On Tuesday , September 1st, Queen’s Residences welcomed first years to their new homes. This year, students will move into their residences over a five day period, between September 1st and 5th. Traditionally, move-in day occurs over one day after Labour Day weekend.

First years were first asked to go to Richardson Stadium to pick up their keys. The university states that they are doing so to reduce traffic and ensure social distancing measures are being maintained. Students then made their way to their respective residence, where they were welcomed by Residence Staff, including Dons, Residence Life Professional staff, and Council members.

All students who requested to live in residence this year were able to have their request fulfilled, confirms Ann Tierney, vice-provost and dean of student affairs. The Vice-Provost and Housing and Ancillary Director were present to answer questions to the media at Richardson Stadium.

By Saturday, the university expects about 1,800 students to move in to residence, which is a significant drop from previous years.

Despite the circumstances, the first years appeared to be excited to be moving into their new homes. We spoke to one student who is moving into Gord-Brock. The female appeared to be nervous but optimistic about the year to come.

A first year moving into residence. She told us that she is excited to be moving in despite the circumstances.

Previously, Queen’s Residences announced a new model ‘household model’ this year.

“This year, due to the pandemic, the residence environment will be different than in a typical year. Many provisions will be in place to promote the health and safety of all residents. It’s important that you recognize that as part of living in residence, health and safety is a collective responsibility – everyone has a role to play: the university, your peers, and you. Face masks are mandatory in all public areas of campus. Read the Residence Community Standards to learn more about the guiding principles for residence community living.” The Residence website states.

Housing and Ancillary working with reduced staff

Queen’s Housing & Ancillary has reduced their staff given the new circumstances. Several Residence Dons have been laid off until the winter term and Assistant Residence Life Coordinators have not had their contracts renewed. The same situation is present on the Hospitality side, where a limited number of staff have been hired to work at the universities retail services.

Volunteers were not present to assist parents and students with move in this year, but there were Residence Dons present to assist them.

Move-in day compared

A comparison of what Move in day typically looks like versus what Move in day looked like this year (Left photo credits: Whig Standard, Right photo: YGK News

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