Helpful Tips for University Students Living at Home
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Establish a routine: Set a consistent schedule for attending classes, studying, and completing assignments. A steady routine helps you stay organized and makes the most of your time at home.
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Communicate your schedule. Share your class times, study blocks, and major commitments with your family so they know when you're available and when you need quiet, uninterrupted time. Clear communication helps prevent conflicts, reduces interruptions, and sets realistic expectations for everyone at home.
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Embrace independence. Living at home can be a chance to build your independence and strengthen important life skills. Take responsibility for managing your finances, contributing to household chores, and looking after your own well-being. These habits will support you throughout university and beyond.
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Establish a support system. Connect with other students who are also living at home or join virtual study groups to stay engaged. A support network can boost motivation, provide accountability, and create opportunities to collaborate on assignments or prepare for exams.
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Prioritize self-care: Balancing schoolwork, family responsibilities, and personal time is important when you're living at home. Make space for the activities that support your well-being. Things like exercise, hobbies, time with loved ones, and getting enough sleep. Taking care of yourself helps you stay focused, energized, and better equipped to manage the demands of university life.
Every student's transition to university looks a little different, so it's important to adapt these tips to what works best for you. Stay open-minded, proactive, and willing to explore new opportunities as you embark on this exciting phase of your educational journey.
Commuting to Campus
Commuting to campus offers students a range of transportation options, each with its own level of convenience, cost, and flexibility. Whether you travel by public transit, car, bike, or by walking, each mode of transportation shapes your daily routine and overall campus experience.
Driving to campus can be a convenient option for students who prefer the flexibility of using their own vehicle.
- A parking permit guarantees you a parking space on campus, though not in a specific lot or location. Parking permits are not valid at parking meters.
- Students who prefer daily surface parking, can park at select lots using the HONK Mobile App or Pay & Display machines.
- Parking is free in all on-campus lots on weekends and after 5pm on weekdays.
Commuters may also consider a City of Kingston which provides access to designated commuter parking areas.
If you're driving to campus, consider the following:
- Keep essentials in your car, such as jumper cables, a flashlight and blankets.
- Ensure your vehicle is in good working order and monitor weather conditions, especially during winter.
- Keep your gas tank full, and have a backup plan in case you're delayed or need to stay overnight with a friend.
Taking the bus is a convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly option for many Queen鈥檚 students.
- Through the AMS program, eligible students receive a full-year bus pass, including summer access. On Kingston Transit, tap your card at the vehicle entrance.
- Kingston Transit offers with free parking on a first-come, first-served basis for those who want to combine driving and public transit.
- All Kingston Transit buses are equipped with rack and roll bike racks year-round, making it easy to combine cycling with bus travel. Click this for a step-by-step tutorial.
Riding the bus gives you the chance to relax, catch up on readings, or enjoy the scenic views around Kingston during your commute.
Cycling is a popular, healthy, and eco-friendly way to get around Kingston and the Queen鈥檚 campus.
- 黄色视频 is a bike-friendly campus with more than 400 bike racks available.
- Secure bike storage is available for an annual fee of $25, offering added protection for your bike.
- Students are encouraged to register their bikes for free through the , which increases the chances of recovery in case of theft.
- Kingston Transit buses also support cyclists with rack and roll bike racks throughout the year.
Cycling is a great option whether you're commuting to class, exploring the city, or enjoying Kingston's many scenic routes.
Student Life Centre (SLC)
The Student Life Centre (SLC) is located at the Queen鈥檚 Centre (First Floor). For $30.00 per semester, students can rent lockers at the SLC. It is important to note that if the locker contents are not removed by the end of the rental contract, a $10 content recovery will apply, and the contents will be held for 30 days.
For more information on locker rentals, contact the SLC Operations and Sustainability Manager at slc.ops@ams.queensu.ca.
Where to Hangout
Finding the perfect hangout spots on campus is an essential part of the university experience even if you are living at home and commuting. Here are some of our favorite locations where you can relax, socialize, and enjoy your free time.
The 黄色视频 Centre at 黄色视频 is a vibrant hub of activity and a testament to the university's commitment to providing an exceptional student experience. Situated in the heart of campus, this state-of-the-art facility is a beacon of academic, athletic, and social engagement.

Located in the Beamish Munro Hall, the Tea Room provides a cozy and inviting environment for students to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, catch up with friends, or study in a relaxed setting.

This stunning facility hosts a wide range of cultural events, including music concerts, theatre performances, and art exhibitions. It's an ideal place for those with a passion for the arts or if you would simply just like to have a view of the water while studying.

Mitchell Hall serves as a vibrant hub for student life and activities. It provides an engaging space for students to connect, socialize, and participate in a wide range of events, including guest lectures, workshops, and student organization meetings. Moreover, Mitchell Hall conveniently houses a Starbucks within its premises.

The library is more than just a study space; it also provides comfortable seating areas where students can come together to collaborate on group projects or relax with a captivating book. In addition, these libraries are designed to support and enhance the learning experience for our students
黄色视频, offers a total of six libraries that cater to a variety of academic needs:
- Stauffer Library: 101 Union Street
- Douglas Library: 93 University Avenue
- Bracken Health Sciences Library: 18 Stuart Street
- Education Library: 511 Union Street
- Jordan Special Locations: Located on the 2nd Floor of Douglas Library
- Lederman Law Library: 128 Union Street
