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Baylor University
Center for Global Engagement
  • About
    • Facts and Figures
      • Baylor Faculty Global Activity
      • Global Traveler Demographics
      • Global Trends
      • International Representation
      • International Student Demographics
    • News
    • CGE Main Office
    • Study Abroad Office
    • International Student and Scholar Services Office
    • Global Gateway Office
  • Study Abroad
    • Student Resources
    • Parent & Guardian Resources
    • Faculty & Staff Resources
    • Study Abroad Fair
    • FAQ
  • International Student and Scholar Services
    • International Students
      • New Student/Scholar Information
      • F-1 Student Processes
      • J-1 Student Processes
    • International Scholars
      • Maintaining J-1 Status
      • J-2 Dependents
      • Travel Procedures
      • Lecture Requests & Consultations
      • Extensions
      • 12 and 24 Month Bars
      • Two-Year Residency Requirement
      • 212e Waiver
      • Program Transfer
    • Programs and Activities
      • Spring 2025 Trips & Events
      • Fall 2025 Trips & Events
      • Global Friendship Program
      • CGE Ambassadors
      • Educational Workshops and Training
      • International Student Organizations
      • ISSS Programming Framework
    • Support Resources
      • Academic & English Language Support
      • Current Issues Regarding Student and Scholar Status
      • Paying Taxes
      • Special Statuses and Programs to Support International Students
      • Community Resource Map
      • Living in Waco
      • Avoiding Frauds and Scams
    • Faculty & Staff Toolkit
    • Fulbright Awards
    • Global Bears Login
  • Global Baylor
    • Global Scholars
      • Why Global Scholars
      • Global Scholars Application Process
      • Starting Abroad
      • 4 Year Plan
    • Certificate in Global Engagement
    • International Education Week
    • Global Calendar of Events
    • GBL 1101, 1102 & 1103
    • Connecting to Global Initiatives
    • COIL: Collaborative Online International Learning
  • Global Gateway
    • Our Programs
      • English Pathway Overview
      • International Plus Admission Option
    • About Us
      • GGP Administrative Staff
      • Global Gateway Office
      • GGP Faculty
      • Visitor Directions to the Global Gateway Program
    • Current Students
    • New Students
      • On-Campus Study Information
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • GGP Arrival Information
      • On-Campus Housing & Dining
      • Finances
      • Life at Baylor
      • GGP Academics
    • Academic & English Language Support
  • Global Partnerships
    • Visiting Delegations
    • Global Partners
    • Initiating an Agreement
  • Register Travel
    • Faculty & Student Group Travel
    • Faculty/Staff Only Travel
    • Student Only Travel
Baylor BU Center for Global Engagement Global Gateway Frequently Asked Questions Life at Baylor
  • Our Programs
  • About Us
  • Current Students
  • New Students
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • GGP Arrival Information
    • On-Campus Housing & Dining
    • Finances
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    • GGP Academics
  • Academic & English Language Support

Life at Baylor

1. Who do I contact if I need support or have questions?

Student Success Managers (SSM) are the first point of contact during students' time in the GGP.

Students can contact their assigned SSM by email, phone, or by setting up an appointment through Student Success Collaborative.

2. What do we do during the first week on campus?

The first week on campus will be one of the most exciting and fun times of your life. When you arrive, the Global Ambassadors (current Baylor International and U.S. students) will be here to welcome you and help you adjust to life at Baylor. We have many fun and educational events planned for you. The two big activities are Global Bears Week and Baylor Welcome Week.

  • Global Bears Week - this is a special welcome for all Baylor international students and includes lots of free food, meeting new people, trips to the store to buy things you need, and information meetings. As part of Global Bears Week, you will meet Baylor faculty and the President of Baylor University at the Green and Gold Banquet.
  • Baylor Welcome Week -this will include more fun and informational activities that will help you make friends and feel like part of the Baylor community. The program is for all new Baylor students, and there is not anything you need to do to sign up!
3. Where is the GGP office located?

