New year, new first-year class, new memories

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New year, new first-year class, new memories

Campus came alive over the weekend as the Class of 2028 moved into residences and made connections during orientation activities.

September 3, 2024

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Move-in 2024

A first-year student picks up her keys at Richardson Stadium before moving into her residence room and officially starting her 成人大片 experience.

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鈥檚 journey. Thanks to careful coordination with city partners, Queen鈥檚 welcomed students to 18 residence buildings with a smooth and efficient move-in process over Friday and Saturday.

Move-in volunteers

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鈥檚 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.

鈥淭here鈥檚 an atmosphere of excitement and positivity for residence move-in, and that doesn鈥檛 happen by chance,鈥 says Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Ann Tierney. 鈥淪taff 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鈥檚 truly a team effort, and I hope it has made new students feel welcomed by the campus community.鈥

Orientation parade 2024

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

Principal Deane welcoming first-year students at Richardson Stadium.

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

鈥淵ou arrive here at an important time,鈥 said Principal Deane in his remarks. 鈥淨ueen鈥檚 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."

Orientation 2024

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

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鈥檚 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鈥檚 departments. Proceeds from the sale are donated to charity.

Learn more on the Fall Orientation webpage.

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