Queens Tri-colour Tag
 

Residence Connection

October 2026

Issue 3

Bringing parents & supporters of students living in Queen's Residence along for the journey.

Students walk by the Outdoor Indigenous Gathering Space in the fall

Pictured: Outdoor Indigenous Gathering Space

Learn more about this gathering space for learning, ceremony, and reflection.

 
 

Key Dates

October 22–26

No guests permitted in Residence


October 26

Election Day – Municipal Elections

 

October 29 – November 2

No guests permitted in Residence


November 11

Remembrance Day (classes cancelled 10:30–11:30 am)


December 22

Residence closes for Winter Break at 2 pm

 
 

Empowering your student for success

Your student is finding their stride and settling into their weekly routine of classes, assignments, papers, labs, extra-curriculars, self-care, and socializing.

 

We hope the Fall Break has allowed your student the opportunity to take a breath, reset for the final weeks of term, and look ahead to their first set of university exams.

 

Over the next few weeks, we anticipate high weekend activity on and around campus. We are reminding students to remain considerate and respectful of their residence community as a living and learning environment for everyone.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to Residence Life and Services at reslife@queensu.ca.

 

We're here to help your student thrive at every step.

 
 
Students chat at the Homecoming Autumn Harvest Gathering

Be Safe. Be Respectful.

 

We are reminding students that being responsible members of the Queen's and Kingston community means gathering safely and respectfully while taking care of themselves and their peers.




  • During the UDSI period, Kingston Police and City bylaw officers will increase enforcement in the University District, particularly around large gatherings, nuisance parties, excessive noise, open alcohol and unsafe behaviour.


  • The UDSI initiative is city-wide and includes areas outside residence buildings on campus. Large gatherings outside residence buildings may violate bylaws and be subject to fines, a court summons, and/or non-academic sanctions under the Queen's Student Code of Conduct. 



  • There are some exciting events in residence the next couple weekends, including Trivia Night, pumpkin painting, and a Halloween Haunted House! If your student is looking for something to do, encourage them to check out the Residence Event Calendar.


  • The Campus Observation Room (COR), Queen’s overnight on-site non-medical, confidential detox service for students who have had too much to drink, has extended hours over the next few weeks.



Talk to your student about their plans for the next couple of weekends. It’s important that they understand the consequences of being fined under the UDSI, and that violations of the Residence Contract can also result in outcomes such as probation or even termination of their Residence Contract.


If they are planning to go out with friends, encourage them to make a plan, keep their phone charged, and to celebrate responsibly.

Waldron Tower on a winter day

Planning for Winter Break


  • Fall Term exam schedules have been posted on your student’s SOLUS account.
  • Students are required to leave Residence by 3 pm on the day following their last exam to promote a quiet environment for students still studying.
  • If your student plans to stay in Residence at any point after their final exam and/or between December 22 – January 3, they will need to register with us. Students will be provided with relevant information to do this in November.
  • Residence closes at 2 pm, Tuesday December 22.

Academic and Wellbeing Support

Flu Shots and STI Tests from Student Wellness Services

 

As we enter the respiratory illness season, it’s important for our students to do what they can to stay healthy and avoid falling behind in classes, missing events, or missing time with others.

 

Student Wellness Services (SWS) offers guidance for students on when to self-manage symptoms and when to seek medical attention.


Your student can book an appointment with a physician or nurse on campus if they need medical care.


  • Free flu vaccines are available for students from November 2–6 from 9–11:30 am and 1–4 pm.
  • 1 in 2 sexually active people will get a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) before age 25, and most won’t have symptoms. Your student can give themselves peace of mind and book a free STI quick test appointment (learn more).

Explore Academic Skill Building Resources


Student Academic Success Services (SASS) offers a wide range of academic skills programming to help your student thrive in their studies.


From online guides to appointments and workshops, your student can explore their options below.

Thrive 365 icon with navy background and red, white, and yellow sunburst stripes

November is Thrive Month!


Students can participate in a series of events focused on building positive mental health for our campus community.


Learn More

Staying Connected

 

Our Residence Life and Services team uses regular in-person floor meetings, activities, newsletters, and our digital communication platform OnQ to connect with students, build community, and inform them about upcoming events, activities and need-to-know information.

 

If your student is experiencing any challenges, please encourage them to seek support from their Don, professional residence staff, a Residence Mental Health Therapist, or Student Wellness Services.

 

Students can provide their Don with feedback in an upcoming survey by sharing their confidential thoughts and experiences so far. This valuable input ensures our residence student communities receive the right support.

 

Full-time Residence Life and Services staff work hard to ensure students living in residence feel a sense of belonging, are supported academically, and are provided with opportunities to build resilience.

 

To reach someone on the professional staff team, please email reslife@queensu.ca.

Students paint pumpkins and chat around a shared table

Events in Residence


We offer a diverse range of programs to support students in residence. From yoga to study nights to craft sessions, students can socialize, unwind, and connect with campus resources.


Explore Our Event Calendar

Three bowls of apples in Leonard dining hall

October Updates from Queen's Food

Sustainability Month and Fairtrade Month – Event Highlights

This month, we kicked off our series of sustainability-focused events with Applefest, featuring menus prepared with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and a tote bag painting activity.

 

Students created their own custom coffee blends using pedal power at Rock the Bike, a Fairtrade event hosted by Amy, our Registered Dietitian. We played Fairtrade trivia, helped ourselves to an assortment of flavoured drizzles and whipped cream at our Fairtrade coffee bar, and were treated to tiramisu made in our campus bakeshop with Fairtrade coffee!

Meal Plan Hacks

Save time and use the app

Leonard dining hall, the larger of the two on main campus, experiences high traffic between classes. Students on a tight schedule are encouraged to dine at Ban Righ or Jean Royce dining halls, or use the Transact Mobile App to schedule a retail meal for pickup. The app can be used to redeem Flex $ or TAMs at retail food locations across campus.

ROUTED

Enjoy locally-sourced fresh food at ROUTED, new this year! Located in the Queen’s Centre, your student can rely on Flex $ and TAMs through their meal plan while exploring campus.

Reload Flex $

Flex $ allows your student to purchase snacks and beverages on the go from campus retail food locations. Flex $ carries over to the next academic year and can be topped up at any time.


BONUS: The more you buy, the more bonus Flex $ you earn! By adding $125 or more, you can earn up to 12% bonus Flex $.

Send Your Student a Care Package!


Wish your busy student good luck on midterms and assignments and keep them fueled with a care package from Campus Gifts! From baked goods to gluten-free boxes, we have lots to choose from for a snack break during study sessions.

Student and their parents embrace with their backs to the camera.

Stay in the Loop

 

Missed the last newsletter? Catch up on previous issues of Residence Connection here.


You can also subscribe to The Pulse, a monthly newsletter from Queen's Student Affairs for families and supporters. Stay in the know about upcoming dates and deadlines, events, services, resources, and more!

 
 
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