FAQ: Student Life

Student Life

Are students able to have a car on campus?

All students are able to register a car with Campus Safety and obtain a parking permit for $35 per academic year. For students without a car, the Grand Rapids bus service offers a Calvin discount of $.50 per ride (with Calvin bus card).

 What do students do on weekends?

Since approximately 50% of Calvin students are from outside of Michigan, Calvin is not a “suitcase campus.” In fact, California is the state with the third highest representation on campus!

There's always something to do on the weekend at Calvin. The Student Activities Office plans a variety of concerts, movies, lectures, dances, and other events. Students are also involved in residence hall activities and more than 100 student organizations and other opportunities .

What is there to do in Grand Rapids?

The area surrounding Calvin provides numerous activities such as sporting events, fine arts, movie theatres, shopping malls, and nearby beaches of Lake Michigan.

Downtown Grand Rapids and nearby Eastown offer eclectic entertainment options—from local shops, restaurants and coffeehouses, to street fairs, museums, and concerts.

 Are first-year students required to live in the residence halls?

First-year students are required to live in the residence halls or at home with their parents - 93% of first-year and sophomore students live in the residence halls. Juniors and seniors may choose to live in on-campus apartments or off-campus.

Living in the residence halls is a great way to meet people and build community with those around you. Dorm life is filled with Bible studies, floor dates, dorm worship, Chaos Day and other events.

If you plan on living in the residence halls, the Dormulator can help you plan your room arrangement ahead of time.

Should I bring my own computer?

Many students bring their own computers. However, Calvin has over 800 computers available for student use in the dorms, the library, and various computer labs. The residence halls are equipped with high-speed ethernet connections and wireless service is available in many areas around campus.

What athletic opportunities are available?

Calvin has opportunities for the dedicated athlete as well as those who enjoy sports as a leisure activity.

Calvin competes in NCAA Division III and is part of the nation's oldest collegiate athletic conferences – the MIAA. Men's sports include cross country, golf, track, basketball, soccer, tennis, baseball, and swimming. Women's sports are cross country, golf, track, basketball, soccer, tennis, softball, volleyball and swimming.

In addition to official team sports, Calvin has a variety of club sports, intramurals and outdoor recreation activities for students to participate in.

Is chapel required?

Chapel is offered from 10:00-10:20am five days a week, but is not required. Typically there are no classes scheduled during this time to allow all students, staff, and faculty the opportunity to attend chapel.

In addition to daily chapel, Calvin holds a Sunday evening service called L.O.F.T. (Living Our Faith Together) led by a team of students and local preachers.

Explore our Faith website for more worship and discipleship opportunities.

 

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