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You're in. Congratulations! We are excited for the many gifts you will share with the Calvin community. 

Before starting at Calvin, there are:

  • Things to do: check off the list of requirements, forms, and sign-ups
  • Things to learn: prepare for the transition to Calvin with Admitted Student Day, orientation, and informational resources

When in doubt? Visit your New Student Portal. That's where we've organized all of your next steps. 

Follow the steps on your New Student Portal

Your personalized checklist for starting at Calvin.

Your New Student Portal shows exactly what steps to complete—and when. One of the first things on the list? Pay your enrollment deposit to reserve your spot!

 Go to your New Student Portal

Parents: follow along with this general checklist

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A laptop and a mobile device showing the new student portal, with a congratulations message at the top, and a checklist mapped out as a timeline below.

Learn what to expect as a Calvin Knight

Getting ready for Calvin is more than checking off a list of requirements. It’s about understanding your new community and preparing for the transition.

These key events and resources will help you transition well to academics and campus life.

Joust at the ready with his sheild.

Admitted Student Day

You're in. Get excited!

Admitted first-year and transfer students: join us on campus Friday, March 27 or Friday, April 10. Or if you're an international student, join us online for a special webinar with President Elzinga on Thursday, March 19.

Connect with future classmates, meet professors and students from your program, and get a sneak peek at some fun campus traditions you'll experience as a Knight. Parents, you'll learn about campus safety, housing, academics, and more—we know this is a transition for you, too. 

Sign up on your New Student Portal

Orientation small group leader welcoming her group

Fall Orientation

Welcome to campus. Start with confidence!

Orientation happens during Welcome Week, after you've moved into the residence halls and before classes start. 

Learn how to make the most of your time at Calvin and feel comfortable about starting your new academic life. We'll get you connected to support services on campus like tutoring, health services, counseling, and more. Look out for specifics in your email and New Student Portal.

Stay tuned on your New Student Portal

Online resources

Throughout the summer, explore videos and online resources to help you get ready for your Calvin journey. 

You can move through these at your own pace, with support from a dedicated Summer Navigator—someone who's there to answer questions and guide you along the way. 

Registration and advising timeline

Set yourself up for academic success

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Four backpackers stand on a ridge, overlooking a blue river surrounded by pine trees.

Kick things off with a Wilderness Trip

August 19–26

You'll be part of a small group of other first-year and transfer students to explore your limits, forge new friendships, and develop a new awareness of your Creator.

These trips are in August and open to all experience, fitness, and skill levels.

Learn more about Wilderness Trips

Register for a trip on your New Student Portal

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A group of students in maroon and gold "we haul" shirts smile with their arms raised, welcoming new students to campus.

Welcome Week

Thursday, August 27 – Sunday, August 30*

We can't wait to welcome you to campus and help you transition to life as a Calvin student. Welcome Week activities include move-in day, orientation, service-learning, and more. 

*You may have different move-in dates and programming if you're an international student, student-athlete, or transfer student. 

Learn more about Welcome Week