Living On Campus: The Baylor University Experience

Students at Baylor University can live on campus in a variety of housing options, including traditional residence halls, living-learning centres, residential colleges, and apartment-style upper-division communities. The university requires first-year students to live on campus, and all other students have the option to live on or off campus depending on availability and academic level. The on-campus communities offer a supportive Christian environment that fosters growth and meaningful connections. Additionally, transfer students who live on campus may find it easier to make friends, get involved, and succeed academically. Baylor University also provides resources to assist students in finding off-campus housing, as affordable options near campus can be challenging to find.

On-campus housing for first-year students

Baylor University requires all first-year students to live on campus. The Campus Living & Learning Office provides quality on-campus housing, with the majority of spaces allocated for undergraduate students and limited spaces for graduate students.

First-year students can expect to reside in traditional residence halls, known as First-Year Communities, where they can experience living and growing together while finding their place in the Baylor Line. These communities foster a supportive Christian environment, promoting personal growth, academic success, and meaningful connections.

To secure on-campus housing, first-year students must submit a housing application through the MyHousing Portal by the specified deadline. The application process includes enrolling with DUO Two-Factor authentication and paying a non-refundable $500 enrollment deposit. Students who apply for housing between March 3rd and May 1st will have access to the Roommate Matching and Choose Your Room processes. It is important to note that housing applications should be submitted early, as spaces fill up quickly.

Baylor University offers a range of living options, including traditional residence halls, living-learning centres, residential colleges, and upper-division communities. The university's website provides resources to help students make informed decisions about their housing choices, with daily tours of the residence halls available.

Additionally, first-year students at Baylor University are required to take two semesters of Chapel, attending worship services every Monday and Wednesday, as part of the private Baptist institution's focus on religion and service.

Off-campus housing options

Overview

Due to the high volume of students at Baylor University and the tight housing market in Waco, it is recommended that students start their search for off-campus housing as early as possible. Most affordable housing options near the campus are filled several months before the beginning of the term.

Official Off-Campus Marketplace

The Official Off-Campus Marketplace is the best place to start your search for off-campus housing. The marketplace is an apartment search tool created with the Baylor student in mind. You can browse a list of resources and click on the "Listings" tab to find available apartments near the university.

Rental Properties

When considering rental properties, it is important to keep in mind factors such as your budget, whether you need roommates, and the proximity to the Baylor University campus. Here are some rental properties near Baylor University to consider:

• The Centre and 19Eleven: Located at 500 Bagby Ave, Waco, TX 76706. Rent ranges from $1059 to $1979.
• URSA: Located at 2255 S. University Parks Dr., Waco, TX 76706.
• OPUS: Located at 2430 S 2nd St, Waco, TX 76706. Rent ranges from $1400 to $4125.
• Eastgate Apartments: Located at 1912 S 5th St, Waco, TX 76706.
• U Pointe on Speight: Located at 1102 Speight Ave, Waco, TX 76706.
• The Bruin: Located at 1300 South 11th Street, Waco, TX 76706. Rent ranges from $1250 to $1675.
• Union: Located at 1410 James Avenue, Waco, TX 76706.
• 11th Street Flats: Located at 1722 S 11th St, Waco, TX 76706.
• Aspen Heights: Located at 3344 South 3rd Street, Waco, TX 76706.
• West Campus Lofts: Located at 805 S 8th St, Waco, TX 76706.
• Park Place: Located at 909 Baylor Ave, Waco, TX 76706.
• Portico at Friars Creek Apts: Located at 507 Marlandwood Rd, Temple, TX 76502. Rent ranges from $1219 to $1739.
• Saddle Brook Apartments: Located at 9000 Chapel Rd, Waco, TX 76712. Rent ranges from $1200 to $1780.
• Eleven06 on 35: Located at 1106 Hooks St, Waco, TX 76705. Rent ranges from $870 to $1270.
• Arbors Apartments: Located at 1825 S 3rd St, Waco, TX 76706. Rent ranges from $695 to $1150.

Additional Considerations

Most off-campus residences will require a guarantor to sign your lease, in addition to your signature. This person could be a parent or guardian, or anyone else who is willing to take on the responsibility. It is also important to note that the housing process normally takes more than one day to finalize.

For international students needing off-campus housing, Rental Property Assistance is offered by Rachel Jenkins at Brother's Management. She can be contacted at rjenkins@brotherswaco.com.

Living-Learning Communities

LLCs offer a supportive Christian environment that fosters growth and meaningful connections. Students can experience what it means to be a part of a community and build significant relationships.

• Business & Innovation
• Science & Health
• Fine Arts
• Baylor & Beyond
• Outdoor Adventure

Living-Learning Community Housing Contracts are typically for one academic year and may be renewed. Students may reapply to a Living-Learning Community.

Residential Colleges

Baylor University offers students the opportunity to live in Residential Colleges, which are faculty-led communities that foster academic excellence, intensive faculty-student interaction, and a rich culture steeped in Baylor tradition. There are three Residential Colleges at Baylor: Brooks Residential College, Honors Residential College, and Teal Residential College.

The Residential Colleges are a great way for students of all classifications to connect with each other and experience the traditions of Baylor University. These communities offer a supportive Christian environment, helping students achieve personal growth and academic success. Students can manage their on-campus housing through the MyHousing Portal, which serves as a hub for all Baylor students living on campus.

Upper-Division Communities

At Baylor University, the Upper-Division Communities are part of the on-campus living options. These communities offer upper-division students the amenities of apartment living with the resources and staffing of on-campus housing.

University Parks

University Parks is one such community, offering furnished apartments with two to four bedrooms, private or shared bathrooms, and full kitchen and living areas. The apartments are fully staffed with Community Leaders, Residence Hall Directors, a Faculty in Residence, and a Resident Chaplain. University Parks is home to over 500 on-campus residents of all majors, providing opportunities for social and spiritual programming and helping residents build strong relationships.

Texana and University House

Texana and University House offer female upper-division students the choice of apartment or suite-style living. They have 4 and 6-person apartments or suites, with options for a single or double bedroom.

Transfer Students

Transfer students interested in on-campus housing will typically live in either a Living-Learning Center or an Upper-Division Community. Spaces are limited and are offered based on availability each semester.

Frequently asked questions