Arrival & Global Bears Week (August 18-21)

Plan to arrive no later than the Program Start Date listed on your I-20 and check in with our office on that date!  For those beginning in August 2025, your expected check-in date with our office is Monday, August 18, 2025 between 9am and 5pm.  Please plan accordingly so you can arrive by that date and check-in at the Center for Global Engagement in the Sid Richardson Building on the first floor.

• Students in initial status who have not entered the U.S. on the Baylor I-20, and who do not have a class schedule by the 5th day of class may have their I-20 cancelled.  Students must inform their Baylor Admissions officer or academic department, and their DSO if they are no longer planning to attend Baylor.  Students are responsible for responding to any emails sent to their Baylor email account.  
• Students in initial status who have entered the U.S. on the Baylor I-20 and who have not checked in with the Center for Global Engagement by the 12th day of class may have their I-20 cancelled if they do not communicate with their DSO about their arrival plans.  Students must inform their admissions officer or academic department, and their DSO of any change of plans.  Students are responsible for responding to any emails sent to their Baylor email account.  

Pre-Arrival Required Tasks (before arriving in Waco)

1. Arrange Housing (Early!)

Whether you plan on living on-campus in one of Baylor University's residence halls (undergrad only), or living off-campus (undergrad/grad) in the neighborhood community surrounding Baylor University, make sure to start investigating and arranging your housing for the academic year early. Both on-campus and off-campus housing options close to campus fill up quickly as Baylor student numbers continue to grow.

2. Complete New Student Questionnaire

Complete the New International Student Questionnaire on your Global Bears account. This is REQUIRED for all new incoming students.

3. Get your virtual Baylor ID Card

You should create your Baylor ID Card before you get to campus. ID cards are virtual, and starting the process before you arrive will make your transition much easier.

• Submit an ID Photo Online - This is the most important step to do ahead of time because a person in the ID Card Office must manually review the photo and approve it. Do this at least one week prior to move in. Once this step is complete, you can finish setting up your digital ID.
  • Go online to https://idcard.baylor.edu
  • Login using your Baylor email information
  • Create a 4 digit PIN number that you will remember. A PIN must be created for your card to function properly at your residence hall. If you are not living in a residence hall, skip this step. 
  • Click “Notification Preferences”- Choose at least one communication preference. This will be used in the event your picture does not meet the requirements.
  • Click “Submit ID Photo”
  • Review the photo requirements
  • Click “Upload Photo”- Choose file
  • Click “Submit”
• Download the GET app to access your ID Card - Detailed instructions on this step found here (click on Apple iPhone or Android Devices). This step can be completed after you arrive to Waco and have access to a phone.

4. Plan Your Travel to Baylor

If you plan on arriving at Baylor via the Waco Airport, please be aware that the City of Waco offers an affordable option to be picked up from the Waco Airport and driven to your housing accommodations. Please refer to the Waco Regional Airport Shuttle webpage for more information. Advance reservations are required.

If your final flight destination in the USA is to an airport in Texas other than the Waco Airport, please CLICK HERE for more information on how to travel to Baylor University.

If you arrive in Waco before your housing accommodations open, please see below for some various hotel options at various price points. Please be aware that these options are being offered as a convenience and do not signify a partnership or endorsement by Baylor University of these businesses.

Waco Hotel Options

1. Roadway Inn Waco: 720 S M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Waco, TX 76704: +1 (254) 752-3388: Click here to check for availability.
2. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Waco: 115 S Jack Kultgen Expy, Waco, TX 76706 : +1 (254) 262-8151: Click here to check availability.
3. Hotel Indigo Waco: 211 Clay Ave, Waco, TX 76706: +1 (254) 754-7000: Click here to check availability

Post-Arrival Arrival Required Tasks (after arriving in Waco)

1. Complete Arrival Registration for Initial Students (in Global Bears account)

Upon your arrival in Waco, you must complete the "Arrival Registration for Initial Students" Request located on your Global Bears account. Once you arrive, please upload copies of the following documents: your Baylor I-20 (signed by you), I-94 Arrival Record, U.S Visa, Baylor ID Card, and Pre Arrival Program Certificate.  

2. Check-in with the Center for Global Engagement 

On Monday, August 18, 2025, new students check-in at the Center for Global Engagement office between 9am and 4pm.  The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) is in Sid Richardson Building, First Floor (East Wing).  Students will be given further instructions at this time.

3. Attend Global Bears Week (International Orientation)

Global Bears Week will be your first activity on Baylor's campus. This orientation for new international students takes place from August 18 - 21, 2025, and provides customized orientation information and activities for new incoming international students. Find out more information about Global Bears Week activities by clicking here.

4. Attend Maintaining Status Sessions

All international students taking face-to-face classes at Baylor for the first time are required to attend Maintaining Status Session hosted by International Student & Scholar Services. These sessions are held either prior to the beginning of classes during Global Bears Week.

The session is designed to educate international students about their responsibilities as international students studying in the U.S. Students who do not attend one of the required sessions will have a hold placed on their account which will prevent them from changing their schedule, getting a transcript, registering for the following semester, etc.