“One of the things my students talk about his how fortunate they are to meet each other and hear one another’s stories,” Duncan said. “You see students from all different backgrounds and walks of life becoming friends and learning from one another.”

For those who have lived in Dawson and Allen, the renovation is very welcome. Houston senior Natalie French gave an example of just how old the dorms really are.

“A girl and I lived down the hall from each other [in Dawson], and her Grandma went to Baylor, and she lived in Dawson. When she walked in, she goes, ‘Oh my gosh, it looks the exact same!””

Clayton, Calif. junior Ben Williamson said he is concerned about the lack of public safety in neighborhoods surrounding Baylor. Williamson said even a small boost in security could potentially lessen crime in the areas that students inhabit.

Chip and Joanna Gaines hit television show “The Fixer Upper” created a brand for the city of Waco as the hosts revitalizing old, rundown houses. These houses are now unaffordable for the poor community.

In 2014 10 years ago the average rent in Waco was $600-$750 and the cost of groceries was $40-$70 on average for one person a week, which means students living off campus would spend around $1,050 on groceries and rent a month. These numbers have only risen since then.