I remember my very first first move-in at Queen’s so clearly.
My parents and I shuffled into Gord Brock, dragging mini fridges and overstuffed suitcases up four relentless flights of stairs. After my posters were hung and my twin XL bed was made I revelled in my new found independence. That first weekend glowed with the sunny, slightly naïve optimism of a nervous first year in a brand-new city.
Now, as I return for my fifth and final year of the Con-Ed program, I can’t help but feel old. From my apartment, I watch the familiar scenes play out in the student area: front-yard beer pong tables, car loads of students hauling duffel bags and Facebook Marketplace couches, and gaggles of excited friends heading down to the pier. I was in their shoes once too, moving into my first house in my second year, buzzing with the thrill of reunions after a summer apart.
It’s funny how quickly the roles have shifted–from wide-eyed freshman to seasoned graduate, watching the cycle repeat itself. So, as Volume 153’s self-appointed “super senior,” I’ve decided to leave behind a little wisdom, and maybe a few cautionary tales. Here’s my list of 50 rules for surviving and enjoying your undergrad at Queen’s:
1. The Tea Room bagels are undefeated, but CoGro’s drinks will always take the crown.
2. It’s never too late to join a new club. Seriously, show up even in your fourth year. You never know what kind of new connections you could create.
3. Not all student houses are gross, but, unfortunately, most are. Don’t sign the lease on the first one you tour. Hold out for one that doesn’t scream health hazard.
4. Go to office hours, even if you don’t have questions. It’s important to establish relationships with professors and Teacher Assistants.
5. Say yes to random opportunities. For example guest lectures, art classes, the Geo vs. Mining Engineering hockey game.
6. Remember to press ‘save’ on your documents. Microsoft Word is known to sneak attack with an update, wreaking havoc on those who didn’t save.
7. Find your study spots early. Personally, I was keen on the Douglas basement or CRAVE downtown.
8. University’s more than just academics. Ensure you schedule time for friends, walks, and downtime.
9. A “just one coffee” habit adds up quicker than you think.
10. Don’t compare your path to others. Everyone’s undergrad looks different, and that’s okay!
11. Orientation week energy fades, so if you are dreading the noisy nights in residence, don’t fret, it’ll go away.
12. Always have a go-to “easy dinner” recipe for particularly grueling days. Cereal for dinner doesn’t count.
13. Don’t rush to the bookstore to buy every textbook your syllabus mentions. Half of them will be available online.
14. Take advantage of the Student Wellness services you’re paying for them anyway.
15. If you think you’re going to fall asleep in class, walk out. Nothing is more embarrassing than being woken up by a professor.
16. Don’t rely on a grace period treat it as a “for emergencies only” fallback.
17. Group projects will test your patience. Breathe.
18. Support student theatre, music, dance, and art shows!
19. On most weekends, every bar will have at least a small lineup. They occasionally move fast, but bring a jacket in the winter months!
20. Never underestimate the healing properties of a walk down by the pier.
21. If you want to avoid a hangover, stick to one type of alcohol. Your Sunday morning will thank me.
22. The ARC is quietest really early in the morning: perfect if you actually want to get a workout in without waiting ages for equipment.
23. Keep your Queen’s ID on you. You’ll need it more often than you think.
24. Try exploring buildings you’ve never set foot in—you can find some cool secret study spots if you really hunt.
25. Downtown Kingston is full of shopping gems–Montreal Street Collective is a crowd favourite.
26. Write thank-you emails. People remember them.
27. Call your parents once in a while. They’ll appreciate it.
28. You don’t need to be friends with your whole program. A handful is enough.
29. Go to the farmers’ market at least once.
30. Take at least one class because it sounds fun. Some of my favourite classes have been electives I picked just because I thought they looked cool.
31. There’s no unspoken class dress code I’ve seen everything from a suit and briefcase to pyjamas and slippers.
32. If you find yourself needing to head to West Campus, learn to love the walk! It builds character.
33. Don’t fear asking “stupid” questions. Chances are that half the class is confused, too.
34. Celebrate small wins a finished essay, survived a midterm, or even cleaned your room.
35. Skipping class occasionally is not a crime just try not to make it a habit.
36. Don’t underestimate how fast Kingston’s weather changes. I can’t even count the number of times I’ve gotten stuck in a downpour with no jacket.
37. Even if crowds or day-drinking aren’t your thing, I promise you can find ways to have fun on Homecoming or St. Patrick’s Day.
38. Find a professor who inspires you and take more than one of their classes. Talk to your TAs. They’ll often shape your grade more than you think.
40. Don’t take a class with an 8:30 if you’re not a morning person. You won’t go.
41. Treat all assignments and tests with the same attention. Don’t undermine assignments just because they seem insignificant. Small marks can add up and make a difference.
42. Accept that all your Tupperware will disappear in your student house. You’ll probably find it when you eventually move out!
43. If you can make it, it’s worth going to convocation. Even if it’s a bit lengthy and boring, it’s nice to celebrate your accomplishment.
44. Put in the effort to explore the Kingston area beyond downtown and campus. Wolfe Island is always worth a visit.
45. Keep old essays. It’s interesting to read them back and see how far you’ve come.
46. Apply for jobs and internships even if you think you’re underqualified.
47. If you can, opt to take in-person classes. Even though asynchronous can feel tempting, I promise that in-person delivery will be more engaging.
48. Take a cheesy selfie on the first and last day of each school year.
49. University doesn’t last forever make the most of it!
50. And finally: You don’t have to have it all figured out by graduation. Most of us don’t.
Tags
Postscript, Queen's, Student life
All final editorial decisions are made by the Editor(s) in Chief and/or the Managing Editor. Authors should not be contacted, targeted, or harassed under any circumstances. If you have any grievances with this article, please direct your comments to journal_editors@ams.queensu.ca.