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

This past weekend, Queen’s University in Kingston welcomed approximately 4,800 incoming first-year students during their move-in weekend, marking a significant moment as they prepare for the start of classes on September 2, 2023. The majority of students arrived on August 30, taking up residence in 18 residence buildings across the campus.

Corinna Fitzgerald, Interim Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs, emphasized the importance of this event, stating, “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.” This initiative aims to foster a sense of belonging as students transition into university life.

Orientation Activities Engage New Students

Once they settled into their new homes, students participated in a variety of orientation activities designed to facilitate their adjustment to campus life. Events commenced on August 30 with “Welcome Home Night,” featuring crafts, a movie screening, and sports activities, all organized by the Queen’s Student Experience Office.

On the following day, students joined the Tricolour Parade, a vibrant procession down Union Street to Richardson Stadium. The event included speeches from student leaders, a performance of the traditional university song, the Oil Thigh, and a picnic lunch. Following this, students engaged in faculty-specific orientation programming to help them acclimate to their academic environments.

Traffic Management and Safety Initiatives

To accommodate the influx of students and their families, Queen’s Student Affairs collaborated with the City of Kingston, Kingston Police, and traffic management specialists to implement temporary road closures and parking restrictions. These efforts were aimed at ensuring a smooth and safe move-in process.

Students moving into Victoria Hall or Ban Righ Hall were directed to turn right off University Avenue onto Bader Lane. In addition, several police officers were stationed at critical intersections, including University and Union Street, as well as Albert Street and King Street West, to maintain traffic flow.

Kingston Police also reminded students and residents about the implementation of the University District Safety Initiative (UDSI), which is active from August 28 to September 7. According to their statement, community partners, including City By-Law Enforcement Officers and Kingston Police, will have an increased presence in the University District during this period. Officers are authorized to issue Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) for violations of nuisance party regulations, noise complaints, and other by-law infractions.

The collaborative efforts of the university and local authorities highlight the commitment to creating a welcoming and safe environment for new students as they embark on their educational journeys. As classes commence, Queen’s University aims to ensure that every student feels at home within its community.