An insight I've gained since transitioning to graduate school would be budgeting, along with making smarter financial decisions as a student. Because I’ve been living off campus for over 3 years now, I've gotten used to observing my credit card statements and limiting my expenses to only purchasing the necessary and important things.
When renting a place in Ontario, it’s important to understand the distinctions between different types of living arrangements—especially when comparing a regular lease agreement with a Room and Board situation where the tenant lives with the landlord or their immediate family.
What is a Regular Lease Agreement?
When people ask me why I chose ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÊÔ´, 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.
Date
Friday May 1, 2026Location
MacGillivray-Brown Hall - 218 Barrie StreetThe Second-Hand Shuffle is back!
This annual waste-reduction initiative helps re-home quality items that students no longer need, keeping them out of landfill while supporting fellow students and the Kingston community.
Students are invited to drop off gently used items or pick up something new-to-you—all for free. From furniture and kitchenware to clothing and school supplies, the event helps give items a second life while making it easier for students transitioning from residence to off-campus living.
Event Location: MacGillivray-Brown Hall (218 Barrie Street)
Key Dates:
April 20 – 24 | 11am - 3pm (Drop-off, students only)
April 28 – 30 | 11am - 5pm (Drop-off and pick-up, students only)
May 1 | 11am - 2pm (Pick-up, students only) and 2 – 5pm (Pick-up, all welcome)
Student cards are required during student-only drop-off and pick-up times.
Please ensure all donated items are clean and in good condition, as soiled or broken items cannot be accepted. Certain items are not accepted, so please check our Second-hand Shuffle event details page for accepted versus not accepted items.
Interested in getting involved? Volunteers are needed to help make the event a success.
Date
Friday May 1, 2026Location
MacGillivray-Brown Hall - 218 Barrie StreetThe Second-Hand Shuffle is back!
This annual waste-reduction initiative helps re-home quality items that students no longer need, keeping them out of landfill while supporting fellow students and the Kingston community.
Students are invited to drop off gently used items or pick up something new-to-you—all for free. From furniture and kitchenware to clothing and school supplies, the event helps give items a second life while making it easier for students transitioning from residence to off-campus living.
Event Location: MacGillivray-Brown Hall (218 Barrie Street)
Key Dates:
April 20 – 24 | 11am - 3pm (Drop-off, students only)
April 28 – 30 | 11am - 5pm (Drop-off and pick-up, students only)
May 1 | 11am - 2pm (Pick-up, students only) and 2 – 5pm (Pick-up, all welcome)
Student cards are required during student-only drop-off and pick-up times.
Please ensure all donated items are clean and in good condition, as soiled or broken items cannot be accepted. Certain items are not accepted, so please check our Second-hand Shuffle event details page for accepted versus not accepted items.
Interested in getting involved? Volunteers are needed to help make the event a success.
Start Date
Tuesday April 28, 2026End Date
Thursday April 30, 2026Time
11:00 am - 5:00 pmLocation
MacGillivray-Brown Hall - 218 Barrie StreetThe Second-Hand Shuffle is back!
This annual waste-reduction initiative helps re-home quality items that students no longer need, keeping them out of landfill while supporting fellow students and the Kingston community.
Students are invited to drop off gently used items or pick up something new-to-you—all for free. From furniture and kitchenware to clothing and school supplies, the event helps give items a second life while making it easier for students transitioning from residence to off-campus living.
Event Location: MacGillivray-Brown Hall (218 Barrie Street)
Key Dates:
April 20 – 24 | 11am - 3pm (Drop-off, students only)
April 28 – 30 | 11am - 5pm (Drop-off and pick-up, students only)
May 1 | 11am - 2pm (Pick-up, students only) and 2 – 5pm (Pick-up, all welcome)
Student cards are required during student-only drop-off and pick-up times.
Please ensure all donated items are clean and in good condition, as soiled or broken items cannot be accepted. Certain items are not accepted, so please check our Second-hand Shuffle event details page for accepted versus not accepted items.
Interested in getting involved? Volunteers are needed to help make the event a success.
Start Date
Monday April 20, 2026End Date
Friday April 24, 2026Time
11:00 am - 3:00 pmLocation
MacGillivray-Brown Hall - 218 Barrie StreetThe Second-Hand Shuffle is back!
This annual waste-reduction initiative helps re-home quality items that students no longer need, keeping them out of landfill while supporting fellow students and the Kingston community.
Students are invited to drop off gently used items or pick up something new-to-you—all for free. From furniture and kitchenware to clothing and school supplies, the event helps give items a second life while making it easier for students transitioning from residence to off-campus living.
Event Location: MacGillivray-Brown Hall (218 Barrie Street)
Key Dates:
April 20 – 24 | 11am - 3pm (Drop-off, students only)
April 28 – 30 | 11am - 5pm (Drop-off and pick-up, students only)
May 1 | 11am - 2pm (Pick-up, students only) and 2 – 5pm (Pick-up, all welcome)
Student cards are required during student-only drop-off and pick-up times.
Please ensure all donated items are clean and in good condition, as soiled or broken items cannot be accepted. Certain items are not accepted, so please check our Second-hand Shuffle event details page for accepted versus not accepted items.
Interested in getting involved? Volunteers are needed to help make the event a success.
One of the most profound realizations I’ve had since starting post-secondary education is that I am truly on my own now. Growing up, many of us become accustomed to the safety net provided by our parents or guardians. Whether it was mom packing lunch, doing laundry, or dad driving us to school, these small but essential tasks were handled for us without a second thought.
March is considered the start of spring-cleaning season and for many students, it also marks the countdown to April 30, which is a very common move out date here in Kingston. Whether you’re graduating, heading home for the summer, or moving into a new place, a little planning now can make your transition smoother and far less stressful.
Living off-campus as a student can offer more independence and privacy, but it also comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to noise and disruptions.
