Life at Baylor

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.

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!

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.    

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://baylor.nupark.com/portal/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fportal%2f&ReturnUrl=%2fportal%2f 

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)
• 4^th 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.

• 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.

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.

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

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)

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

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.