Resources
Here you'll find an overview of the many services GVSU offers to all its students at no additional charge as well as advice for Culture Shock, RAs, and Parents. We highly recommend you take advantage of these resources during your time at GVSU to make your experience as successful and enjoyable as possible.
On-Campus Resources
Housing
The housing website contains information related to living on campus, including an overview of the housing options, living learning communities and move-in procedures. You apply to live on campus or be an RA through them.
Laker Food Company
The Laker Food Co. website contains information on meal plans, campus dining hours, and nutrition. There is also information on applying for campus dining jobs!
Student Life
The office of Student Life oversees all of the student organizations on campus, including club sports. If you want to get involved, this is the place to start!
Student Accounts
Please visit the student accounts office to pay your bill, make payment arrangements, or inquire about Western Union.
Registrar's Office
The Registrar's Office takes care of all of your official records. Information on registration, dropping and adding courses, transcript evaluation, and graduation can be found here!
Student Employment
If you are looking for on-campus jobs, student employment would be happy to help you! This website contains tons of information for applying to jobs and working on campus.
Counseling Center
The Counseling Center would be happy to help you with any personal counseling needs, including homesickness. Students located in Michigan are able to receive free counseling. Their website also contains resources and information about mental health and self care.
Career Center
Visit the Career Center to work on your resume, cover letters, networking, and even interview skills!
Public Saftey
Feeling safe in a new country is important! This website tells you what you need to know to be safe on campus. Look here for information related to Safe Walk, the Laker Guardian app, emergency response procedures and bike registration.
Overcoming Culture Shock
Culture Shock is the cultural adjustment process students go through when arriving in a new country that is foreign to them.
Reverse Culture Shock is a repetition of the culture shock process that you initially experience during your arrival to the US when you return to your home country. Feel free to explore this guide for coping with reverse culture shock.
Here are some ways to minimize culture shock:
- Get involved with your studies
- Join student organizations
- Continue religious practices
- Make new friends Participate in PIC activities (Padnos International Center)
- Stay connected with family and friends through email, skype, facebook, etc.
- Live healthy (sleep, diet, exercise)
- Share your feelings with family and friends
- Share your feelings with counselors
If you are having difficulty adjusting to life here at Grand Valley, the University Counseling Center is available. The University Counseling Center i s a free, confidential service for all students. Offices are located in Allendale, Grand Rapids and Holland. Both personal and career counseling are available.
The Campus Recreation Center offers many different recreational activities for Grand Valley students. Their mission is to enhance the GVSU experience through co-curricular learning, development, and recreational opportunities that promote health and well-being. You must have your Grand Valley ID to enter as well as rent equipment.
Visit OrgSync, the Student Life website, to find and join over 300 different student organizations.
RA Students & Parents
Are you a current Resident Assistant looking for resources to help your international students succeed at GV? Check out these resources that can help you Provide Practical Advice, Prevent and Resolve Conflicts and Plan Diversity Activities.
Are you a parent of an international student? Check out the Resources for Parents page to learn more
Cultural Competence & Humility
The Division of Inclusion & Equity offers A GUIDE to cultural competence and the importance of diversity at GVSU.