Life at Queen's

Life at Queen's

Queen’s is a diverse and dynamic, academically acclaimed university that provides students with an exceptional learning experience in a vibrant, safe, and supportive community. Queen’s engages our students, staff, and faculty in international learning, and attracts students who excel academically. With an entering average of 89.4% and world-class faculty who regularly win awards for teaching and research, we repeatedly rank in the top five of research-intensive medical/doctoral universities in Canada.

 

 

What makes Queen's a vibrant environment?

A key component of what makes Queen’s such a vibrant and engaging environment is the students, staff, and faculty, who hail from more than 125 countries around the globe. International students make up nearly 11% of the undergraduate student body, and help form a unique community that is dynamic in nature and diverse in outlook. No matter where you’re coming from, you have a place at Queen’s.

What if you want to travel?

Of course some students want to travel further. Queen’s has a robust program of international exchange, involving bilateral agreements with more than 150 universities in 40 countries, and also has access to a further 60 universities through consortial exchanges, allowing you to continue your exploration and studies as a Queen’s student.

Learn more about exchange opportunities!

2022 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

Queen’s is the university for the future, and looking to the future is key to our ethos and long-term goals. Out of 1,500 institutions, and for the second straight year, Queen's has ranked in the top 10 globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Learn more about the THE Rankings!

Student Experience

 

Get to know our campus

Though everything is within a short walk or bike ride at Queen’s, there’s a lot going on within a relatively small area. Here are a few resources to get you acquainted with our beautiful campus.

We want to ensure you get to know your campus and know how to get to your favourite places, classrooms, study spaces, and more. Take a look at our campus map and get walking! 

View Campus Map

We understand that taking a glimpse into our campus is a must, and we've got you covered. You can explore our campus virtually from anywhere in the world! 

View Virtual Tour

Learn more about other resources

Check out some social media accounts and websites that you should be following; all catered in helping international students. 

 

Our Queen's UAR Instagram is a great place to start. Keep an eye open for LIVE events, "a day in the life" student takeovers, the latest information, and much more. Follow us today!

Follow Queen's UAR

Interested in learning more about all the exciting things happening at Queen's? We've got you covered. Get your daily update on all things Queen's by following the main Queen's University Instagram account!

Follow Queen's University

For everything related to your travel to Canada and Queen's, our Queen's University International Centre is here to help. Find all the information and the support you need in this big and exciting new step!

Visit QUIC

Living on Campus

Residence Life & Services is committed to creating and supporting communities where equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity are embraced and celebrated.

Living in residence encourages active participation in the community - we are strengthened and enriched by our diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences.

Queen’s Residence Life believes in providing an environment where students can feel a sense of belonging, have diverse opportunities to build resiliency and access ongoing support toward achieving academic success.

Learn more about Queen's Residences

Kingston, Ontario

Queen’s is based in Kingston, Ontario's small, historic city, and the two are deeply connected. The campus is nestled in the city's core, only a ten-minute walk to downtown, and because of its proximity, Kingston is a part of the Queen’s experience for students, faculty, and staff alike.

From tutoring an elementary or high school student down the street, to volunteering or working for one of the many shops and businesses downtown, to becoming friends with a neighbour (who also could be a professor or staff member!), being a part of the Queen’s community and the Kingston community are intimately intertwined.

Other "About Kingston" Resources

Kingston is also just a short trip from the major cities of Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, each with international airports and additional opportunities for internships in your upper years of study.

Kingston is a great university town. We have a vibrant Downtown, an incredible lakeshore, great restaurants, and so much more. But don't just take our word for it. Watch this video about Kingston and get to know your new city a bit more!

Check out this video

Learn more about multi-cultural supports available for international students; from cross-cultural counselling to student cultural clubs, you will always find the help and support you need at Queen's!

Learn more about multi-cultural supports

The Yellow House is safe space for queer and racialized students to create community. The ability to create community is integral to student wellness. The Yellow House is a safe space for marginalized students to be. A space where QTBIPOC students can connect with one another to benefit from the power of community to support, to uplift and stand together.

Learn more about the Yellow House

Kingston is also one of the most consistently windy cities in Canada (take note, sailors!). While temperatures have been known to reach upwards of 34 degrees Celsius in the summer and as low as -34 degrees Celsius in the winter, on most days Lake Ontario has quite a moderating effect on Kingston weather:

  • an average January day charts a low temperature of -12° and a high of -3°;
  • an average July day charts a low of +16° and a high of +25°;

Learn more about Kingston

We also offer information and support for those students who decide to live off-campus during their time at Queen's. Take a look at the Off-Campus Living Advisor website today. 

Off-campus housing

Queen’s strives to maintain a safe and secure environment. In addition to University Campus Security and other safety-dedicated staff, groups such as First Aid, Student Constables, Walkhome and Student Wellness Services provide a range of resources that promote a safety-first approach to campus living.

Learn more about safety on campus