Baylor Tour Guide

How can students get involved at Baylor University?

• 400+ student organizations across academics, athletics, and hobbies.

• Late Night at the start of fall semester showcases every org on campus.

• Great way to explore interests and meet new people.

What sports opportunities exist outside NCAA Division I teams?

• Club Sports: 28 total (e.g., Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, Ice Hockey).

  • Require tryouts, travel schedules, 600+ participants.

• Intramural Sports: 19 total (e.g., volleyball, tennis, wiffleball).

  • No experience needed, 40% of students participate.

  • Competitive & Recreational leagues.

What does Greek life look like at Baylor?

• ~30% of students participate.

• 41 organizations across 4 councils: NPHC, UGC, PHC, IFC.

• Deferred Rush: recruitment starts spring semester of freshman year.

• No on-campus Greek houses.

• NPHC Garden honors Divine Nine (8 active chapters at Baylor).

• Fraternities/sororities host all-university events (concerts, 5Ks, dances).

What can transfer students participate in?

Same opportunities: recruitment, study abroad, student orgs, and more.

What are Baylor’s biggest traditions?

• Homecoming (since 1909): nation’s oldest and largest parade.

• Pigskin Revue: musical showcase of spring’s All-University Sing winners.

  • Sing = largest off-Broadway-style production in the U.S. (1,600+ students).

What is the Freshman Mass Meeting?

• Honors the Immortal Ten — symbolizes “Baylor Spirit.”

• Afterward, freshmen build the Eternal Flame Bonfire for the pep rally.

What is Baylor Thanksgiving?

• Campus-wide dinner on Fountain Mall.

• Organized by Student Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, and Student Gov.

• Serves full Thanksgiving meal (turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, etc.).

What happens at Christmas on 5th?

• 5th Street, not Dec. 5th!

• Free event open to the community.

• Tree lighting, petting zoo, live nativity, Santa photos, and concert.

What is Dia del Oso?

• “Day of the Bear” — Baylor’s own spring holiday in April.

• Organized by Chamber & Student Foundation.

• Includes fun events: Goat Yoga, 5K Fun Run, concerts, carnival, and field day.

How would you describe Waco to visitors?

• Population ≈142,000; 30,000 tourists visit per week.

• Small-town feel with big-city experiences.

What are the must-visit restaurants?

• Vitek’s BBQ – “Gut Pak” named #1 gameday food (Cooking Channel, 2013).

• George’s, Milo All Day, Shorty’s, Café Cappuccino, Baris, Union Hall, Mamaka Bowls, etc.

• Magnolia Market & Magnolia Table (by Chip & Joanna Gaines) attract 30k+ weekly.

What outdoor or entertainment activities does Waco offer?

• Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.

• Waco Surf: largest lazy river in the world; Olympic Surf Team trained there.

• Lake Waco: perfect for picnics and bonfires.

• Cameron Park: 400+ acres, 52-acre zoo, 2nd largest inner-city park in U.S.

• Common Grounds: on-campus coffee & live-music venue; next to Heritage Creamery.

• Spice Village: 60+ shops for clothes, decor, Baylor gear.

• Extraco Events Center: concerts, rodeos, fairs.

• Topgolf: partnered with Baylor—students even play in McLane Stadium!

• Also: Axe throwing, Escape Rooms, Main Event.