Helpful Tips for University Students Living at Home
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Establish a Routine: Set a consistent schedule for studying, attending classes, and completing assignments. Having a routine will help you stay organized and make the most of your time.
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Communicate Your Schedule: Share your class schedule and commitments with your family members to avoid conflicts and ensure they are aware of your availability. This will help them understand when you need dedicated study time and minimize interruptions.
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Embrace Independence: While living at home, seize the chance to develop your independence and life skills. Learn to manage your finances, do household chores, and take responsibility for your own well-being.
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Establish a Support System: Build a network of fellow students who are also living at home or find virtual study groups to connect with. Having a support system can provide motivation, accountability, and opportunities for collaboration on projects or studying for exams.
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Prioritize Self-Care: Balancing university responsibilities and personal life is crucial. Make time for self-care activities, such as exercise, hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and getting enough sleep. Taking care of your well-being will contribute to your overall success.
Remember, the transition to university is a unique experience for every individual, so adapt these tips to suit your circumstances and preferences. Stay open-minded, proactive, and willing to explore new opportunities as you embark on this exciting phase of your educational journey.
Commuting to Campus
Commuting to campus offers university students a variety of transportation options, allowing them to navigate their academic journey with convenience and flexibility. Whether it’s by public transportation, car, bike, or walking, each mode of transportation presents its own unique experience.
Driving to campus provides a convenient transportation option for university students. With a parking permit, students are guaranteed a designated parking space for their vehicle. However, it is important to note that the permit does not guarantee parking in a specific lot or location on campus. Additionally, the parking permit is not valid at parking meters.
For those who prefer daily surface parking, Queen’s University offers the option to park at select locations for $10 per day. This can be done by using the HONK Mobile App or by using the Pay & Display machines available at the designated parking areas. Parking is also free in all on-campus lots during weekends and after 5:00pm on weekdays.
Commuter students may also consider obtaining a commuter parking permit from the City of Kingston. This permit allows for parking in designated areas specifically for commuter parking, ensuring a hassle-free parking experience while attending university.
Remember if you are commuting to campus, there are many considerations that you should take:
- Prepare yourself for any situation by having jumper cables, flashlights and blankets
- Ensure your car is in good working order and you have a back-up plan if anything goes wrong. This includes being aware of the weather forecast, ensuring your gas tank is full, and having a backup plan if you end up later than planned and need to stay with a friend overnight.
Riding the bus is a convenient and sustainable transportation option for students at Queen’s University. The AMS “Bus It” program offers eligible students a full-year access bus pass, allowing them to ride the bus throughout the year, including the summer. To use the program, simply show your driver the back of your student card with the validated year sticker. Please send any inquires to Michelle Hudson, the AMS 2023-2024 Vice President of Operations, at vpops@ams.queensu.ca who oversees ‘Bus-It’.
Kingston transit also provides Park & Ride lots for customers who prefer to park their vehicles and continue their journey by bus. These lots offer free parking on a first-come, first-served basis, providing a convenient option for those who want to combine driving and public transportation.
In addition, Kingston Transit buses are equipped with rack and roll bike racks year-round. This allows cyclists to easily transport their bikes on the bus, promoting multi-modal transportation and making it convenient for students who want to combine biking with bus rides. Click this link for a step-by-step tutorial.
Riding the bus not only offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to travel but also provides the opportunity to relax, catch up on readings, or simply enjoy the scenic views of Kingston.
Cycling is a popular and convenient mode of transportation, especially at Queen’s, as the campus is bike-friendly with over 400 bike racks available for use.
For added security, there are secure bike storage facilities on campus, which require an annual fee of $25. These facilities provide a safe place to store your bike, giving you peace of mind while attending classes or exploring the campus.
To further enhance the safety of your bike, it is recommended to register it for free through the Kingston Police Bicycle Registry. By registering your bike, you increase the chances of recovering it in case of theft and contribute to the overall bike safety efforts in the community.
Throughout the year, Kingston also provides rack and roll bike racks, allowing cyclists to easily transport their bikes on city buses.
Whether you are commuting to class, exploring the city, or enjoying the scenic routes around Kingston, cycling offers an efficient, eco-friendly, and health-conscious transportation option for Queen’s University students.
Locker Rentals
To lighten your load while moving your belongings around campus, did you know that the Student Life Centre offers locker options?
Student Life Centre (SLC)
The Student Life Centre (SLC) is located at the Queen’s Centre (First Floor). For $30.00 per semester, students can rent lockers at the SLC. It is important to note that if the locker contents are not removed by the end of the rental contract, a $10 content recovery will apply, and the contents will be held for 30 days.
For more information on locker rentals, contact the SLC Operations and Sustainability Manager at slc.ops@ams.queensu.ca.
SLC Locker RentalsWhere to Hangout
Finding the perfect hangout spots on campus is an essential part of the university experience even if you are living at home and commuting. Here are some of our favorite locations where you can relax, socialize, and enjoy your free time.
The Queen's Centre at Queen's University is a vibrant hub of activity and a testament to the university's commitment to providing an exceptional student experience. Situated in the heart of campus, this state-of-the-art facility is a beacon of academic, athletic, and social engagement.
Located in the Beamish Munro Hall, the Tea Room provides a cozy and inviting environment for students to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, catch up with friends, or study in a relaxed setting.
This stunning facility hosts a wide range of cultural events, including music concerts, theatre performances, and art exhibitions. It's an ideal place for those with a passion for the arts or if you would simply just like to have a view of the water while studying.
Mitchell Hall serves as a vibrant hub for student life and activities. It provides an engaging space for students to connect, socialize, and participate in a wide range of events, including guest lectures, workshops, and student organization meetings. Moreover, Mitchell Hall conveniently houses a Starbucks within its premises.
The library is more than just a study space; it also provides comfortable seating areas where students can come together to collaborate on group projects or relax with a captivating book. In addition, these libraries are designed to support and enhance the learning experience for our students
Queen's University, offers a total of six libraries that cater to a variety of academic needs:
- Stauffer Library: 101 Union Street
- Douglas Library: 93 University Avenue
- Bracken Health Sciences Library: 18 Stuart Street
- Education Library: 511 Union Street
- Jordan Special Locations: Located on the 2nd Floor of Douglas Library
- Lederman Law Library: 128 Union Street
