Accommodations and Meals

In this section you can find answers to many frequently asked questions about accommodations and meals while studying at Queen's School of English. 

Homestay and Campus Residence

How early can I arrive if I am living in Homestay?

Please review the accommodation dates and fees page regarding the earliest arrival and latest departure date for Homestay.

Additional nights may be available but will depend on the availability of the Homestay hosts. You will be charged an additional fee per night if you arrive early or stay later than the dates mentioned above. Arrangements are to be made directly with your host family. Homestay payment begins on a per night fee and begins on your first day of arrival.

When do I receive confirmation on my host family?

First, you must be accepted as a student at QSoE and we must receive your homestay application form, along with the non-refundable $100 (CAD) Homestay placement fee and the refundable $350 (CAD) deposit. You will then be sent an email acknowledging the status of your homestay application. Your placement details will be sent to you approximately one-two weeks before the session begins. Homestay applications must be received by the School of English at least 30 days before the beginning of the session.

Please apply early by completing the application form and paying the non-refundable $100 (CAD) Homestay placement fee and the refundable $350 (CAD) Homestay deposit.

When will my Homestay Deposit be returned?

The School of English will return your deposit when you leave the Homestay program, providing you do not owe your host money.

Can I live with my spouse or family on campus or in Homestay?

On-campus residence consists of single rooms only and therefore cannot accommodate spouses or families. There may, however, be host families that are open to families but this will depend on availability. Please see Other Accommodations below for other options.

Will my accommodation have a computer I can use? Can I bring my own? Is there internet available?

Computers are generally not provided with your room, but you are more than welcome to bring your own computer.

Residence rooms have wired internet access, this service is included in your room fee in the fall and winter terms only. An additional fee might be paid in the spring and summer.

Many of our homestays have internet available for use. This will depend on the arrangements made with your host family.

Most campus locations include access to wireless internet. For your convenience, there are computers available in the libraries and across campus. There is also the option of renting a laptop from IT Services, for fixed weekly or monthly prices.

Meals

Can I purchase a meal plan?

Fall and Winter Sessions:

Various optional and flexible meal plans are available to residents of Jean Royce Hall and may be purchased from Queen's Hospitality Services after you arrive in Kingston. Students may choose a meal plan that covers one, two, or three meals a day (Monday - Friday or Monday - Sunday).

Other meals can be purchased individually at the cafeteria or at the on-campus retail outlets. You can also cook your own meals in residence as kitchens are available. Restaurants and grocery stores are within a short walking distance to campus.

Spring and Summer Sessions:

Meal plans are not available during the spring and summer.

Residences are equipped with small kitchenettes, where it is possible to cook and prepare meals. Limited retail outlets are available on-campus to purchase lunches or snacks. Restaurants and grocery stores are within a short walking distance to campus.

Meals are included in the Homestay program. For more information, please visit the Homestay Students section of this website.

Other Accommodations

Could you arrange a Bed & Breakfast or hotel if I arrive in Kingston before residence or Homestay is available?

We can provide you with a listing of various hotels and bed and breakfasts within close distance to the University, but it is up to you to arrange the reservation.

I want to live in an apartment, can you arrange that?

QSoE does not arrange off-campus accommodations. If you do not wish to live in residence or Homestay, there are other accommodation options.

• The International Housing Office, located in the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC), provides a centralized housing service to all new international students.
• For students who do not require any direct assistance in arranging for housing, the Accommodation Listing Service provides a listing of non-university and university owned houses.