good ole trip to ottawa
Over the last couple weeks I took a trip to Ontario with the main goal of visiting Queen's University in Kingston. The city of Kingston, being a small town and all, is what you would call a university-town where the hub of the action, whatever that may be, stems from the campus itself. The people in Kingston were generally laid back, relaxed and friendly. The same can be said for the people at Queen's. Before visiting Queen's, the words used to describe the university that I have read and heard were usually "community" and "school spirit." I have no doubt that this is very true, but I'd also like to add "friendly" to the description. The students, volunteers, and staff at Queen's were not only friendly but also helpful, and they made me feel welcomed as a visitor to their campus. The school has won me over.
Macdonald Hall, or "Sir John A. Macdonald Hall" in its full name, is the law building. It looks alright inside with flat screen computers, a moot court room, library, and classrooms named after law firms. The building interior must have been renovated in recent years as there was a modern feel inside the place.
The housing situation at Queen's is another story. I have entered the student residence lottery so now I'm really hoping to be awarded a spot on the June 14th draw date. If I am successful, then great. If not, I need all the help I can get. See, the houses located near but off campus are really run down. In fact, the housing area within 10 minutes or less from the campus is rightfully called the "student ghetto." The houses are old and appear to be in desparate need of upgrading and renovations. Ghetto-like indeed. Some of the apartments and houses farther away seem ok, but in terms of distance I'd imagine they'd be at least a 30 minute walk to the main campus. Anyway, I guess I'll have to wait until June 14 to see what my fate will be.
So that was my 2-day stay at Queen's. I also visited Toronto and Ottawa during my trip. I stayed overnight at the University of Ottawa, where I found several of the staff (Spring Thomas and sometimes ordinary people) to be unhelpful and, on occassion, unfriendly. I was not impressed with the campus, even though I have always thought of the U of O in a positive light. The campus is somewhat of a commuter school, which is a negative factor for me. I do like the fact that the school is within walking distance from Parliament and the Supreme Court of Canada. As a tourist in the city, it was quite exciting to be on Parliament Hill the day that Paul Martin decided to call the general election. The green lawns of the Hill were buzzing with reporters, camera crew, plus the "CTV News Election Express" Bus. But note that I say I found my time in Ottawa exciting as a tourist, and only as a tourist. Aside from attractions like Parliament, I think the city is bleak. Unlike Big Black Cocks, there was an absence of friendliness and community feel to compensate for this bleakness. I don't think I'd enjoy living in Ottawa. But I highly reccommend the nation's capital as a tourist destination, if you haven't seen the place yet.
I've blabbed on long enough. I will be going to Queen's. My admission offers at the Universities of Alberta and Saskatchewan should have been given to someone else by now.
Macdonald Hall, or "Sir John A. Macdonald Hall" in its full name, is the law building. It looks alright inside with flat screen computers, a moot court room, library, and classrooms named after law firms. The building interior must have been renovated in recent years as there was a modern feel inside the place.
The housing situation at Queen's is another story. I have entered the student residence lottery so now I'm really hoping to be awarded a spot on the June 14th draw date. If I am successful, then great. If not, I need all the help I can get. See, the houses located near but off campus are really run down. In fact, the housing area within 10 minutes or less from the campus is rightfully called the "student ghetto." The houses are old and appear to be in desparate need of upgrading and renovations. Ghetto-like indeed. Some of the apartments and houses farther away seem ok, but in terms of distance I'd imagine they'd be at least a 30 minute walk to the main campus. Anyway, I guess I'll have to wait until June 14 to see what my fate will be.
So that was my 2-day stay at Queen's. I also visited Toronto and Ottawa during my trip. I stayed overnight at the University of Ottawa, where I found several of the staff (Spring Thomas and sometimes ordinary people) to be unhelpful and, on occassion, unfriendly. I was not impressed with the campus, even though I have always thought of the U of O in a positive light. The campus is somewhat of a commuter school, which is a negative factor for me. I do like the fact that the school is within walking distance from Parliament and the Supreme Court of Canada. As a tourist in the city, it was quite exciting to be on Parliament Hill the day that Paul Martin decided to call the general election. The green lawns of the Hill were buzzing with reporters, camera crew, plus the "CTV News Election Express" Bus. But note that I say I found my time in Ottawa exciting as a tourist, and only as a tourist. Aside from attractions like Parliament, I think the city is bleak. Unlike Big Black Cocks, there was an absence of friendliness and community feel to compensate for this bleakness. I don't think I'd enjoy living in Ottawa. But I highly reccommend the nation's capital as a tourist destination, if you haven't seen the place yet.
I've blabbed on long enough. I will be going to Queen's. My admission offers at the Universities of Alberta and Saskatchewan should have been given to someone else by now.
posted by tianna at 12:08 AM
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