What's going on off-campus?
Be sure to check out the Off-Campus Newsletter for all things Off-Campus living. Would you like to sign up to have the latest edition of the Off-Campus Newsletter emailed to you? If so, register here. Please note that your email will only be used to receive this newsletter. If you wish to be removed from the list, simply let us know at ocla@queensu.ca
Move Out Information - How does the stay at home order impact me?
We encourage all students and supports to follow regional and provincial public health guidelines. Currently under the emergency order, moving residences does qualify as an essential reason for travel. Most rental units have back to back leases which means there is someone scheduled to move into your unit on May 1. You cannot assume you can change your move out plans without first consulting with your landlord. Your landlord is not obligated to make any adjustments to your move out date or time.
If you have roommates who are also moving please consider coordinating your moves so that you are not moving at the same time. Please remember to practice safe physical distancing of 2 metres. Please limit the number people that come to assist you to just two.
You are encouraged to refer to the Sustainability Mindful Move-out page for more information on a safe and sustainable move. The City of Kingston has compiled a list of helpful resources and tips about your move from Kingston. For information on garbage, recycling, and information for students; please visit the City of Kingston - Students page.
The following information and links are provided to support students looking for safe and appropriate off-campus housing in the Kingston community during the pandemic including temporary quarantine accommodation.
Your Housing Search
Given the ongoing pandemic, your housing search may be limited to on-line viewings and remote negotiations. Most leases are signed for a fixed term. That signed contract constitutes a binding agreement that cannot be cancelled if you later determine that the living space is not suitable for you, is too far from campus, or does not meet expectations. Before you sign a lease, make sure you are confident that the space is appropriate for your needs.
Apartment/housing search websites are helpful, but cannot and do not guarantee the quality or legitimacy of every posting. As a tenant, you need to be vigilant to avoid being defrauded.
Queen’s University does not endorse or warrant the quality of units advertised on any rental search tool, including units posted to the Accommodations Listing Service on our Community Housing website.
In addition to the Accommodations Listing Service, the links below are provided as a convenience to start your housing search:
Other considerations
Finding a room is only part of the equation. Before you agree to live with others, it is recommended that you negotiate clear expectations for co-living.
The two most common areas of conflict in Kingston student households are:
- no shared understanding about what “clean” means, and
- partners or guests spending too much time in the unit.
During COVID-19 restrictions, you will likely be spending a lot of your time in your house/apartment. To ensure you feel safe and productive in your space, take time to establish clear agreements with the people you live with about:
- visitors and guests
- respect for quiet during class time
- cleaning, including following public health recommendations for illness prevention and shared spaces
Like many other situations, good preparation will be key to success.
Quarantine Temporary Accommodation
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, hotels across Kingston have created accommodation packages to meet the needs of Queen’s graduate and undergraduate students. Each provider offers a different package. Interested students are encouraged to investigate all the options available. Please contact the hotel directly to inquire about the Queen’s student/best available rate. It may be also a good idea to ask about booking cancellation policy in case your plans change. You will be required to pay for these accommodation and food costs.
Four Points by Sheraton Kingston
Residence Inn by Marriott Kingston Water’s Edge
To learn how to find other accommodation options in Kingston visit the QUIC Housing Search page.
If you are unable to immediately begin your onward journey to Kingston upon arrival in Canada, or if you are required to quarantine at your Port of Entry, hotel providers in Toronto have created accommodation packages to meet the needs of students. You will be required to pay for these accommodation and food costs.
Off-Campus Living Advisor
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Adam King, the Off-Campus Living Advisor, is available to provide confidential guidance on evaluating off-campus housing, tenant rights and responsibilities, and resources for moving in/out. If you have questions or would like to schedule a confidential meeting, please email ocla@queensu.ca
