First-Year Student Checklist

What Do I Need to Do Before I Start My First Year at GVSU?


We understand that attending college at GVSU, and all of the things you have to do before you arrive on campus in the fall, can be overwhelming. Use the incoming first-year student checklist to help with your planning!

Fall and Winter (October - April)

November: Housing Application opens for 2027-2028 on-campus housing. Submit your application, contract, and $75 app fee via your myHousing portal.

February-April: Use this time to connect with other incoming residential students to make friends with other new Lakers and find potential roommates prior to the self-selection process (June/July). 

April: Be sure to register for your New Student Orientation session. 

May

May 1st: Housing application priority deadline and last day to get your $75 app fee back if you cancel. 

June

Late-June: Self-Selection window opens for students to choose their actual room. The earlier a student applies for housing, the earlier they become eligible to select their room. There will also be a Room Change process that opens at the same time for anyone who has already selected a unit and they will be able to utilize this process if they decide that they would like to change their original selection. 

Note: Exact date and further information to come via email closer to selection window.

The month of June: Assignments are being made via Self-Selection and will continue throughout early July!

After Assignment Selection: Once you know where you are placed for fall, meal plan changes may be made. Plan flexibility is based on the housing style. If you will be living in a style that does not come with a meal plan automatically, like Niemeyer, Murray Living Centers or Winter Hall for example, we have choices to fit your lifestyle and budget. For more information on purchasing a voluntary meal plan, visit the Laker Food Co. webpage.  

July

Mid-July: Self-Selection process closes in myHousing portal. Students who didn't select a room, or who apply after Self-Selection closes will be placed based on availability by Housing and Residence Life staff. 

Late July: The room change waiting list will open for students requesting a change of placement. Details on how to request a room change will be sent soon after Self-Selection closes. 

The month of July and throughout August: Begin shopping and packing for move-in! Review our packing list

July: Start connecting with your Fall roommate. Begin exploring renter's insurance. Students are strongly encouraged to have a policy prior to moving on campus. 

August

August: Move-in! (Updates will be sent as dates and info are finalized over the summer)

Requests for Alternate Arrival Date: Students are assigned specific dates/times to arrive on campus, but we will accommodate late arrivals to fit student schedules. Students may request alternate arrivals via our website. The request form opens in early August.

The first day of Move-In Week: Meal plans become active. 

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