Partying culture may seem frivolous, but it often doubles as a vital outlet for connection and relief.
Queen’s has long carried the reputation of being one of Ontario’s top party schools—a label often perceived as negative. Students have faced criticism from both the public and the University for excessive partying, which has strained Kingston’s public health systems, including yearly spikes in alcohol-related emergency room visits.
While the partying at Queen’s has drawn criticism for its risks, it also plays a crucial role in fostering social connection for students navigating isolation and loneliness. In recent years, many university-aged Canadians have faced rising loneliness, fuelled by social media dependence and weakening community ties.
At Queen’s, however, “party culture” revolves around social connection through house parties, pre-games, and nights out at local bars—which can offer a meaningful antidote to social isolation. Queen’s party culture can exclude some introverted students, who often find connection through other activities.
READ MORE: Putting aside the pressure to party
While excessive partying does have its drawbacks, its benefits shouldn’t be ignored. In an era defined by loneliness, Gen Z is partying less than previous generations. Past generations, like Millennials, often treated bars as third places—public spaces to relax in outside of one’s workplace or household where friends could meet, destress, and have fun.
Today, social media trends promoting clean eating, fitness, and strict sleep routines have been linked to increased social isolation. Like partying, an over-emphasis on wellness comes with trade-offs—students risk missing out on opportunities to connect and create lasting memories.
This tension between wellness culture and social life is especially visible at Queen’s,
where partying remains a central outlet for connection. It’s often joked that Queen’s unofficial motto is: “Work hard, play harder.”
Kingston’s thriving nightlife scene gives students several opportunities to party: Brass Pub on Sunday, the Ale House’s Tumble Tuesday, Stage Rage Thursdays, and Trinity Social’s Dollar Beers on Saturday—repeated week after week, these nights on the town add up.
Learning to maintain a solid work-life balance is an important part of the university experience. In moderation, carefree nights out with friends are a form of caring for oneself socially.
Whether taking silly candid pictures or meeting the “love of your life” at the club, meeting and interacting with new people in a stress-free environment is something that Queen’s party life encourages. It’s also something that can’t be replicated by spending excessive time alone or sitting behind a screen.
So, enjoy the next Tumble Tuesday or Dollar Beers guilt free—it may be a vital part of your story at Queen’s.
Tags
bars, going out, Lifestyle, Nightlife, party culture, 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.