Congratulations! We are excited you have made the decision to spend the next few years studying at Queen's University. This Next Steps website will ensure you are prepared for your first year at Queen’s.
We are looking forward to welcoming our students safely to campus in the fall, as we plan for in-person instruction and a significant return to on-campus activity, subject to ongoing advice from public health officials, and evolving local and provincial guidelines. We continue to develop the details, including a vaccine strategy. Stay up to date with all university COVID-19-related info. For all information related to residence, visit the Residences website.
Make sure to check back here often for updates throughout the summer. Central to the quality of the Queen’s experience is your connection to community, and we have a summer of opportunities to connect you with peers and prepare you for fall studies!
All incoming undergraduate students can complete the following Next Steps check list, however, BISC students can visit the BISC Next Steps website and International students can visit the Queen's University International Centre (QUIC) website for more specific information, including travel and arrival to Canada.
You can also explore all of the student resources and supports available across Student Affairs and the campus. See you soon!
Next Steps
1. Confirm or Activate your Queen's NetID
Your NetID and password give you access to online services and resources offered by Queen’s. You received information about activating your NetID (sent to your applicant e-mail address) when Queen’s received your application. If you haven’t already activated your NetID, you will need to do that before you can register in courses. If you have activated your NetID, ensure you can login to SOLUS. That way you’ll know you’re ready for course registration. Your NetID will never change, but you should change your NetID password often. A strong NetID password ensures that both your personal information and university resources are protected.
Make your transition an easy one, and view the New Student IT Guide to help get you started. View information about setting up your NetID, and technology, resources, and services available to students.
>> Read the New Student IT Guide
2. Set up your Queen's Email - mid-June 2021
As a new Undergraduate Student, you will get your new Queen's email in mid-June as well as access to Office 365.
You will receive an email with information about your Queen's email account. Log in and make sure everything is set up to your satisfaction. From this point forward, Queen's will only communicate with you via your Queen's email account, so be sure to continue checking it regularly!
>> Log on to your Queen's email
>> Set up your Queen's email on your phone
3. Apply to Residence and Pay $525 Deposit. Deadline: June 8, 2021, 4:00 p.m. EDT.
Visit the Residence website for up-to-date information as decisions are made about 2021-22.
If you're living in residence, we expect move-in to take place over several days during the week of August 30. Specific dates for each student will be communicated in August.
If you are looking for housing in Kingston for 2021-22 and if you have questions about your lease, landlord, roommates, etc., support is available through the Off-Campus Living Advisor.
4. Summer Transition Programs
We are planning several transition programs this summer to get you ready for your first year at Queen's, including SOAR and QSuccess. More info to come!
Are you an International Student? Visit QUIC for more information and resources!
Are you an Indigenous Student? Visit Four Directions for more information and resources!
Are you a QTBIPOC student? Visit Yellow House for more information and resources!
Join us for a uniquely Queen's Summer Orientation to Academics and Resources (SOAR). You'll learn about our campus resources and get to know staff, faculty, and Queen's students!
Start the year off on the right foot. Stay strong throughout the year. Register to be matched with a Q Success mentor who can help you with the transition from high school to university and provide helpful advice.
Setting Yourself Up for Success (SYUS) is a FREE 6-module online course, beginning June 21st, 2021, that will introduce you to what lies ahead, what supports are available to you, how to ensure equitable access to your education if you have a disability or mental health condition and generally how to be successful in university. SYUS is brought to you by Queen's University's Regional Assessment and Resource Centre (RARC) and Queen's Student Accessibility Services (QSAS).
>> Access the registration form to sign up
>> Email syus@queensu.ca with any questions
5. Admission Information
Review your final grades on your transcript, or on the OUAC website. Contact your guidance counsellor and Queen’s Undergraduate Admission if your academic data is inaccurate. We will use the information we have to determine if you meet the conditions on your offer.
If you will not meet the conditions on your offer of admission, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing admresp@queensu.ca.
6. Financial Assistance
The 2021-22 OSAP application will be available mid/late April. Submit your OSAP application as soon as possible to ensure funding is available by September 1.
>> Apply for OSAP
>> Do not report your Queen’s awards on your OSAP application – learn more
If you reside in another province/territory, check the government student assistance website where you reside for information about when the application is available and further information about how to report any awards you have received. Apply as soon as you can to ensure your funding is available by September 1.
>> Apply for governmental financial assistance outside of Ontario
To find out how to setup your Queen's email, see step 2 above.
You will automatically be re-assessed for scholarship consideration once your final grades have been received. If your grades have increased since your offer of admission, we will review your final grades and notify you via email and SOLUS should you be eligible for a grades-based admission scholarship.
7. Managing Finances in SOLUS
Please check your SOLUS Student Center (under View Financial Aid link) to find out when your awards will be applied to your Queen’s SOLUS Student Account. Your award will be applied to your SOLUS student account in two equal payments. The first half of the award value will be applied to your SOLUS student account mid-August prior to the Fall term tuition payment deadline. The second half of the award value will be applied to your SOLUS student account early December prior to the Winter term tuition payment deadline.
For all awards administered by the Student Awards Office (e.g. Queen's bursaries, awards, and scholarships granted on admission) – payments will be held in your SOLUS student account to be applied to all current and future university charges (e.g. Fall term tuition and student activity fees, Fall term Residence, Winter Term Tuition, and Winter term residence).
