As an international mature student, my first days at Queen’s were filled with more than just classes and textbooks. I carried the weight of adjusting to a new culture, meeting unfamiliar academic expectations, and wondering quietly if I truly belonged. One chilly afternoon, someone mentioned a place called the Ban Righ Centre -“They have free vegan soup every day,” they said with a smile. It sounded simple, but curiosity drew me there. What I discovered was far more than warm soup. A welcoming smile greeted me at the door, and within minutes I was speaking with one of the Centre’s student advisors. She listened intently as I shared my academic goals, the personal challenges of living far from home, and the delicate balance between coursework and life. That conversation was the beginning of a new chapter for me. I joined discussion circles like Sharing Stories and attended other workshops that sparked new passions. And yes, I often returned for that hearty vegan soup!
The Centre welcomes undergraduate, graduate, professional, domestic and international mature women students, whether studying on campus or online. Its two dedicated advisors are available Monday to Friday to provide guidance on academic strategy, personal challenges, and financial concerns. For those in urgent need, year-round emergency bursaries ensure that financial setbacks don’t end an education. Work-spaces range from private study rooms to larger group rooms, with comfortable lounges for conversation. Computers, monitors, and printers are freely available, quiet reassurance that the tools you need are within reach.
Food is at the heart of the Ban Righ experience. The daily vegan soup nourishes more than the body; it creates a space to slow down, share a table, and connect. And while the Centre’s programs, from discussion groups to workshops, offer countless opportunities to learn, the real magic lives in the small moments: spontaneous conversations, shared laughter, and the unspoken understanding between people who have walked similar paths. If you’re a mature woman student at Queen’s, whether you’re from across the city or across the world, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Somewhere on campus, there’s a warm bowl of soup, an open chair, and a community waiting to welcome you.