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What’s not to like about living Off-Campus in Kingston, Ontario? I love it. At first, I was nervous about moving out of residence, gaining much more independence than in my first year, and navigating all the challenges change brings. But I can confidently say that the freedom you gain is very rewarding, especially when you don’t abuse it. Looking back now, in my first year, I felt confined to certain spaces in the city. Especially being new to the school and the area, it was overwhelming at first and I found myself sticking to what I “knew,” which was mostly on campus.

A personal insight I have gained since transitioning to Off-Campus living would be time management. Since living off campus, I have noticed that there is a lot less structure than living in residence. For example, in my first year, I had to follow my school schedule, which has not changed but I also had to make time to attend meals. Since the dining halls have specific mealtimes for breakfast, lunch, and supper, you had to prioritize getting to the dining halls before each meal would end.

Over the course of my 5 years at Queen’s (including a semester abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland), I’ve lived with over 20 different people in various living arrangements. Here are some of the key things I’ve taken away from my experiences.

Living off-campus at Queen’s University presents a unique set of challenges and learning opportunities for students. From navigating the complexities of securing suitable accommodation to integrating with the local community, the experience can be as enriching as it is daunting. Here, I share my personal experiences, the obstacles I encountered while living off-campus, and the strategies I employed to overcome them.

1. Finding Affordable Housing

Moving to off-campus living in Kingston comes with many lessons and adventures. Reflecting on my own experiences, here’s the advice I would give to my past self about navigating off-campus living and the search for the right property:

Start Your Search Early

Living off-campus while attending Queen’s University presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. As someone who has lived off-campus for two and a half years, both alone and with roommates, in a house and an apartment, I’ve encountered several hurdles, from budgeting to fulfilling certain responsibilities.

Budgeting and Financial Management

Living with housemates can be both challenging and rewarding. When I moved in with two of my closest friends, I was initially hesitant due to hearing negative stories about friendships being strained in shared living situations.

In Ontario, the N11 form plays a crucial role in the realm of tenant rights and agreements. As a student renting accommodation in the province of Ontario, it's essential to understand what the N11 form entails, its appropriate use, and how it may impact your tenancy. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the N11.

What is the Ontario N11?

Embarking on the journey of living off-campus while attending university is an exciting transition that offers a mix of independence, responsibility, and the opportunity to delve into the local community.

I spent four years at Queen’s as an undergraduate student, so when I was navigating the transition to graduate school, I felt confident that I knew enough about Queen’s, the Kingston housing market, and my personal living preferences and that the transition to off-campus living as a graduate student would be seamless. I ended up living in a six-person house this year (the first year of my MA), and I had lived in big student houses with 6 people in previous years in my undergrad.