PACKING LIST

MOVE-IN DATES

alternate arrivalS

WHERE TO CHECK IN

WHAT TO EXPECT

MAIL & PACKAGES

TIPS FOR SUPPORTERS

GVSU STUDENT ID

• Help us by arriving during your assigned day/time.
• Please refer to the move-in email that we sent to your GVSU email with the GPS address of where to go when you get to campus. This address is based on where you live (north or south campus).
• If you need to register for an alternate date of arrival, click HERE.

• Check-in will happen in various locations depending on the building you live in and what time you arrive. 
• You will need your student ID to check-in and receive your room key. 
• After being checked in, you will unload your belongings and move into your room. 
• Once you have emptied your vehicle, please move it to the designated parking lot to make room for the next Laker to unload. 

• Before you unpack, be sure to complete your Room Condition Report (RCR) found on your myHousing Overview in Banner. 
• This document will make sure that you are not charged for damages you were not responsible for at the end of the year. 
• Please complete it within 24 hours of moving in. 
• All university-issued furniture must remain in the housing unit.

• After you’ve turned in your room inventory, settle into your new space! 
• Put away your belongings, hang up your clothes, etc. 
• Housing staff will be available to help with any questions you have.

• As you move in, you must attend a floor or community meeting that includes important information related to policies, procedures, and expectations related to living on campus.

• Scan your student ID at one of the nearby dining locations to make sure your dining account is active. 
• Visit the Laker Food Co. website for more information.

• Walking your route to class is a great way to get comfortable with the campus layout and ensure you will be on time for your first class.

• If you will be parking on campus and have yet to get a parking pass, be sure to visit Grand Valley Parking.

• Purchase your books and GVSU apparel from the GVSU Laker Store. 
• Visit one of our convenience stores on campus or hop on the free Laker Line bus route for a ride to Meijer.

• Laker Welcome takes place the first six weeks of every fall semester, providing our newest students with information and opportunities to connect with their community as they acclimate to life as a Laker! 
• Welcome Week is week one (August 19 - 25, 2024), and is filled with exciting and fun events. We can't wait to see you there!

Both the Ravine Mail & Package Center (for Allendale residents) and Winter Hall Front Desk (for downtown residents) will be able to receive mail and packages for assigned residents living on-campus for the Fall 2026 term beginning Monday, August 17, 2026. 

If you have applied for on-campus housing, but have not been assigned to a unit, your mail/package may be returned to the carrier. 

The mail/packages may not be logged in our system until after move-in days. 

Visit the Residential Mail & Packages Webpage for More Information. 
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The transition to college can be overwhelming for any student. As a parent, guardian, or family member of a new college student, you play an important part in your student's successful transition and subsequent academic and social success at GVSU.

It is important to understand that the Family Educational Rights to Privacy Act (FERPA) does not allow parents or supporters access to student's educational files, or the ability to make university decisions for their student.

Encourage your student to:

• Ask questions and solve problems on their own.
• Take risks that create positive results.
• Practice healthy behavior.
• Role model an adult relationship with you.
• Develop new friendships at GVSU.
• Talk with roommates about problems (in person) as it relates to sharing space.
• Get involved in campus events.
• Find a place they feel comfortable studying (which may be outside of their living center or room).