Break Information

Fall Semester – Early Arrivals

Students returning early for athletics, student organization training, or campus groups must receive explicit email approval from University Housing Operations (UHO) before arriving.

If you have not received confirmation by late July, contact your coach, supervisor, or advisor to confirm your group’s early move-in and registration.

Important Arrival Dates:

• Aug. 12: Returning students, Fall athletes, new international students, and Westover Honors students
• Aug. 13: Returning students, new students (first year and transfer), and new international students
• Aug 14. Returning students and new students (first year and transfer)
• Aug. 17: All remaining students who have not yet arrived

Break Information

Undergraduate residential areas on campus will be closed during some breaks. Academic classes and coursework will still be conducted as scheduled by the respective instructors.

Early Arrivals / Late Departure

Early arrivals and late departures  during breaks require students to submit a request via the Housing Portal. Approved requests may incur a daily/weekly rate.

• Early arrival requests only apply to students arriving on campus prior to the Fall and Spring semesters – – not during mid-semester breaks.

Students staying during Fall, Thanksgiving, Winter, or Spring breaks must apply via the Housing Portal.  Please watch emails for the details and deadlines. Approved requests may incur a daily/weekly rate.

Students wishing to reside on campus during Summer break must submit a separate summer housing application via the Housing Portal. Summer housing is subject to a distinct fee structure and associated housing fees.

Fall 2026 – Late Departure Requests Open

• Fall Break: September 21–October 5, 2026
• Thanksgiving Break: November 2–18, 2026
• Winter Break: November 30–December 9, 2026

Spring 2027 – Late Departure Requests Open

• Spring Break: February 8–24, 2027

Fall Break

Fall Break is scheduled for Oct. 8-11, 2026. University offices remain open Oct. 8–9, 2026.

Students may remain on campus at no extra charge during Fall Break but must submit the Late Departure Application via the Housing Portal. Please watch emails for the application details and deadlines. Secure rooms and vehicles before departing. 

Meal plans are suspended during the break period. Available dining options will be communicated via Dining Services.

Thanksgiving Break

Thanksgiving Break is scheduled for Nov. 23-29, 2026. University offices are closed Nov. 25-27, 2026.

Undergraduate residential facilities:

Prior authorization is required to remain on campus by submitting a Late Departure Request via the Housing Portal. Please watch emails for the details and deadlines. Secure rooms and vehicles before departing. 

Meal plans are not offered during Thanksgiving Break. Dining options will not be available on campus unless otherwise communicated.

Winter Break

For exam purposes, 24-hour quiet hours will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, 2026.

Winter Break is scheduled for Dec. 12, 2026 – Jan. 7, 2027. University offices are closed Dec. 23, 2026 – Jan. 1, 2027.

Undergraduate residential facilities:

To stay past Dec. 12, submit a Late Departure Request via the Housing Portal by the deadline. Please watch emails for the details and deadlines. Secure rooms and vehicles before departing. 

To arrive before Jan. 7, submit a Early Arrival Request via the Housing Portal by the deadline. Please watch emails for the  details and deadlines. 

Winter Break Checklist

• Unplug all appliances except for aquariums (please use long-term feeders).
• All refrigerators must be emptied, unplugged, and left open. (excluding Southside kitchens)
• Dispose of any perishable items.
• Empty all trash cans.
• Ensure the residence is generally clean.
• Close and lock all windows.
• Pull the blinds down and close them.
• Turn off the lights.
• Close and lock all doors.

Note: Failure to complete all of the above will result in fines and possible sanctions. The Office of Campus Safety and Security will conduct rounds and periodic safety checks throughout the break period.

Non-returning Students

Students not returning for the Spring semester must:

• Fully vacate the room (remove all personal belongings, clean thoroughly, and return furniture to its original layout)
• Depart by Dec. 12 at 9 p.m.
• Return keys to Campus Safety (a $150 fee applies for unreturned keys).

Spring Break

Spring Break is scheduled for March 1-7, 2027. University offices are open.

Students may remain on campus at no extra charge during Spring Break but must submit the Late Departure Request via the Housing Portal. Please watch emails for the details and deadlines. Secure rooms and vehicles before departing. 

Meal plans are not offered during Spring Break. Dining options will not be available on campus unless otherwise communicated.

Summer Break

Students wishing to reside on campus during summer break must submit a separate Summer Housing Application via the Housing Portal. 

• Summer housing is subject to a distinct fee structure and associated housing fees.

Year-end Closing Information

For exam purposes, 24-hour quiet hours begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Students must vacate within 24 hours of their last exam or by the general deadline, whichever comes first.

• May 3: Last day for residential students to apply to stay late through the Housing Portal.
• May 6: University housing closes for all undergraduate students at 10 a.m. Any resident must be pre-approved by the Office of Residential Experience to stay after 10 a.m.
• May 8: Housing closes for graduating seniors at 1:00 p.m..

Commencement Exercises

Graduating seniors and approved event assistants may stay until 1:00 p.m.  on Friday, May 8, 2026.

Move-Out Guide

Follow these instructions and options to ensure a smooth checkout and avoid fines.

• Standard Checkout: Schedule a walkthrough with your CA to review room condition. Rooms must be clean, empty, and reset to their original layout.
• Express Checkout: Depart independently. Final inspection damage billing applies if issues are found. Rooms must be clean, empty, and reset to original layout.

Key Returns: Return all keys to Campus Safety and Security (lower level, Carnegie Hall) in designated envelopes.

• Lost key report: $75 fee
• Unreturned keys at departure: $150 fee

Move-Out Checklist

• Personal Belongings & Furniture: Remove ALL personal items from rooms and cabinets,, including: rugs, curtains, lamps, cleaning supplies, lofts, and non-university furniture. Reset beds to original layout. Please un-loft beds.
• Cleaning: Sweep/vacuum floors (do not sweep into hallways). Empty and wipe down refrigerators. Scrub kitchens and bathrooms in Southside and Westover.
• Surfaces & Adhesives: Remove all posters, tape, stickers, and Command strips without damaging walls/paint.
• Trash & Storage: Dispose of all trash in designated dumpsters. Empty closets and drawers, and rehang closet doors.
• Windows & Security: Close and lock windows, close blinds, turn off lights, and lock doors.

Common Fines & Charges to Avoid

• Improper Checkout: Overstaying approved timelines or failing to return keys.
• Abandonment & Trash: Leaving trash, personal belongings, rugs, or un-lofted beds behind, or dumping trash in hallways.
• Property & Surface Damage: Wall or paint damage from adhesives, dart holes, writing, burn marks, or unattached doors.
• Walls: Failing to remove posters, nails, and tape, or leaving marks on walls.
• Structural & Utility Issues: Cracked windows/mirrors, broken blinds, or damaged wall jacks, locks, and towel racks.
  

For questions, contact Facilities Management at [email protected] or reach out to your Community Assistant (CA).