Welcome Admitted Students!
Congratulations on your acceptance to GVSU!
Wondering what's next? Review the resources linked below to learn more about your next steps related to financial aid, living and dining on campus, New Student Orientation, setting up your student account, and connecting to student resources. When you're ready to commit to Grand Valley, sign up for Orientation and pay (or defer) the Orientation fee -- this is how you tell us you're ready to be a Laker for a Lifetime!
Set up your GVSU Account
As a GVSU student, you’ll use a Network ID and password for access to computer labs, email, registering for classes, multi-factor authentication, and more. Instructions to activate your username and password will be emailed to you. You can also log in to your Laker Portal to find your credentials.
PLEASE NOTE: students admitted for Fall 2027 will begin receiving their Network ID and password in November 2026; later than in past years. This is due to a university-wide transition to a new system of record (from Banner to Workday).
File the FAFSA
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important step in planning for college costs. It’s how you’re considered for grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities that can help make your Grand Valley experience more affordable. Learn how to get started and explore the types of aid available to you.
Housing
Incoming first-year students* for Fall are required to live on campus. Once you're admitted to GVSU, you must submit a housing application or confirm your intention to live off campus. Students who apply earlier are more likely to get a preferred housing choice. Students must submit the following to be eligible for Fall placement:
• Housing application, contract, and $150 deposit
• Orientation reservation and Orientation fee
*A first-year student is a student who is just beginning their university studies including students who dual enrolled or attended early-middle college while in high school.
Sign Up & Prepare for Orientation
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Laker community! New Student Orientation is a required step designed to help you transition to life at Grand Valley. Signing up and paying your Orientation fee officially confirms your spot at GVSU. During Orientation, you’ll meet with an academic advisor, register for classes, and start connecting with other incoming students.
Before your session, take time to prepare so you’re ready for a smooth experience. Make sure you’ve completed key steps like taking your placement tests, setting up your GVSU account, and reviewing what to bring. You’ll receive detailed instructions after you register, but you can get a head start with the resources below.
Submit Your Transcript & Test Scores
Submit Your Transcripts
Before you begin classes, make sure Grand Valley receives your final official high school transcript showing your graduation date. This step is required to confirm your enrollment and process your financial aid. Ask your high school counseling office to send your official transcript electronically, by email to [email protected], or by mail to:
Grand Valley State University
Admissions & Recruitment Office
1 Campus Drive
Allendale, Michigan 49401
If you’ve completed college coursework at another institution, have that school send your official transcript to [email protected].
Send Your AP or IB Test Scores
If you’ve taken AP or IB exams, be sure to send your official scores to GVSU, once they’re available. Your scores may qualify for college credit and help you get a head start on your degree. Send your official test scores electronically, by email to [email protected], or list GVSU as a recipient school in the testing system.
Michigan Seal of Biliteracy
The Michigan Seal of Biliteracy (MI-SoBL) is awarded to high school graduates who exhibit proficiency in English and at least one additional world language via several approved pathways; if you have the MI-SoBL, you can earn up to 15 college credits at Grand Valley State University.
Learn more about getting credit for AP or IB classes and the Seal of Biliteracy on our Credit by Exam page.
Additional Resources
Explore these helpful links to get started as a Laker! From meal plans and additional scholarship opportunities to campus health and student life, these resources will help you feel confident and prepared for your first semester at Grand Valley.
- Visit campus, if you haven't already
- Review the Housing Checklist
- Purchase a Meal Plan
- Consider the Honors College
- Get familiar with campus safety, transportation, and parking services (permits available here)
- Learn more about Recreation & Wellness on campus, student health resources, and the GVSU Counseling Center
- Student Accessibility Resources (SAR) provides resources, education, and direct support for equal access to all programs and services at Grand Valley State University
- Connect with the Office of Student Life and the Social Justice Centers to find your community, become involved, and develop meaningful connections as a Laker
- Bookmark these campus resources; Tutoring & Reading Center, Knowledge Market, Academic Advising, Student Academic Success Center, and Career Center
- Subscribe to the Laker Weekly newsletter
- The GVSU Course Catalog is a great resource for exploring academic program requirements and course descriptions
- Get your course materials & technology from GVSU Laker Store & Laker Tech