Stop limiting yourself to the student bubble

Kingston is more than just The Hub, Stauffer, and overpriced student homes.

As I wrap up my third year at Queen’s, I’m beginning to hear my peers lament they’ve outgrown the club scene or complain there’s simply nothing else to do in Kingston. When I ask if they’ve explored one of the city’s many hiking trails or tried the diverse selection of restaurants downtown, I’m often met with blank stares.

As Queen’s students, it’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of school, work, and the predictable Thursday nights at Stages.

We take being here for granted.

Although Kingston’s known for being a university town and quite small compared to the metropolitan cities nearby—Montreal and Toronto—it has far more to offer than dollar beers at Trinity Social or late-night cramming under the dim lights of Stauffer’s second floor.

The city is rich in history, culture, and entertainment if you know where to look.

Kingston boasts an unbelievable culinary scene, with more restaurants per capita than anywhere else in Canada. It has certainly earned its reputation as a foodie destination, offering a diverse selection of restaurants, from Indian and Italian to Japanese and innovative fusion ts.

Venture beyond your usual routine, Kingston has so much to offer outside of campus life. Instead of studying in the same old spots, consider switching it up—visit the public library or one of the many incredible cafes like Juniper or Coffee & Co. Take a walk along the lakefront path or explore hiking trails such as Lemoine Point or Rock Dunder for breathtaking views and a break from the demands of your academics.

If you’re in the mood to shop, ditch the online browsing and take a walk downtown. Window shop to your heart’s content and local businesses that offer unique finds, from handcrafted goods to vintage treasures. For an artistic escape, visit Martello Alley for creative inspiration or catch a movie at The Screening Room, an independent cinema showing everything from indie films to cult classics.

If you’re looking for a quick adventure, take the ferry across the water to Wolfe Island for a change of scenery—rent a bike, visit the farmers market, or simply enjoy the tranquil escape from city life.

For many of us, Kingston isn’t our hometown or where we envision ourselves settling—we’re here for a limited time, and it’s a disservice to ourselves not to explore all this town has to offer while we still can. Stop complaining about having seen it all. Instead, remind yourself there’s no shortage of things to try and places to explore that will enrich your university experience.

Kingston is so much more than a stopover on the way to the next stage of life. It’s a beautiful city with charm, culture, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. So, step outside your comfort zone, break the routine, and make the most of your time here before it’s too late.

Mikayla is a third-year Political and Global Development studies student and one of The Journal’s Copy Editors.

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