When people ask me why I chose Queen’s University, my answer often surprises them. Unlike many of my peers, who selected their school based on a specific program’s reputation or career prospects, my decision came down to something far more personal: how the campus made me feel—and the perfect balance Kingston offered between independence and connection to home.
The Tour That Changed Everything
During my final year of high school, I visited several universities, but none left an impression quite like Queen’s. Walking through campus on a crisp fall afternoon, I could immediately picture myself there. The limestone buildings, the buzz of students chatting on the quad, and the vibrant energy of downtown Kingston all made it feel like a place where I could thrive—not just academically, but socially and personally. The tour guide’s enthusiasm was infectious, and the sense of community was palpable. It wasn’t just about the rankings or the courses; it was about the atmosphere. I remember thinking, "I could see myself here." That gut feeling mattered more to me than any brochure or statistic.
The Geography of Growth
Another major factor was location. I grew up in Ottawa, a city I love but also one I was ready to step away from for a while. I craved the chance to reinvent myself, to make decisions without the weight of familiar expectations. At the same time, I wasn’t ready to move halfway across the country. Kingston struck the ideal balance: close enough that a weekend trip home was easy (thanks to the VIA Rail corridor), but far enough that I could fully immerse myself in my new life.
The two-hour distance gave me the freedom to grow independently while keeping a safety net within reach. On tough days, knowing I could be home for a home-cooked meal or a hug from my dog was comforting. But most of the time, I appreciated the space to navigate adulthood on my own terms—whether that meant figuring out how to assemble IKEA furniture without help or hosting my first Friendsgiving.
Kingston: A City That Felt Like Home
Beyond campus, Kingston itself won me over. It’s a city small enough to feel cozy but big enough to keep things interesting. I loved the proximity to Lake Ontario, the quirky coffee shops, and the way the downtown core buzzed with student life. It had everything I needed—great study spots, affordable groceries, and even a thriving music scene—without the overwhelm of a metropolis like Toronto or Montreal. Plus, the tight-knit Queen’s community meant I was always running into familiar faces, whether at the farmer’s market or a waterfront park.
A Decision I’d Make Again
Looking back, I realize how much my choice was guided by intuition. I didn’t have a rigid plan or a single "dream program," and that was okay. Queen’s offered me something equally valuable: a place to grow into myself. The friendships I’ve made, the challenges I’ve overcome, and even the mistakes I’ve learned from all stemmed from that initial leap of faith.
To anyone else weighing their options: It’s okay to choose a school because it feels right. Sometimes, the intangible factors—the energy of the campus, the rhythm of the city, or the distance from home—matter just as much as the academics. For me, Queen’s wasn’t just a school; it was the backdrop to becoming who I was meant to be.