Just moved to Baylor? Finding yourself asking, “Now what?”

Whether you just dropped your child off in his or her dorm or got settled in yourself as a student, take some time to enjoy local attractions and get to know or refamiliarize yourself with all that makes Waco home to so many! As you prepare for back-to-school season, we want to help you navigate like a local, connect with the community and discover your favorite places in Downtown Waco.

Get in the Green & Gold Spirit

When it comes to showing school pride, you can never have enough Baylor gear! You’re in luck, because Downtown Waco hosts a variety of shops and boutiques filled with gameday fits and classic Baylor merchandise. Golden Green Boutique offers green and gold-schemed outfits that are perfect to cheer on the Bears in this football season! Swing by Spice Village to have your choice of gameday accessories. If you’re looking for some back-to-school closet essentials, DylanNICOLE Boutique is the ideal place to find your first day of class outfits. With Baylor staples and seasonal items, Downtown Waco makes it easy for you to gear up for fall fashion.

Need to Unwind?

Are you tired after Move2BU and just want to relax? Look no further than Pura Vida Spa—your dream destination for all things restful. Enjoy a massage, facial or mani-pedi close to campus after a long day of moving. Cozy up in some of Downtown Waco’s finest coffee shops: Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits, One Day, Lighthouse Coffee & Wine, Brû, Magnolia Press, Glory Bell, Fabled Bookshop & Cafe and Street Dog Cafe. If you need things to do on the weekend to get your mind off the move, we have the perfect itinerary for you!

Celebrate Together

Don’t worry about the drop off hugs just yet! Downtown Waco invites you to share one last meal together and celebrate a new school year with delicious eateries sure to please everyone. For out-of-staters, get in the Texas spirit with true Texas flavor from Terry Black’s Barbeque or TexMex at Ninfa’s. In need of a quick bite? Head to Schmaltz’s Sandwich Shoppe for filling sandwiches on famous, homemade bread. If you’re looking to celebrate in upscale fashion, make your way to DiamondBack’s, Opal’s Oysters or Pignetti’s to take your gathering to the next level.

Parent Tips

We know this can be a very big transition, as your child leaves the nest. Here are some tips we’ll worry about, so you don’t have to:

• Where to get a haircut: If you’re not sure where to send your child to stay looking sharp while they’re away at school, Downtown Waco has a variety of salons and barber shops perfect for maintenance trims. On the Avenue, 202 Beauty Lounge and Salon Asylum are upscale, friendly salons with fair Waco prices. Champions Salon and Barber and Tito’s Downtown Barber Shop offer classic cuts for men just off campus.
• Where to shop last-minute for the dorm: Did you forget something in the busyness of the move? Downtown Waco has everything you need to help your child feel settled and prepared for school and new life in Waco. To continue to decorate the dorm or house, head to Repose. For your child’s office supply and paper good needs, make your way to Paper Crown. Complete their reading list, and purchase books at Fabled Bookshop & Cafe.
• Where to go for resources: Be sure to stay in-the-know on all that’s going on near campus downtown by reading our blogs and following along on our socials. Sign up for emails by filling out your information at the bottom of this page to never miss an update!

Things to Know: Student Edition

If you’re new to Waco, we hope to equip you with the necessary tools and information to feel at home as soon as possible. Be sure to read our blog on how to succeed in having the best transition you can. In case you didn’t know, some of our downtown small businesses extend their welcome to you through perks and discounts. Below is a list of restaurants and stores downtown participating in Baylor’s Waco Perks program (as of July 2025):

• Bitty & Beau’s Coffee: 10% off entire purchase of food, drink and merchandise. Monday through Thursday only.
• Billy Bob’s Burgers: Free soft drink with purchase of a basket meal
• Boardwalk on Elm: 10% off food basket purchase
• Brû: Free pastry or fruit with any food item or free coffee with any gift card purchase
• Cha Community: Free boba topping (or topping of choice) for one drink, 10% discount for food order at Cha Community shop, food truck or other pop-ups with Baylor ID.
• Cheddar Box: $1.00 off any grilled cheese valid Thursday through Saturday. Limit one per customer.
• Cookie Dough Bliss: 10% off your entire purchase, valid in-store only at Union Hall with Baylor ID.
• Glory Bell: 10% off purchase Monday – Thursday
• Hecho en Waco: 10% off purchase
• J Petal: 15% off order
• Magnolia Perks: Sign up for Magnolia Perks and receive 10% at any Magnolia food and retail spaces in Waco, no Baylor ID required.
• Mac’s Fry House: 20% off Lunch purchases from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Valid Monday-Thursday.
• Milo: 20% off lunch order
• Oh My Juice: 10% off order – Tuesdays only!
• The Olive Branch: 15% discount on purchase
• Patrick’s Dry Cleaners: 10% Off Dry Cleaning (Dry clean garments only). This offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discounts or promotions. Must present valid student ID at time of drop-off. Offer valid through the last day of student’s graduation month.
• Pura Vida Spa: 60-minute massage for $62, 90-minute massage for $95 Monday-Thursday
• Ramble & Co.: 10% off purchase
• Revival Eastside Eatery: Free beverage (tea or soda) with purchase
• Street Dog Cafe: 10% off purchase of coffee or espresso beverages only with valid Baylor ID
• Waco Escape Rooms: 20% off each person Thursdays and Fridays. Discount valid for walk-ins or phone ahead customers.
• Zuke’s Tea Bar: 10% off a specialty tea

Whether you’re a parent saying a heartfelt goodbye or a student stepping into an exciting new chapter, we hope this guide helps you feel right at home in Downtown Waco. For parents, take comfort in knowing your student has access to trusted shops, local eats and welcoming businesses. For students, start making Waco your own with perks, coffee spots and places to recharge or celebrate. Wherever you are in the journey, we’re so glad you’re here—and we invite you to keep exploring, connecting and settling into this special community!