January 15, 2026

Issue 23

Stay up-to-date with all the latest happenings in residence and on campus.

7^th Annual Wellness Night Market

Wednesday, January 21

5–7 pm

Ban Righ Hall

Join us for a fun and interactive night to support your mental and physical well-being! Hosted by Residence Life and Services, our Residence Mental Health Therapists, and many campus partners, including Athletics & Recreation, Yellow House, and the Peer Support Centre, our Wellness Night Market offers something for everyone.

Explore a holistic approach to wellness with free activities, self-care resources, and opportunities to connect with campus supports. Plus, you can win exciting prizes by entering our raffle!

Take a break, make connections, and discover new ways to care for yourself. Don’t miss out – we cannot wait to celebrate you!

Upper-Year Residence Applications Are Open

Are you thinking about your housing options for the next academic year? Apply now for a spot on the Upper-Year floor in Watts Hall. If we receive more applications than spaces available, placements will be determined by lottery.

Deadline: February 5 at 4 pm

Residence Conduct Corner: Using Appliances and Staying Warm in Residence

Your residence is your home – let’s keep it safe and comfortable for everyone!

Safe appliance use reminders:

• Kettles, toasters, rice cookers and other small appliances can only be used in common rooms
• Double-check your appliances are CSA approved before use
• Don’t leave the stove or microwave unattended while in use – burnt food can trigger the fire alarm
• Hot plates and hot pots are not permitted anywhere in residence
• Be courteous to your fellow community members and clean-up after yourself

Reminders to stay comfy:

• If you find your room is too cold or too hot, put in a Maintenance Request Order for support from Facilities
• Do not bring space heaters or electric blankets into residence as these pose a significant fire risk

For full details, see clauses 4.10.12 and 4.10.15(b) of your Residence Contract.

Upcoming Residence Events

Residence is full of energy with upcoming events designed to help you connect, recharge, and have fun! Remember to check out the Residence OnQ Calendar for residence and campus-wide event details.

POSTPONED due to weather – new date TBA

Postcards of Positivity

Thursday, January 15

6:30–8 pm

Jean Royce Hall (near the dining hall)

Start the winter semester with a boost of encouragement! Join us to create your own postcard filled with affirmations, kind words, and reminders of your strength. Write something uplifting for yourself—or for someone who might need a smile.

Academic Advising Night

Tuesday, January 20

5–7 pm

Victoria Hall Upper Commons

Connect with faculty advisors and build meaningful academic relationships! Whether you have questions about your program, want advice on course selection, or simply want to network, this is your chance to get personalized support and make valuable connections.

Karaoke Night (biweekly with alternating locations)

Tuesday, January 20

6–7 pm

Jean Royce Screening Room

Join us for Karaoke Night, an inclusive evening of music, snacks, and fun! Sing your favorite hits or share a song in your mother tongue to celebrate our community’s diversity. Good music and good vibes!

Ongoing program: Biweekly on Tuesdays, alternating between Main Campus (Endaayaan – Tkanónsote Community Room) and West Campus (Jean Royce Screening Room)

Wellness Night Market

Wednesday, January 21

5–7 pm

Ban Righ Hall

Don't miss out on your chance to take a break, make connections, and discover new ways to care for yourself at our 7th annual Wellness Night Market! More details under the "Residence News" heading above.

Make your Own Magnet (biweekly with alternating locations)

Thursday, January 22

6–7 pm

Endaayaan – Tkanónsote Community Room

Bring your friends and get crafty! Design your own fridge magnet with paints, stickers and other unique decorations.

Ongoing program: Biweekly on Thursdays, alternating between Main Campus (Endaayaan – Tkanónsote Community Room) and West Campus (Jean Royce Screening Room)

Upcoming Dining Events

With opportunities to get creative, enjoy hearty food, and win $100 in Flex $, there's plenty to look forward to in the dining halls!

Introducing: Taste of Home

Submit your recipes from January 16–23

Missing home? Submit your favourite recipes for a chance to win $100 Flex $ and see your dish featured in dining halls! We welcome submissions from all family traditions and cultural backgrounds. Get your recipes ready – submissions open this Friday, January 16!

Cookie Decorating

Monday, January 19

11:30 am – 1 pm

Ban Righ dining hall

Join us to decorate cookies for a fun, creative break and beat those Monday blues! Everyone’s welcome, so come decorate, have a sweet treat, and recharge with us over lunch.

Ramen Pop-Up

January 21

Lunch at Leonard dining hall

Nothing says winter warm-up like a hot bowl of soup. Join us for a comforting bowl of ramen with rich broth, hearty noodles, and delicious toppings. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between classes or meeting friends for lunch, this pop-up is the perfect way to refuel and enjoy something cozy on campus. We look forward to seeing you there!

Wipe Out Waste

The Sustainability Ambassadors will be at Leonard dining hall on January 20 during lunch to raise awareness and share tips and tricks to reduce food waste. When visiting the dining hall in-person, complete a survey on your food waste for a chance to win $50 Flex $ – prize draws occur monthly.

Connect with Off-Campus Living Advisors

Have questions about living off-campus, finding housemates, or navigating the Kingston rental market? Drop by during weekly office hours every Wednesday, 1–4 pm (January–April) or book an appointment at your convenience. We’re here to support you!

Come and meet the Off-Campus Student Support Team from the Off-Campus Living Advisors Office for resources on how to navigate the Kingston rental market, and to answer many of your questions related to living off-campus.

Tuesday, January 20, 11:30 am – 2 pm

Victoria Hall Upper Commons

Friday, January 23, 1–4 pm

Victoria Hall Upper Commons

Applications for Gender Diverse Wellness Retreat close on January 30

Calling all trans, non-binary, genderqueer, agender, and other gender diverse Queen's students!) You are invited to apply to Yellow House’s annual Gender Diverse Wellness Retreat to connect, reflect, and celebrate gender diversity with your peers and gender diverse facilitators at Elbow Lake, April 24–26.

Application closes January 30.

Learn More

Solidarity Swims and Black Swims

Solidarity Swims

Sunday (see dates below)

2:30–4:30 pm

Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC)

Solidarity Swims are open to Queen's students and wider Kingston community members who are trans and/or agender, nonbinary, genderqueer, bigender, Two-Spirit or otherwise non-cisgender, and their invited plus ones (each gender diverse person may bring one invited friend or loved one).

There will be an open swim area and lanes, a shallow end, multiple unicorn floaties, mermaid diving toys, beach balls, and we may have optional activities such as water polo.

Registration Required

Dates for this term: January 18, January 25, February 8, February 15, March 1, March 8, March 15, March 22, April 5

Black Swims

Fridays (see dates below)

4:30–5:30 pm

Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC)

Open to Black students, faculty, staff, community members and invited guests of any background, Black Swims is for all levels of comfort in the water. There will be three levels of adult swimming lessons available to cater to various abilities. Come and swim lanes, hang out in a floaty, or join in on a swim lesson. Free swim caps available.

Registration Required

Dates for this term: Weekly on Fridays from January 16 to March 20 (excluding January 30 and February 20)