Current Student Resources
Grand Valley State University’s Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus and Health Campus are located in the heart of Michigan’s second city, a thriving center for business, health, arts, and culture. GVSU’s two downtown residence halls are within walking distance of an array of learning experiences, exciting dining options, and entertainment. You get all the resources of the main campus, right in downtown Grand Rapids. And, the Allendale Campus is only a short, free, bus ride away. Living in Grand Rapids has never been more desirable.
Living on Campus
The first thing you need to think about when moving downtown, is where you will live. Grand Valley offers two residence halls, both directly across the street from the Richard M. DeVos Center on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus. Winter Hall and Secchia Hall provide comfortable living spaces close to downtown attractions.
- Rooms are fully furnished, with air conditioning and wireless internet provided.
- Winter Hall offers one-or two-bedroom units and also boasts an on-site workout facility, which can be used by all students living downtown.
- Secchia Hall has options for larger groups of students wishing to live together, with one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments available.
- Both halls have optional meal plans available and are close to a variety of dining options.
Want to live with a group of like-minded students who live and learn in a community? Join one of the downtown living-learning communities (LLC). With topics like social work, engineering, and business, a downtown LLC may be a perfect fit for you.
Interested in our Living-Learning Communities?
Students in Living-Learning Communities (LLC) expand their education through shared learning experiences and experiential learning. Students have many opportunities to engage in hands-on learning through experiences that extend beyond the classroom with professionals in a variety of fields. There are four LLCs for students who wish to live downtown.
- Social Work LLC: For students who are interested in social work or social justice
- Engineering LLC: A community for all engineering majors
- Seidman Business LLC: For Seidman College of Business students
- The Momentum House: A community for any GVSU major, including those that are undecided
Dining on Campus and Downtown
There are many exciting dining choices for students living downtown.
- Optional meal plans are available to all students, with selections for dining located in the DeVos and Seidman buildings.
- Eat at the Plaza Café or grab a quick coffee at Starbucks in the DeVos building. Grab a healthy, fresh meal at the Seidman Café, or visit one of GVSU’s convenience stores.
- Students in Grand Rapids are also able to dine at one of the many restaurants and shops, located a short walk from where they live and study. Visit Monroe Center for a variety of fresh dining experiences or opt for fast-casual options like Panera Bread and fast-food options as well.
There’s something for everyone when dining downtown!
Academic Resources
Students who live in downtown Grand Rapids have access to a robust slate of services and facilities to help them on their educational journey.
- Convenient access to the L. William Seidman Center, health, and engineering facilities, and the Steelcase Library.
- Academic resources include computer labs, advising, tutoring, the career center, and the Knowledge Market – an online consultation hub that helps students with their assignments, research, writing, and so much more.
- Students get a personalized experience with easy access to faculty.
Student Services
There are many support services available to students living downtown.
- Student services like records and registration, career services, and disability support resources.
- Workout facilities available to all students, located in Winter Hall.
- Maintain your physical and mental health with access to a health center in the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences (CHS) and the University Counseling Center on the Pew Campus.
- Free bus transportation between the Allendale and Pew Campus
Things to do Downtown
Grand Rapids is a hub for entertainment, perfect for those who prefer arts and culture all the way to those that prefer the great outdoors and everything in between. A city-on-the-rise, there’s always something to do in Grand Rapids.
- For those loving arts and culture, there are many opportunities for entertainment over the course of a year. Visit the Grand Rapids Art Museum or take in a concert with the Grand Rapids Symphony Enjoy cultural festivals, including ArtPrize, an international sensation drawing 500,000 visitors annually, where art is displayed all over the city.
- Take in live music at Van Andel Arena, 20 Monroe Live, Rosa Parks Circle and many more exciting venues.
- Attend shows, conventions, and events at DeVos Place.
- Enjoy a variety of dining experiences in an up-and-coming culinary hotspot
- Outdoor activities include hiking, biking, boating, water sports, winter sports, team sports, and so much more.
