Spring Orientation
We are excited to welcome you to Calvin's community! In order to make your transition as smooth as possible, we have designed an orientation especially for students beginning in the spring semester. Through helpful presentations, tours, and some fun optional activies, we’ll make sure you are well connected and ready for your Calvin experience!
Please note the different programming options below, which is for first-time college students and transfer students. If you have questions about which program you should attend, please contact orientation@calvin.edu.
International New Student Orientation ~ January 10–11, 2024
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Arrival and Moving in to campus
Travel
As soon as you have your travel plans set, fill out the Arrival Form »
- Our staff will pick you up from the airport if you need transportation (which you will indicate on the Arrival Form).
- If you are arriving to campus on your own, we will meet you at your residence hall with your keys and check you in there.
Please prepare these printed documents in advance for travel:
- I-20
- Bank/financial statement
- Financial package from Calvin that lists your tuition and scholarships/awards
- Copy of your ID card from your country which is not your passport
Moving In
Our team will help you move in to your dorm room, and get your student ID.
Complete information about our residence halls is found online.
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Packing Information
What to pack
Clothing- A lot of casual clothing, especially jeans, t-shirts, and sweatshirts, jackets, and/or sweaters
- A limited amount of formal clothing which might be worn at a special banquet or church
- A traditional outfit that could be worn at a cultural event (optional)
- Comfortable shoes
Money- Cash (not more than a few hundred dollars) to spend on supplies when you first arrive
- Check from your bank, made out to yourself, in U.S. dollars for larger amounts
Note – in the US the voltage is 120 with Type B and A plugs
available at your dorm
- Beds, mattresses, mattress pads, dressers, desks, desk lamps, and chairs
- Bathroom with shower, toilet, sink for every two bedrooms
- Toilet paper and cleaning supplies
- Closets with shelves and built-in bookcases
- Campus cable system, computer access including wi-fi access
- Washing machines, dryers, ironing boards, and irons in each resident hall
- Computers and printers in each residence hall and also in the library and labs
TO PURCHASE AFTER ARRIVING
- School supplies Notebooks, binders, Pens, etc.
- Laptop computer Optional but are generally cheaper in the U.S.
- Bedding Sheets, blankets, pillow, bedspread or comforter
- Towels and washcloths
- Winter attire Jackets, gloves, hats, and boots (if you are coming from a cold climate, you may want to bring some of this)
- Personal care Items Shampoo, soap, deodorant, laundry, soap, etc
- Any necessary appliances Hair dryer, fan, alarm clock, etc.
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Schedule and Arrival
Tentative Schedule
Tuesday, January 9
All day: Airport (GRR) pick-up and move-in
Arrival Form Link »
Please fill this out after you have your flights booked.Wednesday, January 10
Programming and meals
Thursday, January 11
Programming and meals
Friday, January 12
1:30–2:00 p.m. Welcome!
2:05–3:05 p.m. Campus Information/Tour
3:15–3:45 p.m. Core and Classes
3:45–4:30 p.m. Faculty Panel
4:40–5:10 p.m. Residence Life Information
5:15–6:15 p.m. Dinner with the President
9:00–11:00 p.m. Off-Campus Evening SocialSaturday, January 13
10 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Programming and Meals
Sunday, January 14
10:30–1:00 p.m. Church and Lunch (Optional)
Monday, January 15
12–4:00 p.m. Community Service Project
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Meals and Lodging
Meals
Meals for new students, both on- and off-campus, are provided during Spring Orientation.
Lodging
If you will be living on campus during the school year, you will move into your residence hall before orientation.
Housing will not be available for family members. The Prince Conference Center and Hotel, located on campus, is owned and operated by Calvin University and has rooms available for a fee. If you call to reserve a room, mention that you are with the Orientation program for a discount. There are also several other hotel options nearby.
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Cost
A $270 orientation fee will be charged to your student account a few weeks following orientation; it gets deducted from the enrollment fee you already paid. This fee covers all costs (meals, too!) associated with orientation; there is no cost for families to participate.
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Contact
Please contact Esther Kwak if you need any assistance!
New Student Orientation ~ January 12–15, 2024
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Moving in to campus
Friday, January 12, 9–11:30 a.m. ~ For students living on campus
Park by/meet at the admissions welcome area (Spoelhof University Center atrium) to check-in, grab your keys, and get your student ID. We'll route you to your residence hall from there where you will unload and unpack!
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Schedule
NOTE: This is a tentative schedule.
Friday, January 12
Families are invited to all programming on this day
9–11:30 a.m. Move-in (For students living on campus)
Park by/meet at the admissions welcome area (Spoelhof University Center atrium) to check-in, grab your keys, and get your student ID. We'll route you to your residence hall from there where you will unload and unpack!1:15–1:45 p.m. Welcome!
1:50–2:45 p.m. Campus Information/Tour
2:45–3:30 p.m. Core and Classes
3:30–4:15 p.m. Faculty Panel
4:15–5:00 p.m. Office to-do list
5:00–6:15 p.m. Dinner with the Provost
9:00–11:00 p.m. Off-Campus Evening SocialSaturday, January 13
1:00–4:30 p.m. Programming and Meals
Sunday, January 14
10:30–1:00 p.m. Church and Lunch (Optional)
Monday, January 15
12–4:00 p.m. Community Service Project
-
Meals and Lodging
Meals
Meals for new students, both on- and off-campus, are provided during Spring Orientation.
Lodging
If you will be living on campus during the school year, you will move into your residence hall before orientation.
Housing will not be available for family members. The Prince Conference Center and Hotel, located on campus, is owned and operated by Calvin University and has rooms available for a fee. If you call to reserve a room, mention that you are with the Orientation program for a discount. There are also several other hotel options nearby.
-
Cost
A $200 orientation fee will be charged to the students' account a few weeks following orientation; it gets deducted from the enrollment fee you already paid. This fee covers all costs associated with orientation; there is no cost for families to participate on the first day of orientation. Students will receive a $75 reimbursement if they attend orientation on Friday, Saturday, and Monday.
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Contact
Please contact the orientation office if you need any assistance!