This weekend, Queen’s University welcomed approximately 4,800 incoming first-year students as they moved into 18 residence buildings ahead of the start of classes on Tuesday, Sept. 2. The majority of students arrived on Saturday, Aug. 30.
“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,” said Corinna Fitzgerald, Interim Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs.
Once settled, students took part in a full slate of orientation activities designed to ease the transition to campus life. Events began on Aug. 30 with “Welcome Home Night,” which featured crafts, a movie, and sports, all coordinated by the Queen’s Student Experience Office.
On Sunday, first-years will join the Tricolour Parade down Union Street to Richardson Stadium, where they will hear from student leaders, learned the Oil Thigh, and enjoy a picnic lunch before beginning faculty-specific orientation programming.
To manage the surge of traffic around campus, Queen’s Student Affairs worked with the City of Kingston, Kingston Police, and traffic specialists to introduce temporary road closures, parking restrictions, and on-site staffing.
Students moving into Victoria Hall or Ban Righ Hall were directed to turn right off University Avenue onto Bader Lane. Several police officers were also stationed at key intersections, including University and Union Street, as well as Albert Street and King Street West, to keep vehicles moving smoothly.
Kingston Police also reminded students and residents that the University District Safety Initiative (UDSI) is in effect from Aug. 28 to Sept. 7.
“During this time, community partners, including City By-Law Enforcement Officers and Kingston Police, will have an increased presence in the University District,” police said in a statement. Officers can issue Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) for contraventions of nuisance party, noise, and other by-laws.
