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Grand Valley State University
- Local Atmosphere

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Grand Valley State University - Local Atmosphere - Local Atmosphere - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.46

Local Atmosphere

B
Where does this grade come from?View all Local Atmosphere rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

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Quick Stats

Fun Local Trivia Ethan Allen was a Revolutionary War hero, from whom the furniture chain adopted its name. Allendale, located between Lake Michigan and Grand Rapids, was named after Agnes Allen, the widow of Ethan Allen’s son.
Notable Natives
  • Gillian Anderson – actress ("The X-Files")
  • Al Green – soul singer
  • Betty Ford – 37th First Lady of the United States
  • Gerald Ford – 38th President of the United States
  • Arnold Gingrich – founder of Esquire Magazine
  • Anthony Kiedis – frontman of the Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • Taylor Lautner – actor
  • Andy Richter – comedian
  • Dick York – actor
  • Kim Zimmer – TV and stage actress
Local Slang
  • A-dale: Allendale
  • G-Rap: Grand Rapids
  • Michigander: Resident of Michigan
  • Pop: Soda
  • Upper: Michigander who lives in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Points of Interest
  • Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
  • Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum
  • Grand Haven beaches
  • Grand Rapids Art Museum
  • Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
  • John Ball Zoo
  • Rosa Parks Circle
  • Van Andel Arena
  • Wealthy Theatre

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Grand Valley sits just inside the Allendale city limits and only hundreds of feet from the Grand River. The campus itself has a small, community feel, while still being a decent size. The most many students ever see of Allendale is Lake Michigan Drive, which runs between Grand Rapids and Grand Haven. Campus is only 30 minutes from Grand Haven and Lake Michigan, and this, combined with the forest-filled ravines, makes Grand Valley feel close to nature. Generally, the atmosphere is laid-back.

Many students come to Grand Valley because the campus is close to nature and not terribly large, while others come because it is close to Grand Rapids but not in the city itself (there is also a GVSU campus in Grand Rapids). With the addition of new housing and dining buildings, the campus is feeling like a larger community, but Allendale is growing more slowly and still has a small-town feel. It is not uncommon for students to comment on how Grand Valley is surrounded by cornfields. Some students like this, while others do not. However, the "country" and city are well balanced around the GVSU area.

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Grand Valley State Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Local Atmosphere at Grand Valley State University

beachmer

Marketing '14

5.0
A+

GVSU Atmosphere

GVSU is located in Allendale, MI just outside of Grand Rapids. They also have a college in downtown Grand Rapids for business courses and medical classes. The college is in a beautiful location and it is safe here. There are all types of clubs and activities to join. They have a great work out room with a swimming pool. They have many sports and recreation available to participate in or watch. Lots of cultural events to attend in Grand Rapids and great shopping and resturants. Also Lake Michigan is a short drive away for leisure. GVSU is great for students who are serious about getting an education. There is not alot of partying at this school. It is very conservative for a public college.

Apr 19, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at Grand Valley State University

jgrover01

Finance '15

3.5
B

GVSU's Local Atmosphere

GVSU has a poor local atmosphere, there is not much to do for students under the age of 21. The Grand Rapids Griffins are about the only thing that is semi-interesting.

Mar 12, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at Grand Valley State University

ashleyfoster

Psychology '15

4.2
A-

Atmosphere at Grand Valley

The atmosphere around Grand Valley State University is friendly. Everyone on campus is helpful and nice. Allendale is right by Grand Rapids, which has many attractions including the Art Museum, the Public Museum, and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. In the fall it is home to Art Prize. There is plenty of shopping and recreation places. It is very student-friendly.

Mar 03, 2012

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User rating for Grand Valley State University - Local Atmosphere is 3.5 out of 5 based on 25 user reviews.

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate the local atmosphere on the following topics

What is the local atmosphere like at your school?

What is the proximity to other universities? Is there much interaction?

Can you see yourself living here after graduation?

Facts

Shopping Centers
  • RiverTown Crossings Mall
  • Westshore Mall
  • Woodland Mall
Major Sports Teams
  • Grand Rapids Flight: American Basketball Association
  • Grand Rapids Griffins: American Hockey League
  • West Michigan ThunderHawks: Indoor Football League
  • West Michigan Whitecaps: Minor league baseball
Distances to Nearest Major Cities
  • Chicago: : 3 hours, 15 minutes
  • Detroit: : 3 hours
  • Lansing, Mich.: : 1 hour, 30 minutes
Did You Know? In 2011, after Newsweek proclaimed it a "dying city," the Grand Rapids community band together to create a music video lip dub of Don McLean's "American Pie." Roger Ebert later claimed that the result was "the greatest music video ever made."

Movie TheatersWhat's This?

AMC Star Grand Rapids 18
3000 Alpine Ave.
Grand Rapids
(888) 262-4386

AMC Star Holland 8
12270 James St.
Holland
(888) 262-4386

Celebration! Cinema at RiverTown Crossings
3728 Rivertown Parkway
Grandville
(616) 530-7469

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Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Audrey Rosenau
Hometown
Rochester Hills, MI
Major
Hospitality and Tourism

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

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How do we get our information? Find out here or report an error here. The statistics on our site are from the National Center for Education Statistics IPEDS database.
We update this information twice annually, most recently in May 2012, but it may not be the most recent information available for a particular school.
For additional information we encourage you to visit school websites or contact the schools directly.