The Global Gateway Program's office is in the heart of the Baylor campus, directly above the international offices (Center for Global Education).  We are connected to a building called the Hankamer Cashion Building. This is the actual address and Google Map link:

  • 1401 S. 4th Street, Waco, TX  76798
  • It may be difficult to find us, so go to the international offices on the first floor (just off the main lobby) and tell them you're here for the Global Gateway Program.  They'll point you in the right direction.
    • Note that the Hankamer Academic Center(not to be confused with the Hankamer School of Business, which is a different building) and the Cashion Academic Center are connected by a common lobby.    
4. Where do I park?

There is usually plenty of visitor parking in an open lot just outside our building at the corner of Speight Ave and S. 4th Street:

  • https://goo.gl/maps/aBWdLBbx5kw 
  • There is also a parking structure off of 4th street (permit required): https://goo.gl/maps/U4v5hN2BgFH2 
  • Short-term visitors do not get tickets, but you can get a permit here: https://dps.web.baylor.edu/parking-transportation/visitors/visitor-parking-permit
5. When is the University closed?

The University is officially closed on these dates, which can potentially affect student housing and dining:

  • New Year's Day (January)
  • MLK Day (January)
  • Easter - Friday and Monday (March/April)
  • Memorial Day (May)
  • Juneteenth (June)
  • 4th of July (July)
  • Labor Day (September)
  • Thanksgiving (November -Wednesday-Sunday)
    • Residence Halls remain open
    • Dining facilities are closed
  • Christmas (December 23-31)
    • Some residence halls are open - see the full list here
    • All dining facilities are closed and students must make plans for their own meals.

During Spring Break, typically mid-March, there are no classes but the University is open. The residence halls remain open during Spring Break but dining facilities are closed.

6. What do I do if my passport expires soon?
  • Check your passport and visa expiration dates. If you have 6 months or more before it expires, follow the directions below.
  • Visit the website for the Consulate of your home country. *For Chinese students, go to the Chinese language version of the site.
  • Make an appointment
    • On the appointment day:
      • Bring your passport and I-20 (original AND 1 photocopy of each)
      • Bring 2 passport-sized photos
      • If your consulate will mail the new passport back to you, bring a PREPAID envelope and a money order for the amount they indicate.
      • Make sure you give yourself enough time to get it processed and buy your plane ticket before you have to leave.
7. What should I do with my I-20?

Make sure your I-20 is signed. You need to visit your DSO in the ISSS office to get it signed.

  • If your last name is between A - M, see Ms. Leslie Hicks, leslie_hicks@baylor.edu
  • If your last name is between N - Z, see Mr. Timothy Johnson, Timothy_Johnson3@baylor.edu

You can walk-in to see your assigned DSO or you can email your assigned DSO to set up an appointment.

8. Where can I stay in Waco when the residence halls close?

The hotels listed below are convenient to Baylor students and are willing to rent to students who are 18 years old. Baylor and the GGP do not advocate for these hotels; this list is for your convenience.

HOTELS
*Note: Some hotels and etc. don't allow you to check-in if you are under 21 years old. Check with your location BEFORE you reserve it!

* Prices change depending upon length of stay and time of the year. Check the website for the most accurate prices.

  • Redroof Inn (18+) $109.00+ per night
    • Phone: 254) 752-3388
    • Address: 720 S M.L.K. Jr Blvd Waco, Texas 76704
    • Amenities: wifi, HBO and expanded cable package, grab and go breakfast, coin-operated laundry
  • Candlewood Suites (18+) $120.00-135.00+ per night
    • Phone: (254)-662-0520
    • Address: 2700 South New Road Waco, Texas 76706
    • Amenities: laundry, wireless internet, fitness center
  • Marriott Residence Inn (18+) $116+ per night (no airport shuttle)
    • Phone: (254)-714-1386
    • Address: 501 S. University Parks Drive Waco, Texas 76706
    • Amenities: wireless internet, laundry on-site (coin operated), complimentary breakfast, fitness center, swimming pool
  • La Quinta - Baylor (18+) $124.00+ per night
    • Phone: (254) 756-2929
    • Address: 911 S 10th Street Waco, Texas 76706
    • Amenities: wifi, continental breakfast, indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center, laundry facilities
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites - Waco South (18+) $99.00+ per night
    • Phone: (254) 772-0200
    • Address: 6003 Woodway Drive Woodway, Texas 76712
    • Amenities: Laundry Facilities, Fitness center, Wifi, complimentary breakfast, indoor pool
  • Search for accommodations
    • Hotels:www.booking.comwww.kayak.com
    • Full Apartments and Homes: www.airbnb.com
    • Hostel: www.hostelworld.com
9. How can I get to/from the airport?

