GETTING READY FOR CLASSES

• Student ID: Get your student ID by visiting any of the Student Assistance Centers in Allendale, Grand Rapids, Holland, or Traverse City.
• Books: Use the Laker Store textbook look-up to find and order your books.

• GVSU Email: Check your GVSU Gmail account. A link to your email can be found on the GVSU homepage to the left of the search bar.
• Blackboard: Login to Blackboard. A link to Blackboard can be found on the GVSU main homepage near the search bar.
• Navigate: Have questions? Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor using Navigate. 

Tuition and Finance

• Student Accounts - Questions about billing charges and paying your bill 
• Financial Aid - Questions about FAFSA, Grants, Scholarships, Student Loans, Concurrent Enrollment

• GVSU Tuition & Fees - Cost to attend GVSU
• Scholarships - Check out the GVSU Scholarship database

Reminders

• Get your Student ID: Visit the Student Assistance Centers in Allendale, Grand Rapids, Holland, or Traverse City to get your student ID. 
• Send Final Transcripts...updated official transcript at the end of each semester are required Failure to send an updated transcript at the end of each semester could limit your ability to register for future classes:
  • Email: [email protected] or Mail: Admissions Office, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI 49401
• Send AP/CLEP/IB: If you have taken an AP exam and/or Credit by Exam have your official score report sent to GVSU. We do not accept scores from the transcripts of other institutions, including high schools.
  • Request your report using College Board​​​​​​ website

NAVIGATING CAMPUS

• Find your classes...
  • Allendale campus map
  • Pew & Health campus map
  • Building abbreviations
  • Course acronyms

• Laker Line Bus:  Utilize the free bus system to travel around Allendale and Grand Rapids
• Parking at GVSU: Purchase a parking permit.
• Housing: Review your on-campus housing options and submit a housing application if you want to live on-campus.

9 Academic Advising Centers

• Each center is responsible for their own corresponding majors/programs.
• All students at GVSU are assigned an academic and/or faculty advisor. If a student switches their major a new advisor will be assinged.
• Students are encouraged to meet with their assigned advisor at least once per semester to review their academic plan and gain insights on connecting to helpful resources. 
• New Student Advising Requirement... all  new students are required to meet with their assigned academic advisor prior to March. All students use Navigate to schedule their advising appointment. Your Orientation session does not count for this requirement.  
   

Prepare to be a Laker

Welcome to your next step toward becoming a Laker! Below you’ll find a series of short videos that each student should watch before the start of classes. These videos cover key information about campus life, important resources, and what to expect as you transition to GVSU. They’re designed to help you feel confident, informed, and supported.