Baker University's Baldwin City campus, Kansas' first four-year university since 1858, is anchored by Parmenter Hall, whose construction received a $100 donation from sitting President Abraham Lincoln, reportedly his only such gift to any university, with freshmen required to live on campus in halls including Gessner and Irwin.
Enrollment
1,264
Total Students
Freshman Class
316
Approx.
Move-In Dates
August 18 - August 19, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
93%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
All new students are required to attend an orientation session before their first semester, with students moving into campus residence halls the same day, typically in the afternoon following morning orientation activities and sessions. This specific date should be confirmed directly with Baker's Office of Residential Admissions (admissions@bakeru.edu, 785-594-8327) closer to move-in, given genuine uncertainty in the sources available at the time of research.
August 18 - August 19, 2026
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned window - early arrivals often just wait longer.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck; loading-zone carts run out fast.
- Parking near freshman halls fills up quickly - have a backup plan or drop-off spot.
- Loading zones usually enforce a strict time limit (often 30 minutes) before you're expected to move your car to long-term parking.
- Activate your student ID online before you arrive - many schools require it for building and elevator access from day one.
- If you want your bed lofted or the frame height adjusted, check whether your school needs that request submitted online in advance - most won't do it on the spot.
- Check your school's specific package-acceptance window before shipping anything ahead - most won't hold early deliveries outside a set date range.
- Unpack essentials first: bedding, toiletries, and chargers, before anything else.
Housing & Dorms
- Photo coming soon
Gessner Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Irwin Hall
Traditional · Coed
Housing Links
Links open Baker University's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
Orientation
New Student Orientation (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 18 - August 19, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$12,000
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
Nearby data coming soon.
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at Baker University.
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