Orientation
Winter 2022
There is a lot to know, we understand completely! Please carefully review the information on this page to help prepare yourself.
Airport Pick-up
International students should plan to arrive in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, January 5. Students who arrive to Grand Rapids on the designated arrival date AND will be living on GVSU's Allendale or Pew campuses have the option of requesting airport transportation using our shuttle service.
REQUEST AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION
All students should fly to the Gerald R. Ford Grand Rapids International Airport (GRR). We strongly suggest that you DO NOT attempt to take a train or bus from the Chicago or Detroit airports to Grand Rapids. Please book connecting flights that bring you all the way to the Grand Rapids International Airport. If you will not be using our transportation service, submit your flight information any time prior to your arrival. This can be helpful if any issues arise during your travels. You will receive an emergency contact number that you can call if there are any issues throughout your travel time.
Students living Off-Campus or students living on-campus but arriving outside the designated arrival days should organize their own transportation using:
- a local taxi company such as Metro Cab 616-827-6500 or Yellow Cab (616) 459-4646 (costs $60-70)
- a transport app such as Uber or Lyft (cost varies)
PLEASE NOTE: ORIENTATION HAS BEEN MOVED ONLINE FOR JANUARY 6 DUE TO WEATHER. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR DETAILS.
Orientation is mandatory and designed to give you the best start possible for your GVSU journey. For your convenience, safety, and accessibility, plan on attending the orientation sessions virtually. More details on online orientation sessions will be sent to you via email and posted in the GVSU International Students organization on Blackboard.
There is a charge of $150.00 for the mandatory orientation. Even if circumstances outside of your control require you to miss the orientation, you will be charged as the many preparations needed for your arrival have already been made. The fee will be charged to your GVSU student account by mid-September.
Winter 2022 International Student Orientation Schedule
Immigration Registration
Immigration registration will be conducted during orientation. This will include registering your passport, visa, I-94, I-20 or DS-2019 as well as verifying your SEVIS record.
Required Forms
All new International Students must complete the three required online forms. Please make sure to do this before the first week of classes. This information is needed to maintain your immigration status and meet GVSU's policies.
Orientation Leaders
For each International Student Orientation, we give special attention to hiring the most exceptional GVSU students to work on the Orientation Team. Our outstanding leaders who will guide, support, and welcome you to Grand Valley. We can't wait for you to meet them!
PEEPS Program
PEEPS is a volunteer program that allows returning students (domestic and international) to take part in the social activities of international student orientation. As a new student, you will appreciate their warm welcome, insight, advice, and company! You'll meet many of the PEEPS at the scheduled social events throughout orientation.
Hotels
If your flight arrives a day or so early, or later than midnight on the day of pick-up, there are a number of hotels near the Grand Rapids International Airport that you may find useful.