New year, new first-year class, new memories

The electricity of a new academic year was in the air over the weekend as more than 4,700 first-year undergraduate students began their Queen’s journey. Thanks to careful coordination with city partners, Queen’s welcomed students to 18 residence buildings with a smooth and efficient move-in process over Friday and Saturday.

A few of the more than 1,000 student volunteers who helped make the move-in experience memorable for new students and their families and supporters.

As in previous years, Queen’s adopted measures to ensure an efficient process. Half of arriving students and their families were directed to Richardson Stadium, where they received their keys, met volunteers and other families, and waited until there was space in front of their building for quick unloading.

“There’s an atmosphere of excitement and positivity for residence move-in, and that doesn’t happen by chance,” says Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Ann Tierney. “Staff and volunteers collectively dedicate hundreds of hours planning for move-in, helping students and families from the moment they arrive on campus, settle in their rooms, engage in orientation activities, and start the academic term. It’s truly a team effort, and I hope it has made new students feel welcomed by the campus community.”

First-year students parading to Richardson Stadium.

Following move-in, Fall Orientation got underway on Sunday with the Tricolour Parade down Union Street to Richardson Stadium, where the entire Class of 2028 took part in a pep rally and official welcome.

Principal Deane welcoming first-year students at Richardson Stadium.

At the event, they heard from Queen’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane.

“You arrive here at an important time,” said Principal Deane in his remarks. “Queen’s is well over 180 years old, and you will make contributions to this university in your own way. And through your studies here you will go on to transform your own lives, the lives of those around you, and make contributions to your communities, wherever they are."

First-year students cheering at Richardson Stadium.

Students also started to build community with peers from their faculties and programs and got the chance to show some Tricolour Spirit by learning the Oil Thigh and how to cheer "Cha Gheil!"

Student orientation leaders at Richardson Stadium.

Student orientation leaders also addressed first-year students and prepared them for Faculty Orientation events, which began after the stadium welcome.

Orientation events continue through Sept. 8, including the Tricolour Open House on Sept. 5, which gives new and returning students the opportunity to connect with the university’s wide range of student and recreation clubs. The ASUS Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, Sept. 7 is open to all students, and it will transform University Avenue into a market that features more than 300 booths operated by local businesses, community organizations and services, and Queen’s departments. Proceeds from the sale are donated to charity.

Learn more on the Fall Orientation webpage.