I applied to a long list of schools in Grade 12; it was hard to know where I wanted to be for four years. Queen’s sold me because it seemed to be a big school in terms of opportunity but small in the sense of community. It was also one of a handful of schools with a stand-alone biotechnology program, which was important to me.

Looking back, I realize I truly gained independence in Kingston. I pushed myself to try new things, bursting out of my self-induced bubble. There was also a moment in one of my tutorials where I looked at the people in my group and knew we would be friends. I strongly believe that Queen’s has a space for everyone to find and form a community of friends.

One thing I love about Queen’s is the extracurriculars. They can be an extension of academics, a way to develop skills and a great way to unwind. You can join one of many faculty governments or the Alma Mater Society (Canada’s oldest student government). Queen’s also has animal watching clubs, cause-based organizations and many magazines and publications.

In first year, class sizes can be quite large. So students have to go out of their way to access support from professors, in office hours and via email. This dynamic shifts as early as second year, when some classes have only 40 students. In my experience, professors make a very strong attempt at engaging students. Teaching assistants at Queen’s also play a significant part in supporting students. They lead smaller sessions, further develop the content taught by professors and are often approachable first points of contact.

There is a student fear that when they enter university, they become a number. I believe it’s possible to advocate for yourself at Queen’s. Email the department; call the required administrative office. The staff are happy to help. On the flip side, it can be hard to navigate some offices or services. Different faculties at Queen’s can have different policies and procedures, and they can be confusing when you take courses outside your faculty. Reserve extra time when you try to navigate these, particularly during course enrolment when undergraduate assistants become a saving grace.

Kingston has a lot to offer students. There is the water nearby, which is bustling with activity in the summer. The city lives up to its name as the “Limestone City,” and the architecture hearkens back to Canada’s past. Kingston also has an amazing nightlife and amazing restaurants.

Best place to live: I really like Earl Street

Best place to study: Jeffery Hall after 5 p.m., in the lounge near the lecture halls. Don’t steal my spot!

Best campus events: The Dan Studio Series: they are fully student-run drama productions

Best campus food: When flipit opened, I think I fell in love

Best cheap lunch: Location 21

Best pizza: Score Pizza

Best place for a fancy dinner: Casa Domenico

Best giveaway: Use the Queen’s ExamBank to study for your finals. It is a game changer.

Best bar for hanging out: The Brass Pub

Best live music venue: The Mansion

Best hangover breakfast: As someone who doesn’t drink alcohol, I think Smoke’s Poutinerie is an iconic choice

Best place for a nap: A study room in the Bracken Health Sciences Library. On warmer days, I recommend taking a nap near Breakwater Park—highly therapeutic.

Best weekend activity: In the summer, I recommend walking downtown and just exploring

The thing that surprised me most about the school: Students at Queen’s are some of the most approachable

If I could change one thing about the school: I wish students saw the value of student engagement in student government as I think it is significantly declining