Here is some helpful contact information about transportation to the airport for Winter Vacation. Baylor and the GGP do not promote these companies; this list is only for your convenience. Let your SSM know if you have any questions.

Transportation to the Airport

  • Greyhound (wi-fi, power outlets)
    • Where: Dallas Airports, check schedule for other locations
    • Cost:One-Way to/from Dallas: $15-35
  • First Class Travel Waco (leather seats, wifi, drinks and snacks)
    • Email: info@firstclasstravelwaco.com
    • Phone: 254-218-6080
    • Where: Dallas Airports, Charter to other locations for groups up to 10
    • Cost:
      • One-Way $90.00
      • Round-Trip $175.00
      • Charter (location of your choice): $200 per hour for at least 4 hours (first group trip $400 round trip)
  • Waco Streak
    • Email: streak@grandecom.net
    • Phone: (254) 772-0430
    • Where: Dallas Airports, charter to other locations
    • Cost:
      • One-Way $139
      • Round-Trip $267
      • Group + per person: $109 one-way / $207 round-trip
      • Call to charter (location of your choice)
10. Where can I store my belongings when I move out of my residence hall?

Here is some helpful contact information for storage in Waco. Baylor and the GGP do not promote these companies; this list is only for your convenience. Let your SSM know if you have any questions.

Call the storage company during business hours for assistance.

Suggested Vendors:

  • Campus Crates with The UPS Store
    • Storage Squad (formerly Campus Crates) powered by The UPS Store offers Ship to School service, allowing you to send your belongings and online retailer packages ahead of time. Storage Squad will send you free boxes and receive your packages for climate controlled storage and delivery. If you're living on campus, your items will be waiting for you when you arrive due to their approved vendor partnership with Baylor University. When you're leaving for the summer, Storage Squad will also help you with their summer storage program! You can register at storagesquad.com/baylor  and get more information by emailing support@storagesquad.com .
  • Unlimited Self Storage
    • Self-Service storage unit
    • Prices range from $45-$200 per month
    • http://www.unlimitedselfstorage.com/
    • 1620 La Salle Ave., Waco, TX 76706
    • Call: 254-224-6751
  • Downtown Storage
    • Self-Service storage unit
    • Prices range from $20-$175 per month
    • https://www.downtownstoragewaco.com/
    • 1225 Franklin Ave. Waco, TX 76701
    • Call: 254-870-6361
11. What do I need to know about living in Waco?

Waco is a wonderful community. The International Student and Scholar Services office has lots of information about living in Waco. You can find it here.

Center for Global Engagement

Sid Richardson Bldg. 1st Floor – East Wing
1410 S. 3rd St. Waco, TX 76798

One Bear Place #97012
Waco, TX 76798-7012

Global_Baylor@baylor.edu
Global_Gateway@baylor.edu
ISSS_Support@baylor.edu
StudyAbroad@baylor.edu
(254) 710-1461
Global Gateway Program
Global Baylor
Study Abroad
International Student and Scholar Services
Register Your Travel
Global Partnerships
Baylor BU Center for Global Engagement Global Gateway Frequently Asked Questions Life at Baylor
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      • Maintaining J-1 Status
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      • Spring 2025 Trips & Events
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        • International Snack Hour - Monthly
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        • Global Bears Week
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        • International Thanksgiving Dinner - Nov. 13th
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