What To Expect During Your First Year at Queens

Your first year at Queens University of Charlotte is more than just a new chapter. It’s the start of something bigger. New places, new people, and new experiences are on the horizon — and don’t worry, we’ve got your back from day one. Here’s what you can expect as you dive into life as a Royal.

Your advisor will know you and your goals before you even step foot on campus.

One of the biggest perks of Queens? Our personal, in-depth approach to advising. Your advisor will reach out to you before your first semester even starts to make sure you’re set up for success. They’ll help you pick the right classes, map out your academic journey, and keep your goals in mind every step of the way. Whether you have a major in mind or you’re still figuring it out, they’re here to make sure your academic path works for you — not the other way around.

Home sweet residence hall.

Moving onto campus is where the real adventure begins. Whether you’re rooming with an old friend or someone completely new, your residence hall will quickly become home. Our walkable campus means you’re never far from class, coffee, or a new friend. Plus, your resident assistant (RA) and fellow hallmates will be ready to help you settle in and start making memories. Explore residence halls at Queens.

Wondering what to pack? Your room already includes a bed, desk, desk chair, dresser or wardrobe, mini fridge or full-sized fridge, and a microwave. Check out our resident resources webpage for a list of recommended items to bring — and, as always, feel free to reach out to reslife@queens.edu with any questions about housing.

A general education program like no other.

At most schools, general education refers to the basic liberal arts classes — like English, science, math, and history — that make up the first two years of college. At Queens, we think about general education a little differently. Our gen ed courses are delivered in a unique, topic-based format that promotes discussion and critical thinking. We pair our in-classroom learning with required out-of-the-classroom experiences to prepare you for your future.

“Our approach to general education is fundamentally different because we ask you to think about problems in a way that they have to be solved in the real world, which is by moving between different approaches and different disciplines.” – Dr. Jeff Thomas

Finding your place comes naturally here.

With 35+ clubs and organizations on campus, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved. Queens makes it easy to find your niche and build your community from day one. Not finding a club that suits your interests? Start your own. We love empowering students to bring their new ideas to life. Read more about student life at Queens.

Fuel your studies with good eats.

Good food makes college life better, and at Queens, you have plenty of options to satisfy your palate. Young Dining Hall (located in Trexler Student Center) is the main on-campus dining spot, offering a variety of freshly cooked meals — including vegetarian, allergy-friendly, and gluten-free options. Trexler is also home to a variety of spots to cure any craving:

• MecklenBurger — Burgers, fries, and tenders — oh my.
• Royal Bistro — A rotating menu that never disappoints.
• QC Pizzeria — Need we say more?
• Miss Betty’s Marketplace — Fresh sandwiches and grab-and-go options for busy days on campus.

Oh, and for tired mornings, the Coffee House and Einstein Bros. Bagels are always at the ready.

Your well-being matters.

Queens cares about your overall health and well-being. Starting as soon as you become a Royal, there’s an abundance of resources on campus to keep you feeling your best.

The Queens University Health and Wellness Center provides high-quality, confidential health care delivered by Atrium Health. The health center is located directly beside Barnhardt Residence Hall, so students can easily access medical services without leaving campus.

College is a huge change, and there’s no shame in reaching out for help with adjusting to such a new experience. The Counseling Center offers group sessions with clinically trained, licensed counselors. Individual private sessions are available for treating mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Feel free to email qucounseling@atriumhealth.org for more info.

Academic support at every turn.

From the time you begin as a Royal, Queens is committed to your academic success. If you need help with coursework, the Center for Student Success provides tutoring, accessibility resources, help with writing, and student success mentorship to keep you on track.

As you progress in your academic journey at Queens, the Vandiver Center for Career Development offers resume workshops and internship connections to help prepare you for your bright future.

You’ve got this, Royal.

Your first semester will be full of new experiences, challenges, and unforgettable moments. Along the way, you’ll find support, friendships, and opportunities that shape your journey. No matter where your path leads, we’ll ensure you have the resources and guidance to make the most of it. We can’t wait to see where Queens takes you.