All fall tuition and fees as shown on your Account Summary in SOLUS must be paid by September 30, 2021.
For those who are coming to Canada for the first time, you will have the opportunity to open a Canadian bank account and update your information upon arrival in Canada.
>> Update your banking information
>> Open a Canadian bank account
The Queen’s Verification of Enrolment form allows you to withdraw money from your RESP. This form is available for the 2021-2022 academic year in your student’s SOLUS account. All you have to do is download it and send it to your RESP provider. Learn more.
The Alternative Payment Arrangement Program (APA) assists students who cannot meet their tuition and student assistance levy (SAL) fee payment deadlines but have a proven source of funding. The APA allows students, upon approval, to defer payment of their tuition and SAL without penalty until the end of January for winter term fees. APA will not be used for fall term as tuition and SAL are due on September 30th. The APA submission deadline for winter term is December 15, 2021.
8. Fall 2021 Student Contact Information
Please update your Fall 2021 address, phone number and emergency contact information in SOLUS. Watch for a link in your “To Do” list (on the top right of your SOLUS screen) for next steps.
9. Academic Accommodations
If you have a disability that affects your ability to participate in the academic learning environment, we suggest you connect with Accessibility Services (QSAS) about academic accommodations. QSAS can set up temporary accommodations while students gather the necessary documentation and offer an express intake if students submit documentation that is up to date and outlines functional impacts. We encourage incoming students to connect with QSAS starting July 6th so advisors can help prepare your Letter of Accommodation (LoA) and set-up your support plan in time for the start of classes in September.
>> Learn how to register with QSAS
>> Learn about our disability documentation requirements
>> Contact our Intake Coordinator for more information
10. Student Wellness
Student Wellness Services is here for many of your physical, mental, and sexual health needs
As COVID-19 vaccine appointments become available, Queen's is strongly encouraging students, staff and faculty to get this immunization. Students in Ontario can visit the Ontario Covid-19 website for information or contact your local Public Health Unit for details.
Queen's is working with KFL&A Public Health on a comprehensive vaccination strategy. While many people may be fully vaccinated by the end of August, we will ensure students' access to vaccines if they arrive before they are able to get their second dose. This will include an on-campus vaccination clinic for students. For more information visit Student Wellness Services. Details on the strategy will be posted to the COVID-19 information website as they become available.
For more information about vaccines in residence, visit the Queen's Residences FAQs.
Queen's has joined the national Faster Together campaign to encourage people to get vaccinated ASAP. Learn more!
Are all your immunizations up to date? This is a good time to visit your health care professional and review your immunizations. You may need it if you visit Student Wellness Services.
If you have a health condition that necessitates ongoing specialized health care in Kingston, you should have your health care professional send referrals to community specialists in the Kingston area. If assistance is needed with this process, Student Wellness Services can help.
11. Food Allergies and Dietary Needs
Hospitality Services take allergies and dietary needs very seriously. Students are encouraged to take the following steps prior to arriving on campus:
- Complete Hospitality Services’ Allergy/Dietary Needs Intake Form
- Book an appointment with Hospitality Services’ Registered Dietitian to discuss how your dietary needs can be accommodated on the meal plan. All students are encouraged to “Ask Before You Eat."
- Learn more about Hospitality Services and Dietary Accommodations
- >> Residence meal plan
- If you require residence room accommodation as part of your allergy management, please visit the Residence Accommodations page to access the required form and instructions.
>> Watch Hospitality Services' video about their allergy program.
If you are living off-campus, our off-campus meal plans can be purchased at any time during the academic year. We have multiple meal plan options available designed to meet the needs of your on-campus lifestyle.
12. Enrolment & Course Selection
If you are in one of the following programs, you will have some, or all, of your courses automatically added to your schedule by your Faculty or School in late July.
- Commerce
- Concurrent Education
- Music
- Nursing
- Kinesiology
- Engineering and Applied Science
- Health Sciences
Log in to SOLUS beginning August 3, 2021 to take a look at your class schedule for September!
Students who choose some or all of their courses will be able to see their Enrolment Appointment time in SOLUS by August 3.
Beginning August 3rd, 2021 access your SOLUS Student Centre to view your enrolment appointment. Your enrolment appointment time will be your first opportunity to enrol in your courses. Beginning August 3rd, you may also start adding courses to your shopping cart in advance of your appointment time.
NOTE: you won't be able to actually enrol in the courses until your Enrolment Appointment begins.
There are three Enrolment Periods:
- Class Selection I -- Restricted Enrolment - start of your appointment time to August 16: Your enrolment appointment time will be your first opportunity to enrol in your courses. We suggest that you enrol as soon as your appointment time begins. Some courses may have enrolment restrictions on them. These restrictions are there to ensure that students who require certain courses receive priority. This enrolment period will end at 11:30 p.m. EDT on August 16.
- Class Selection II -- Open Enrolment - August 18 to 22: Enrolment restrictions will be removed so you will now have access to all available courses provided you have the correct prerequisite.
- Open Enrolment – begins August 30: This is an opportunity for you to make changes to your schedule. If you need help, please contact your Faculty/School.
Read the Guide to Registration and Fees for a step-by-step guide on how to enrol in courses. If you need help selecting courses, please contact your Faculty/School.
13. Connect with Us!
If you haven't done so already, make sure you connect with Queen's on social media. You will find new students, current students, faculty, staff and alumni all ready to help you find your way at Queen's!
>> Connect with the Student Experience Office on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.