to students during Ramadan and Passover – details to follow.

Our weekly dining hall pop-ups, featuring personal recipes from our chefs and culinary teams across campus, will continue into the new year. This is a chance for your student to taste a home-inspired recipe by our team at each of our three dining halls.

Check out our event calendar to stay in the loop!

Looking for the Perfect Gift? Give Flex $!

Want to make life easier for your student? Flex $ is a convenient way to help them pay for meals and snacks on campus. Purchase Flex $ quickly and securely through Campus Gifts!

Quick Links

• Dining Hall Hours at a Glance
• Book an appointment with our Registered Dietitian for meal plan support
• Residence Fees
• Library Hours

Past Issues

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

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

All the best for the holiday season!