You heard it here first, Lakers are back on campus for the semester, and while you were gone, the planning for Laker Welcome was in progress all summer. This week, there will be dozens of events and opportunities to get you familiar with campus life, meet new people, and have some fun. Here are just a few of the events you won't want to miss.

Super Secret S’mores Club

Thursday, August 22 | 4-6 p.m. | Kirkhof Center Lobby

Can you keep a secret? The Super Secret Club is BACK with FREE s’mores! Working hard to get settled into campus might work up your appetite, so satisfy your sweet tooth at this event. There, you can talk to Student Life staff and ask questions about student organizations and how you can get involved in the organization that fits your interests. Find out the secret on how you can enhance your college experience!

Meijer Back to College Event

Thursday, August 22 | 8 p.m.- 12 a.m. | Meijer in Standale, Free shuttles from Lot C

After Convocation and the Class of 2028 Class Photo, the night isn’t over yet! Meijer is hosting a fall kickoff event exclusively for Grand Valley students. Hop on a free shuttle to Meijer where there will be a DJ, fun contests, and opportunities to collect dorm room essentials. Celebrate the beginning of a great semester at Lakers’ favorite place to shop; Meijer!

Campus Tours with the Dean of Students Office

Friday, August 23 | 4-5 p.m. | Cook Carillon Clocktower and Sunday, August 25 | 3-4 p.m. | Cook Carillon Clocktower

As walkable as the Allendale campus might be, the winding sidewalks and towering levels of Zumberge Hall might be intimidating. Luckily, the Dean of Students Office is giving tours of campus! Join a tour so you can walk confidently on the first day of classes and take in the late-summer beauty of campus. 

Laker Kickoff

Friday, August 23 | 5-9 p.m. | Kirkhof Lawn

Begin the first weekend of the fall semester with Laker Kickoff! This event is the ultimate summer lawn party, made complete with DJs, live music, food trucks, caricature artists, and many more fun activities. Head to the Kirkhof Lawn to dance, eat, and sing all night!

Movie at the Kelly

Saturday, August 24 | 8-10 p.m. | Kelly Family Sports Center

A movie… at the Kelly? Sign me up! Bring your own pillows and blankets to cozy up to a movie that will make you laugh and cry!

Campus Life Night

Sunday, August 25 | 6-8 p.m. | Lot H

Finish the week with a bang at Campus Life Night! The night before classes start, over four hundred student organizations will be in attendance to talk to you about their organizations. Meet new people, find out which student orgs fit your passions, and get fully introduced to the Laker community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for free swag, contests, and learning about what organizations Grand Valley has to offer. 

Looking for even more ways to have fun this week and beyond? Check out the full schedule for opportunities to participate in the dozens of Laker Welcome Week events like Speed Friending, Ride the Laker Line, Beach Clean Up, or Sand Volleyball. 

View the full event schedule