So I finally arrived in Kingston, Ontario! After more than 30 hours travelling by planes, trains and buses, I arrived in my new beautiful home town to clear skies and unusually hot weather.
My first day of orientation was faculty specific, so we were shown around the Commerce building and met other Commerce exchange students. This also involved participating in a Guinness World Record attempt for ‘largest human letter’, which Queen’s broke with 3,373 students forming a giant Q on Nixon Field!
Before arriving I purchased a ticket for ‘NEWTS’ (New Exchange Worldly Transfer Students) orientation – what a good decision that was. Not only did I get to meet other students from all over the world (and lots of Australians!) but we did a mystery road trip to Toronto Zoo, had our own Olympics and paint party in the City Park, and were introduced to and involved in Queen’s traditions – such as faculty cheers and a Tamming Ceremony. The rich Scottish heritage is definitely a major part of the university and is something I’ve never experienced.
All in all, Frosh Week was unlike anything I’ve experienced and is something straight out of a North American movie! Queen’s students show a lot of pride and passion and I am so excited to officially be part of the Queen’s family – bring on the Fall Semester!
