First-Year Foundation

Summer Orientation to Academics and Resources (SOAR)

July 5-7 and 12-13, 2024

SOAR

2024 dates are now live! Join us July 5-7 and 12-13, 2024

Part of First-Year Foundation, Summer Orientation to Academics and Resources (SOAR) is an on-campus summer orientation program for incoming first-year students and their parents and supporters, run by the Student Experience Office. SOAR aims to help prepare students for new academic expectations, address questions or concerns about university life, and introduce resources and support services for all incoming students. 

During this one-day program in July, you will explore campus, talk to staff and faculty as you learn about support resources, get answers to your questions, and make connections with staff, faculty, and upper-year students and your peers! All incoming first-year students and their parents, families, and supporters are welcome.

 

students in lecture hall talking

Why attend SOAR?

Meet other incoming students

Begin making connections with other incoming students from your faculty and get advice and tips from upper year students

Discover and explore Queen's campus

Eat in the dinning hall, visit residence rooms, sit inside lecture halls, and tour around campus

Learn about new academic expectations

Hear from faculty and staff about the steps you can take to start your academic year off strong

Get answers to all of your questions

Meet and hear from upper year students and staff about the resources and supports available to help you succeed

Program Dates

SOAR Programming varies depending on your faculty/program, so please plan to attend on one of your faculty's days. SOAR is a one-day program and students should only attend one day. 

The Faculty of Arts and Science includes students in Computing, Fine Arts, Music, and Kinesiology, and students in these programs should plan on attending one of the Arts and Science days. 

Program Cost

Registration fees for SOAR are $50 +HST for student tickets and $40 +HST for guest tickets. There is a maximum of 2 guest tickets per student. The fee includes all programming, light morning refreshments, an all-you-care-to-eat lunch, and a parking permit for your program day.

*Please note SOAR student and guest fees for students entering the Smith School of Business Bachelor of Commerce program are covered by their faculty. 

Registration

Registration for SOAR 2024 will open in early May. Check back soon and register early to save your seat! 

Not able to attend SOAR this year? Not to worry! Check out more First-Year Foundation programs and other resources to assist in your transition to university.

 

 

Friday, July 5, 2024:

  • Faculty of Arts and Science

Saturday, July 6, 2024:

  • Faculty of Arts and Science

Sunday, July 7, 2024:

  • Faculty of Arts and Science

Friday, July 12, 2024:

  • Bachelor of Health Sciences
  • School of Nursing
  • Smith Engineering 
  • Smith School of Business Bachelor of Commerce

Saturday, July 13, 2024:

  • Smith Engineering 
  • Smith School of Business Bachelor of Commerce

"Everything was useful and I'm so glad I went to SOAR. I don't think I would feel as confident as I do going into university without SOAR."

Student attendee
SOAR 2022

 

Our SOAR program is jam-packed with opportunities to learn about university life, academic expectations, and campus resources. We also strive to provide opportunities for you to meet and interact with other incoming students, upper-year students, and other families.

Each SOAR day runs 9:00am-4:00pm with optional programming 4:00pm-5:00pm.   

SOAR Schedules

Check back in May for SOAR 2024 schedules

Parking

A parking pass is included with your SOAR registration. Parking passes are applicable for any designated Queen's surface parking lot and are not applicable for underground parking or on-street parking. Parking is free on weekends and attendees do not require a parking pass on those days.

Check back in May for a parking map

What to Bring

SOAR takes place in various buildings across campus. We recommend students and guests bring/wear the following:

  • Ticket confirmation
  • Water bottle
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Dress for the weather

Please note that photography and videography will be taking place at SOAR for promotional and archival purposes. 

 

student panel answering questions

attendees on tour of campus

students listening to lecture in auditorium

Staying Overnight On-Campus

Summer Accommodations

Experience staying overnight in residence before moving to campus in the fall! Relax in comfortable rooms on main campus, located within walking distance to SOAR, Kingston's waterfront and historical downtown. 

The Donald Gordon Centre

Enjoy a peaceful stay in the Queen's charming historical hotel, located in a quiet residential area just minutes away from Downtown Kingston and Queen's University. Prices vary by room. Reserve a room at the DGC here.

Other Options

If you are looking to stay overnight off-campus, Kingston offers may options. Visit the Kingston Tourism website for more information and to begin your overnight accommodation search. 

"SOAR was a positive experience for both myself and my daughter. This is a must-do for any first-year student and first-time university parent."

Parent attendee
SOAR 2023

Yes! We encourage students to bring their parents/supporters. SOAR programming includes sessions specifically designed for parents, families, and supporters.

Due to capacity restrictions, each student may bring a maximum of 2 guests. In some instances, we may be able to accommodate an additional guest ticket. Please email us at student.experience@queensu.ca for more information.

Since SOAR programming is tailored for each faculty, we highly recommend you attend on your specific faculty day when possible.

Our First-Year Foundation program provides many other opportunities for students to start their transition to Queen's, including summer webinars, online self-directed courses, virtual socials, and more! 

student talking with SOAR staff

staff talking with student and parents over lunch