First-Year Foundation

SOAR: Summer Orientation to Academics and Resources

Summer Orientation for First-Year Students

Ready, Set, SOAR!

Get excited âˆ’&²Ô²ú²õ±è;SOAR (Summer Orientation to Academics and Resources) is your fun, free, and flexible online summer orientation experience, designed for incoming first-year undergraduate students and their parents and supporters.

Hosted by the Student Experience Office, and part of First-Year Foundation, SOAR helps you get a head start on university life:

  • Learn what to expect academically
  • Discover campus resources
  • Meet your peers
  • And get answers to all your questions

Throughout July, you can join live virtual events or explore on-demand content whenever it works for you. By the end of SOAR, you'll feel confident, connected, and ready to take on Queen's this fall!

 

From July 2-31, SOAR offers daily live events and fun ways to learn about university life, academics, and resources âˆ’ featuring socials, coffee chats, webinars, and Viva Engage!

Viva Engage

This is your go-to online community to connect with your fellow first-year students, ask questions, and join fun contests âˆ’ yes, there are prizes!

Webinars

Tune in live to hear from your faculty or school and get key info on course selection, life in Kingston, university tips, and more.

View Webinars here using the SOAR filter

Socials

Join our weekly virtual hangouts to meet new friends, have fun, win awesome prizes, and chat with upper-year Peer Ambassadors. 

Coffee Chats

Got questions? Connect with current Queen's students in our virtual Coffee Chats to get tips, advice, and real insights from Peer Ambassadors.

group of students in Queen's branded clothing smile

 

Getting Started with SOAR is Easy:

Step 1: Check the SOAR events here and register for events you're interested in âˆ’ new ones are added regularly! 

Step 2: Watch your Queen's email on July 2nd for your Viva Engage invite. Didn't get it by July 3rd? Email student.experience@queensu.ca.

Step 3: Join us on July 7th for the !

Step 4: All July long, take part in live webinars, socials, coffee chats, and fun conversations and contests on Viva Engage. Happy SOARing!

Free Online Events

SOAR is packed with live events in July! From webinars to socials and Peer Ambassador sessions, you won't want to miss out. Use the "SOAR" filter to easily view all events.

Parents and supporters, check out sessions just for you by using the "Parents and Supporters" filter.

Check out all SOAR events here

Missed a webinar? Don't worry! Many SOAR webinars are recorded and ready to view within 2-3 business days. .

three students sitting at a table looking at a laptop and smiling and laughing

Parents & Supporters

Your role matters âˆ’ and we're here to support you too! 

Check out our parent-specific webinars on the events calendar (use the "Parents and Supporters" filter).

Explore more parent and supporter resources from Student Affairs.

Interested in exploring campus in-person?

In-Person Campus Tours

Join us in Kingston for an in-person tour and picture yourself as a Queen's student.

Learn more

Queen's Summer Accommodations

Experience staying overnight in one of Queen's residence rooms. 

Learn more