Speed friending, s'mores and Campus Life Night: How to make new friends during GVSU Welcome Week

Welcome Week is one of the most exciting times of year at Grand Valley: students are moving in, classrooms are opening up, and the Laker Marching Band is practicing. It’s also an important time for students to acclimate and learn how to navigate campus and resources.

GVSU’s Laker Welcome 2024 , which runs throughout this week, is designed to provide students with important information and opportunities to connect with their community. Many of these events specifically encourage students to meet new people, and to learn how to get involved on campus beyond simply attending class. 

"College can be overwhelming! When it comes to making friends, it can be hard to know where to start,” said Leah Erben, marketing communications manager for Student Affairs Marketing. “Friend-making events help students meet others who are also open and willing to build new friendships.”

One such event is the Super Secret S’more Club , hosted by Student Life. It will give students the chance to talk to Student Life staff and ask questions about student organizations and involvement opportunities.

“It’s intended to be a casual, low stakes environment for those who don’t know what student organization they might want to join or don’t know where to start,” said Erben. “ We’ll try to get to know them a bit and suggest specific organizations, events or resources that might be a good fit. Ultimately, we’re trying to help students make friends and get involved on campus.”

The Super Secret S’more Club will take place on Thursday, August 22, from 4-6 p.m. on the Kirkhof Center Lawn.

MORE: What’s new at GVSU: 6 things for Lakers to know this year

Programs like Speed Friending , organized by Campus Activities Board (CAB), are designed specifically for students interested in meeting new people and making friends. 

“Getting involved is one of the most important things a student can do,” said Bridie Tolley, student president of CAB. “The goal of this event is simply to help students, from first-years to transfers to returners, to make friends. Doing this 'college' thing is difficult to do alone, so CAB wants to be a part of a positive transition into the new year.” 

Speed Friending will take place on Monday, August 26, from 5-7 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center, Grand River Room.

Tolley is a senior and in her second year as president of CAB. Being involved in CAB and other student organizations has been an incredibly positive part of her time as a Laker, she said. “One of my favorite things about Grand Valley involvement is how easy it is. People love going to these events and making both memories and friends,” she said. “If I can help students enjoy their Grand Valley experience even a fraction of the amount that I do, I see it as a success.”

Other events taking place throughout Laker Welcome include: 

• Laker Kickoff : Friday, August 23, from 5-9 p.m. Join other Lakers for the kickoff party of the year, for live music, DJs, food trucks, inflatables and more. 
• Annual Beach Clean-Up : Saturday, August 24, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Interested in civic engagement at GVSU? Sign up to help clean the beach at Grand Haven State Park, and experience Lake Michigan, only 30 minutes away from the Allendale Campus.
• Campus Life Night : Sunday, August 25, from 6-8 p.m. Explore 300+ student organizations, local businesses/nonprofits and campus departments. Learn how to get involved and grab some free GVSU swag! Find a full list of student organizations at LakerLink . 
• Movie at the Kelly : Saturday, August 24, at 8 p.m. Watch "Inside Out 2" at the Kelly Family Sports Center with fellow Lakers. 
• Meet the Greeks : Wednesday, August 28, from 4-6 p.m. Interested in joining a fraternity or sorority? Learn about GVSU’s Greek life and how to get involved. 

See a full list of events happening on campus, along with new student resources, at the Laker Welcome 2024 homepage, and follow Campus Activies Board and Student Life on Instagram to keep up with events happening throughout the school year.