By Bella Whitmore | Intern
Through the Baylor and Beyond Living-Learning Community, North Russell Hall is home to a majority of Baylor’s first-year international students. People from all around the world call “No-Ro” home their freshman year.
Dr. Joe Coker, senior religion lecturer and longtime faculty-in-residence at North Russell, explained the benefits of living with students from different cultures.
“Living in North Russell really does allow students to experience the world without even leaving the building,” Coker said. “Making friends with and living alongside people from around the globe enriches both the academic and personal growth of No-Ro residents.”
North Russell’s game room features a map on which every student can place a pin on their native country, creating an array of colorful dots.
Nicholas Erizo, 2023 Baylor graduate and former community leader mentor at North Russell, said the residence hall is marked by its diversity.
“No-Ro offers residents to meet people from all over the world, learn about different cultures, food, language, norms and ultimately gain a new perspective of the world and become more humble,” Erizo said. “Baylor and Beyond LLC has a great program director and team that work hard to bring the world into the doorsteps of No-Ro.”
When it comes to amenities and renovations, North Russell is relatively new. From electronic locks to a modern and open-concept kitchen, the residence hall stands out — and there is no shortage of community events or internationally-inspired gatherings.
“The best community aspects of No-Ro are having ‘Fun Fridays’ every week and community dinners every month,” Erizo said.
Coker said engaging with different cultures is a one-of-a-kind experience North Russell provides to residents.
“This opportunity to get to know international students is coupled with the very intentional programming done by the Baylor and Beyond Living-Learning Center, which puts on events throughout the year designed to enrich students’ experience of and appreciation for global cultures,” Coker said. “These include occasions to dialogue with students from around the world, hear and appreciate others’ stories, try foods and experience customs from different cultures.”
Community events include cooking a variety of meals in the kitchen and having coffee time in between classes every Wednesday. Such events unite students across cultural borders and create a strong sense of family.
“I really believe that the overall experience helps the residents of No-Ro broaden their horizons and cultivate an ethos of openness and love for our neighbors,” Coker said.
