Transitioning to 成人大片
When transitioning from high school to 成人大片, it's important to remember that your independence will play a major role in your off-campus living experience. You'll be responsible for managing your own schedule, finances, and daily routines. But don't worry, with a bit of planning and organization, you'll be able to navigate this new chapter with ease.
Living off-campus can be a bit lonely at first, but it's important to remember that you don't have to force yourself to socialize with a lot of people if you're not comfortable doing so. Taking things slow and working within your comfort zone is perfectly okay. While most people tend to make their first friends at Queen's in their residence, that wasn't necessarily the case for me. I found that I made more friends in class and other on-campus events. There are so many different student clubs and communities to choose from on campus, so it's important to find the one that fits your interests. Not only will you have fun and make new friends, but you'll also be able to pursue your
hobbies and develop new skills. Take the time to explore your options and find the perfect fit for you!
Indoors and outdoors
I have to say, the time I spend with my friends outside of class is the best part of my off-campus life. We love cooking and doing potlucks together, especially since I have a nice kitchen and a larger space to hang out. It's so much fun to get creative in the kitchen and try out new recipes. As for meals, I know that in the first year of school, we are provided with 19 meal swipes per week and 250 Tams. But even with these, cooking can be a great option. It's not only a fun activity, but it's also a great opportunity to learn how to manage your living budget and take advantage of student discounts and special offers that can save you a lot of money.
Don't forget to spend some time outdoors too! There are so many beautiful places to explore in Kingston. You can take a walk along Lake Ontario, have a picnic in your favorite park, hop on the free ferry to Wolf Island, hike the beautiful trails and beaches, or visit the farmer's market during the weekend. There's so much to do and see, and it will make your stay in Kingston much more meaningful.
Resources and housemates
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Kingston, it can be quite challenging. This is especially true for students, as the competition is high, and the resources are limited. In my experience, it's best to start looking for a room at least six months in advance to ensure that you have enough time to find a suitable place. There are several resources available that can help with your search, including Facebook communities, Kijiji, and Queen's off-campus living resource. These platforms are great for connecting with potential roommates and landlords. Additionally, living on your own can be expensive, so it's a good idea to consider doing grocery shopping with
housemates or friends and splitting the bill. This can help to save money and make living in Kingston more affordable.
Living with housemates can be a great experience, especially if you know them well and get along with them. However, it can also be challenging, especially if you have a housemate who is just renting the same house as you. The key to making it work is to negotiate and be open to communicating with each other. It's important to respect each other's habits and maintain a small community as a group. I would recommend discussing personal habits like whether you're a morning or night person, whether you prefer a quiet or socializing space, and whether you cook or not. If you have the opportunity, living with an upper-year student who knows Kingston well can be a great choice. Ultimately, open communication and mutual respect are the keys to a successful and enjoyable living situation.
House tours, neighborhoods, and transportation
When looking for a place to live, I recommend going on a house tour to get a feel for the place before committing to any landlords or agencies. This will give you a better idea of what your room and common areas will be like. Also, be sure to explore the surrounding neighborhoods. I personally live on Princess Street and although my apartment is close to the main campus; my balcony faces a busy road which can be quite loud at night. However, there is a bus stop right next to my apartment which makes transportation to and from school very convenient. Even without the bus, it only takes me about 15-20 minutes to walk to campus. Most of the student housing options are within walking distance of the campus, but Kingston's transportation system is also very reliable and can take you almost anywhere you need to go.
Being an international student, I can relate to the difficulty of adjusting to a new environment. Leaving family and familiar surroundings behind can be daunting, especially when trying to build connections with the Queen's community while living off-campus. I remember feeling isolated and disconnected until I decided to volunteer for different organizations and participate in the Work Study Program. Stepping out of my comfort zone was key to building relationships and finding support. I discovered that there are plenty of student resources available on campus for new students to explore, including various ethnic communities both on and off campus. It just takes a
little effort to get involved.