When devoid of students, Kingston isn’t the lonely purgatory some people think it is.
Going into the winter reading week, students flock back to their hometowns, while few decide to stay behind. Coming from the West Coast, the decision to go home is a costly one, and exhausting, requiring me to get to Toronto or Ottawa for my flight, and then spending upwards of five hours on the plane before touching down in Vancouver. But, it doesn’t have to be this way.
Having spent multiple reading weeks in Kingston and staying this past summer, I’m well-versed in the benefits of enjoying Kingston without the chaos of the student population. With less students around, Kingston has an entirely different atmosphere, it’s relaxing, I’m more productive, and I’m able to spend more time on my hobbies and interests.
The primary appeal of Kingston over the break is the calming atmosphere. Caught up with papers, exams, extracurriculars and social obligations, Kingston can feel like an incredibly busy place. In the midst of all this, students forget to appreciate Kingston for what it is—a relatively small city by the lake, with beautiful limestone architecture and a fascinating history.
Removing classes, and the majority of the student population, staying behind over reading week allows me to appreciate the city, taking the time to go on walks, and trying out different places to study when every café isn’t crowded with students.
I’ve never been more productive than when I’m here in Kingston. Without class or social obligations, I have more time to get schoolwork done. I’m able to sit in the virtually empty library, without the annoyance of having to roam around looking for a spot or accidentally ending up beside a group of friends, who think studying is a social activity.
You could argue that you get more work done at home during reading week, but I know for most people that’s not the case. For me, going home involves obligatory social engagements with friends and family since it’s my only chance to see them in the semester. Though it’s nice to catch up, I prefer longer visits over the summer or winter holidays when I’m not on a time crunch trying to fit everyone in while my mind is preoccupied with mid and assignments.
Schoolwork aside, staying in Kingston over the break allows me to complete all the little tasks I’ve been putting off for the last six weeks. Let’s face it, there’s at least one chore in your student house you haven’t done in over a year. Whether it be cleaning your showerhead, or vacuuming between the couch cushions, these things need to be done eventually whether you have the time to or not, and reading week is the perfect opportunity.
Staying in Kingston also gives me more time to myself. Though some might fear loneliness, time to yourself is incredibly important.
Living in a house with six girls, I rarely get the opportunity to be alone. Though I love my housemates, having a week off during the semester means I’m able to listen to music as loud as I want, have the kitchen to myself, and watch whatever I want on the TV—which also means I don’t have to put up with rolled eyes for putting on Derry Girls for the fifth rewatch. This peace of mind allows me to be myself and renews my sense of patience for when the house gets busy again.
Kingston isn’t completely lonely either. If you choose to stay, there’s undoubtedly someone in the same position as you—whether home is too far away, too expensive, or they have work obligations keeping them in town. Being some of the only people left in town gives you the opportunity to bond with acquaintances you wouldn’t have otherwise spent any one-on-one time with.
It also gives you the chance to venture outside the student district to see what the rest of the city has to offer. Without being caught up in schoolwork and social activities, you learn Kingston is so much more than the two-kilometre radius that includes the campus and student bars.
Coming and going with the seasons, students have an undoubtedly unique position in the Kingston ecosystem. Staying in town over school breaks allows you to experience Kingston’s local flair, while being more productive, and in tune with your interests and hobbies. As someone who has spent multiple reading weeks and an entire summer in Kingston, I can’t recommend it enough.
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