10 Activities To Do Around Campus
One of the many benefits of being a student at George W. Truett Theological Seminary is the ability to participate in Baylor University’s campus life. Here is a list of 10 activities Truett students can access on or near campus for little to no cost this upcoming fall semester.
1. Baylor Homecoming
With Baylor University being home to the oldest collegiate homecoming in the United States, the annual celebration is not one to miss. Originating in 1909, Baylor’s 2023 homecoming festivities span the entire week of October 23. While Baylor’s football team takes on the Iowa State Cyclones, the University hosts musical performances, pep rallies, and bonfires. Truett students are encouraged to stop by the Seminary’s tent at the weekend’s featured parade through the heart of campus.
More Baylor Homecoming Information
2. Big 12 Sporting Events
Beyond the homecoming football game, Baylor’s presence in the Big 12 Conference allows for a variety of entertainment and events for Truett students throughout the semester. From volleyball and basketball to soccer and baseball. Truett students have free access to most seasonal games of any sport, and those wishing to attend a game will need to register for a ticket online at Baylor’s ticket portal. Students must bring their student ID to gain admittance into the event.
Click Here for Baylor Sports Ticket
3. Dr Pepper Hour
Every Tuesday from 3:00 -4:00 pm, Baylor University celebrates "Dr Pepper Hour," a tradition celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. Typically housed in the Student Union Building’s (SUB) Barfield Drawing Room, "Dr Pepper Hour" offers students the weekly chance at a sweet treat. Truett students are welcome to a tasty Dr Pepper ice cream float each week. The Truett family is especially encouraged to join on October 31, as event will be hosted by Truett Seminary.
More Dr Pepper Hour information
4. Hurd Welcome Center's Opening Celebration
Truett students are invited to the Hurd Welcome Center’s opening celebration on September 8. Truett’s newest neighbor, the Hurd Welcome Center, will be inaugurated with live music and lively activities for all ages. The center will provide dynamic campus views and great study spots throughout the semester while only being a short walk from the Seminary.
More Hurd Welcome Center Information
5. Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat
Some of the most exciting (and the cutest) news being brought to Baylor University this fall semester is the addition of the new cubs at the Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat. The two rescue cubs, Indy and Belle, are cousins, and the new duo will likely be involved in multiple events this upcoming school year, like Homecoming and game day predictions. The bear habitat is open to Baylor community members throughout the day. However, the best way to keep up with the cub’s schedule is through their Instagram. Students are welcome to say hello to their new classmates anytime after their expected move-in in August.
6. Student Life Center
Truett students looking for physical activity have various choices on campus, including the Student Life Center (SLC), community tennis, pickleball, volleyball, and basketball courts, and various running trails. The SLC offers holistic wellness programs on nutrition, exercise, and relaxation. The center’s facilities include exercise equipment, a lazy river, swimming pools, and rock climbing courses. Most of the SLC’s programs, facilities, and gear rentals are free for students who bring a valid Baylor ID. Students may also need to complete a safety waiver before some activities. Community courts are located around campus, with multiple across from Penland Dining Hall, only a short walk from Truett Seminary.
7. Pullin Family Marina
Another standout physical activity available to Truett students is the Pullin Family Marina. The marina is home to an on-campus bicycle shop and a beachfront fit for both relaxation and sand volleyball. Students can access the Brazos River via kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and sunfish sailboats with a valid Baylor ID. Life vest and sports equipment are also available. Additionally, students can bring a guest for $5.00. Students and guests may need to fill out safety waivers to participate.
More Pullin Family Marina Information
8. Mayborn Museum
Just a quick walk across from the Pullin Family Marina is the Mayborn Museum. A Smithsonian-affiliated museum, the Mayborn focuses on the natural and cultural history of Texas history and is renowned for the Waco Mammoth National Monument Exhibit. The museum also offers child-geared learning exhibits and is excellent for students with young guests. While students and active-duty veterans get in for free, adult guest tickets are $10, and children are $8. Often hosting traveling exhibits, the Mayborn offers new and exciting displays worthy of return. Some traveling exhibits require a ticket purchase for all visitors, including students.
More Mayborn Museum Information
9. Baylor Gameroom
The Baylor Gameroom is an excellent choice for students looking for indoor activities. The Baylor Gameroom boasts five bowling lanes, billiard and foosball tables, ping pong, shuffleboard, and classic board games on the bottom levels of the Student Union Building (SUB) at the Bill Daniel Student Center. With a student ID, bowling costs $5 an hour, including shoe rental, while access to the rest of the game room is $2 an hour. More information about the Baylor Gameroom’s hours and non-student pricing can be found on the Baylor Student Center's webpage.
More Baylor Gameroom Information
10. Christmas on the 5th
An amazing way to round out the fall semester is with Christmas on the 5th, an annual holiday celebration for the Baylor community. Held on November 30, Christmas on the 5th will be full of Christmas lights, hot cocoa, and happiness. With free petting zoos, live nativity, photo booths, live music, and more, Christmas on the 5th is a fantastic way to celebrate the close of a semester and the start of the Christmas season. Admission is free for Truett students, who are encouraged to come to say hello to Santa.
In order to partake in some events, students should bring their Baylor student ID and may need to register in advance online through Baylor’s ticket portal.