Having experienced both on-campus and Off-Campus living, I can say that each option comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. My journey started in a federal university in Brazil, where I lived on campus. For two years, I shared a three-bedroom apartment with eight other students.

If I was given the chance to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. I am so glad that I chose to come to Queen’s University. I have met some of my best friends, learned so much, experienced my hometown in a different way, and am having the university experience that I always wanted.

Finding short‑term accommodations can take time, especially for students preparing to attend Queen's University for an exchange. Many Queen’s students haven’t posted their sublets or occupancies yet, and additional options often appear as the semester approaches. In general, properties are typically posted 60-90 days before they will be available. As September gets closer, some landlords with September 1st vacancies may become more open to a four‑month lease. Even if a listing advertises an eight‑ or twelve‑month term, it’s still worth asking whether a shorter agreement is possible.

To every Grade 11 student staring down university applications, scholarships, and the terrifying question "What am I doing with my life?"—and to every parent lying awake at night worrying about their child’s future—here’s the truth: You’ll survive this.

Moving in or out off campus can easily become overwhelming and stressful, but a few tips can make the experience much easier. When I first moved out, I underestimated how much planning it would take and knew I would have to make some adjustments for the next time I moved.

An insight I've gained since transitioning to graduate school would be budgeting, along with making smarter financial decisions as a student. Because I’ve been living off campus for over 3 years now, I've gotten used to observing my credit card statements and limiting my expenses to only purchasing the necessary and important things.

When renting a place in Ontario, it’s important to understand the distinctions between different types of living arrangements—especially when comparing a regular lease agreement with a Room and Board situation where the tenant lives with the landlord or their immediate family. 

What is a Regular Lease Agreement? 

When people ask me why I chose Queen’s University, my answer often surprises them. Unlike many of my peers, who selected their school based on a specific program’s reputation or career prospects, my decision came down to something far more personal: how the campus made me feel—and the perfect balance Kingston offered between independence and connection to home.