Welcome to West Michigan 

West Michigan is a combination of big city hustle and small town charm where residents enjoy fast-paced excitement and laid-back leisure. The area's center revolves around downtown Grand Rapids which features dining, nightlife, and culture. The city center is home to museums, Broadway performances, operas, a symphony, ballet, concerts, and semi-professional baseball, hockey, and arena football. Surrounding the city hub are outdoor attractions which feature hiking, fishing, boating, and beaches. The area experiences all four seasons allowing one to participate in almost any imaginable recreational activity.

The American way of life is rich and complex as peoples from around the world contribute to the ever changing culture expressed through diverse traditions in food, clothing, recreation, ceremonies, education, the arts, architecture, literature, and more. The Compass guide is intended to assist international students in understanding American culture and finding local attractions around Grand Valley State University to help one make the most of their experience in West Michigan.