To help newly admitted students prepare for their academic journey at Queen's and in Kingston, there are a number of orientation guides and events available outlining important information and supports.
SKHS Orientation
Each year SKHS hosts a department-specific orientation for new graduate students, which includes:
- A tour of the SKHS building at 28 Division St., Kingston
- Desk and workspace assignments
- Health and safety training
- Teaching assistantship training
- Social events with current graduate students, faculty, and staff
SKHS orientation is usually held during the first week of the fall term. Incoming students receive detailed information by email in the summer months leading up to their degree start date.
School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs Orientation
In addition to the SKHS Graduate Office, incoming graduate students are supported by the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (SGSPA). SGSPA has a detailed orientation guide for graduate students, as well as a schedule of events for incoming graduate students.
Queen's University International Centre Orientation
The Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) is an invaluable resource for international students navigating their studies at Queen’s. QUIC hosts an international student summer orientation.
Kingston has a unique, and often frustrating housing market. There are many resources available to help incoming students secure a place to live before they begin their studies.
Off-Campus Living Advisor
Queen’s University has an off-campus living advisor who is available to meet with and guide students towards housing opportunities. Their website also includes several resources to help students navigate the housing market.
Queen's University Community Housing
Queen's University Community Housing is Queen's-owned off-campus student rental property management. Their website is a hub of resources, including the Accommodation Listing Service.
Students with family responsibilities may find the following resources helpful:
We are grateful to welcome many international graduate students to our program each year. We recognize that orienting to SKHS, Queen's University, and Kingston may look different for international students. The following supports are intended to help international students throughout their academic journey at Queen's.
SKHS International Student Handbook
In 2024, graduate student members of the SKHS Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigenization Committee created International Graduate Student Handbook to compile SKHS-specific advice from current international students in the program.
Queen's University International Centre Orientation
The Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) is an invaluable resource for international students navigating their studies at Queen’s.
QUIC provides a detailed roadmap for international students to prepare for and transition to life at Queen's University. Some of QUIC’s most helpful resources for pre-arrival planning are found in their Pre-Arrival Guidebook.
QUIC also hosts an International Student Summer Orientation and events throughout the academic year.
City of Kingston Resources for Newcomers
International graduate students may find the City of Kingston's resources for newcomers helpful.
Queen's has a number of spaces on campus that welcome graduate students seeking community.
- Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre
- Yellow House Student Centre for Equity and Inclusion
- Ban Righ Centre
- Faith and Spiritual Life
Graduate students looking to connect with the broader Kingston community, may find the following resources helpful.