DormMoveIn

Waco, TX · Sic 'Em Bears, Waco

Baylor Freshman Dorms 2026

Baylor requires first-year students to live on campus for their first two semesters (choosing a Residential College locks in a 2-year contract instead); the narrow exemption requires a McLennan County high-school diploma AND living with a parent/guardian whose primary residence has been in the county for 6+ months, with both parties' driver's licenses required as proof. Baylor is a fully dry campus — alcohol is banned everywhere regardless of age, a policy explicitly tied to its Baptist affiliation — and every first-year hall uses the same Baylor-wide standard XL twin bed frame described as adjustable and loft-capable. Fall 2026 move-in for First-Year Community halls (Collins, Martin, Penland, South Russell) is Thursday, August 20, 8am-12pm, with an optional free early move-in window August 16-18.

Bed size
Adjustable frame, loft-capable
Air conditioning
Every hall
Residence halls
4 verified

Pick your residence hall

Every Baylor residence hall below has verified bed dimensions, AC status, and a checklist sized to that exact room.

Collins Hall

Bed
Adjustable frame, loft-capable
Under-bed
Loft height not published by Baylor
AC
Yes

Martin Hall

Bed
Adjustable frame, loft-capable
Under-bed
Loft height not published by Baylor
AC
Yes

Penland Hall

Bed
Adjustable frame, loft-capable
Under-bed
Loft height not published by Baylor
AC
Yes

South Russell Hall

Bed
Adjustable frame, loft-capable
Under-bed
Loft height not published by Baylor
AC
Yes

What to bring to Baylordorms — and what’s already there

Every Baylorfreshman hall includes the same base furnishings. Skip anything already in your room, pack what’s missing, and leave the banned items at home.

⚠ Exemption from the 2-semester requirement needs BOTH a McLennan County HS diploma and a parent/guardian's primary residence in the county for 6+ months, proven by driver's licenses.

⚠ Fully dry campus — alcohol banned everywhere, all ages, tied to Baptist affiliation (Policy BU-PP 030).

⚠ Quiet hours 11pm-10am daily (24-hr during study days/finals); courtesy hours are 24/7.

⚠ Overnight guests: same-sex only, 18+, roommate approval required, none allowed during university breaks.

⚠ Move-in is strictly time-slotted via Move2BU; exact slot is assigned in late July through the MyHousing portal.

⚠ Weapons including pocketknives and switchblades are banned from all halls — real disciplinary risk, not just a suggestion.

✓ In every room

  • XL twin bed frame (adjustable height
  • loft-capable)
  • 3-drawer dresser
  • desk
  • chair
  • split-desk pedestal/nightstand
  • closet/wardrobe
  • sink (room-dependent)
  • WiFi
  • cable TV
  • laundry in building

✗ Not provided

  • Not itemized by Baylor (official room-details page and What to Bring PDF both blocked from direct access
  • HTTP 403)

⊘ Prohibited

  • Candles (unless wick removed)
  • open flames/matches/lighters
  • grills (community charcoal grills only)
  • space heaters
  • halogen lamps
  • deep freezers/fryers
  • hot plates
  • toaster ovens
  • extension cords
  • non-surge-protected multi-plug covers
  • e-scooters (indoor storage/use)
  • nails/screws/permanent adhesives
  • bed risers
  • security/surveillance cameras
  • tobacco/e-cigs/hookahs
  • weapons incl. non-kitchen knives (butterfly/pocket/switchblade)

See the full Baylor packing checklist →

Top things every Baylor freshman needs

The essentials that aren’t in your room — our verified picks, each with a full comparison. Affiliate links; prices and availability shown on Amazon.

Planning your move-in? See the full Baylor packing guide →

More guides: Dorm move-in checklist · Best dorm fans (no AC) · Best shower caddy

Dorm shopping guides: Mini fridge · Surge protector · Storage bins · Mattress topper · Desk lamp · Bedding sets · Twin XL sheets · Shower caddy · Towels · Shower shoes · Laundry hamper · Area rug · Mirror · Over-door organizer · Closet organizers · Fans (no AC) · Loft bed setup