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Spring Orientation for International Students
- Wed, Jan 15–Mon, Jan 20, 2025
This program is for first-time college students and transfer students who live internationally. Please arrive in the U.S. on January 14.
Spring Orientation Arrival Form
Important Details
1) Please fill out the arrival form (linked in the button above) so we can assist students with transportation to campus on January 14.
2) We do not have a separate program for families/guardians during International Spring Orientation. If families are traveling to campus with a student, please find accommodations and transportation on your own.
Please contact me with further questions!
Note: U.S. and Canadian students will attend Spring Orientation (January 17–20).
Sample Schedule
Here's a sample schedule from January 2024
Tuesday
All day: Airport (GRR) pick-up and move-in
Arrival Form Link »
Please fill this out after you have your flights booked.
Wednesday
Programming and meals
Thursday
Programming and meals
Friday
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 Social
Saturday
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Programming and Meals
Sunday
10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Church and Lunch (Optional)
Monday
12:00–4:00 p.m. Community Service Project
Other details you'll need
Please review this information before you plan your travel to campus. Contact Esther Kwak with questions!
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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.
PleaseÌýprepare these printed documents in advance for travel:
- I-20
- Bank/financial statement
- Financial package from ÃÛÌÒapp 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
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.
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 ÃÛÌÒapp 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.
Contact
