Spring Orientation - January 2025
For students starting Calvin at spring semester
We are excited to welcome you to Calvin—and help make campus your own as you start classes in January.
Orientation will help you get connected to our vibrant community and equip you to make the most of your time at Calvin.
Which Orientation is for me?
There are two options available, and both are for first-time and transfer students!
- International Spring Orientation, January 15–20, is for students who live outside the U.S. (Please arrive on campus January 14.)
- Spring Orientation, January 17–20, is for students who live in the U.S. or Canada.
If you have questions about which program you should attend, please contact orientation@calvin.edu.
International Spring Orientation details
International students: if you have questions about International Spring Orientation, contact esther.kwak@calvin.edu.
- Arrival day: January 14, 2025
- Orientation: January 15–20, 2025
Travel
As soon as you have your travel plans set, fill out the
- 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
Packing
Moving to another country in January can be overwhelming!
In Grand Rapids, Mich., January is the middle of winter. It can be cold and snowy, but people in Michigan use warm clothing and footwear to enjoy going outside and all West Michigan has to offer. Here are a few suggestions about what to pack.
Clothes
- 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
Purchase after arriving
- School supplies
- Laptop computer
- Bedding
- Towels and washcloths
- Winter attire
- Personal care Items
- Any necessary appliances
Residence halls
If you are moving into campus, see complete information about our residence halls.
Available in the dorms
- 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
- Computers and printers; also available in the library and labs
Note – in the US the voltage is 120 with Type B and A plugs
Moving In
Our team will help you move into your dorm room, and get your student ID.
Here's a sample schedule from January 2024
Tuesday, January 9
All day: Airport (GRR) pick-up and move-in
Arrival Form Link » Â
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!Â
2:05–3:05 p.m.ÌýCampus Information/TourÂ
3:15–3:45 p.m. Core and ClassesÂ
3:45–4:30 p.m. Faculty PanelÂ
4:40–5:10 p.m. Residence Life InformationÂ
5:15–6:15 p.m. Dinner with the PresidentÂ
9:00–11:00 p.m.ÌýOff-Campus Evening Social
Saturday, January 13
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Programming and MealsÂ
Sunday, January 14
10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Church and Lunch (Optional)Â
Monday, January 15
12:00–4:00 p.m. Community Service Project
Meals
Meals for new students, both on- and off-campus, are provided during Spring Orientation.
Housing/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 »Æ´óÏɸßÊÖÂÛ̳ 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 $300 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.
Spring Orientation details
U.S. students: if you have questions about Spring Orientation, contact orientation@calvin.edu.Ìý
°¿°ù¾±±ð²Ô³Ù²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:Ìý January 17–20, 2025
This is a sample schedule from 2024.
Friday, January 12
Families are invited to all programming on this day
9:00–11:30 a.m.ÌýMove-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 direct you to your residence hall to 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.ÌýOff-Campus Evening Social
Saturday, January 13
1:00–4:30 p.m. Programming and MealsÂ
Sunday, January 14
10:30–1:00 p.m. Church and Lunch (Optional)Â
Monday, January 15
12:00–4:00 p.m. Community Service Project
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 »Æ´óÏɸßÊÖÂÛ̳ 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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