THE STUDENT GHETTO (OR STUDENT VILLAGE)

Queen's hasn't enough residence space for upper-year students (although you're likely to find a room if you'd like one) and this has evolved into an annual spree where first year students (and those fed up with their second-year houses) hunt for places to nest outside the structural integrity of the Queen's Campus.

This area is referred to- affectionately- as the ghetto, as it resembles just that- aside from the occasional parked Hummer or BMW. It spans North (approximately) from the edge of campus on Clergy St. (soon to become the new Queen's Centre) to Princess St., and West from Barrie to... let's say Albert (the houses west of Albert and east of Barrie just don't cut the ghetto mustard).

There's no doubt that some houses outside this area are ghetto-ish, but they definitely aren't found in the same density. The ghetto is where most upper-year students end up at one point or another in their student careers.

The houses are creaky, leaky, sometimes a bit freaky- yes, a rhyme - and life is punctuated by the occasional bat in the basement or draughty window. It is invariably fun, however, and sure to be a memorable experience- even if you decide to move somewhere nice after one year.

One advantage of living in the area I've defined as ghetto is the close proximity to many cafes and coffee shops (ie. Stooley's-great takeout, JJ's, Starbucks, and Coffee and Company).

Above: A Queen's owned house. This one is practically located right on campus.

Above: It takes a lot of house hunting to find a place that isn't infested with rats & bats.