Graduate school can be intense, demanding, and sometimes overwhelming. With deadlines constantly on your mind, it's easy to get tunnel vision and forget about one essential aspect of the journey: having fun and connecting with others! In the midst of the Ph.D. grind, it鈥檚 crucial to engage with the Queen鈥檚 University community and explore all the great things Kingston has to offer.
This post is part of a series designed to support graduate students as they navigate their academic journey. Building on our previous discussion in "Before You Dive In: Essential Tips to Kickstart Your Graduate Journey," let's dive into how you can make the most of your time at Queen鈥檚 and build a rich, enjoyable experience outside of academics.
1. Engage with Your Department鈥檚 Graduate Student Body
Don鈥檛 overlook the graduate student community within your own department. Joining your department鈥檚 grad student body is a great way to form connections with peers and get involved in organizing social events, academic talks, and other activities. I served as a Ph.D. grad committee officer in the . This gave me a platform to represent student concerns, organize coffee breaks for faculty and students, and help with orientation activities. You could even start something like a buddy program to help new students adjust to life at Queen鈥檚 and in Kingston, just like I did. It鈥檚 a chance to develop leadership skills while fostering camaraderie.
2. Join a Club (or Start One!)
Did you know Queen鈥檚 has over 300 student-run clubs? From sports to culture to academic interests, there鈥檚 something for everyone. You can explore the full list of clubs on the . Every year, clubs showcase themselves at the and , so be sure to check them out next Fall if you鈥檙e still around. Additionally, some clubs participate in the Cultural Market, an annual event organized by the each March. Whether you鈥檙e passionate about a specific activity or curious about a new hobby, being part of a club can help you find your tribe and build a sense of belonging.
Can鈥檛 find a club that speaks to you? Why not ! For instance, I founded the in 2021-2022 to connect students with an Egyptian background and promote cultural exchange within the Queen鈥檚 and Kingston communities. Starting a club is a rewarding way to take initiative, foster community, and share your interests with others.
3. Get Involved in Events and Activities on Campus
At Queen's, countless events and activities are happening year-round. Make sure you鈥檙e following the , the , the , the Allyship & Belonging Student Calendar, and the Queen鈥檚 Events calendar for updates on events and activities. Whether it鈥檚 a bus trip, a trivia night, or an , there鈥檚 always something to enjoy. These events provide an excellent opportunity to meet other students, share your experiences, and take a break from your daily grind.
4. Explore Kingston
While your studies might be centred at Queen鈥檚, don鈥檛 miss the chance to explore Kingston! It鈥檚 a beautiful city with a rich history, and there鈥檚 always something going on downtown. Keep an eye on the , , The Isabel, and websites to discover concerts, markets, festivals, and outdoor activities. If you鈥檙e looking for a new experience, Kingston has plenty to offer. For example, October is an excellent time to check the fall colours at . I also like to go on hikes year-round to watch and take photos of wildlife in . Exploring the city helps you unwind and appreciate your surroundings beyond the academic environment.
Graduate school is a marathon, not a sprint, and it鈥檚 essential to maintain balance throughout your journey. Engaging in community activities, making time for fun, and building connections will help you stay energized and motivated. By getting involved in events on campus, joining clubs, staying active, and exploring Kingston, you鈥檒l enhance your grad school experience far beyond the classroom or lab. So, while it鈥檚 essential to work hard, don鈥檛 forget to have fun along the way!
Photo Credit: The blog post鈥檚 photo was taken by Bernard Clark and downloaded from .