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Important Information
Staying on campus over winter break? Review the following information and important deadlines to make sure you're all set with break housing, dining, transportation, and more.
2025-2026 Winter Break Key Dates
Key dates for winter break 2025-2026, including the registration deadline for winter break housing.
Monday, December 8
Winter break housing registration deadline
Wednesday, December 17
Fall meal plan ends after last service
Thursday, December 19
Winter break housing begins at 9 a.m.
Thursday, January 15
Winter break housing ends. Residence Halls open for returning students at 9 a.m. New student (new students, transfers, or return from study abroad or leave of absence) check in is 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday, January 15
Spring semester meal plans begin
Tuesday, January 20
Spring semester classes begin
Stay in the know
Sign up for updates
Subscribe to the Winter Highlights newsletter to receive weekly updates about activities, services, and more throughout winter break. All undergraduate students who register for winter break housing will automatically be subscribed.
Winter Break Housing and Dining
Winter Break Housing
Undergraduate students wishing to remain on campus during winter break must register for housing in StarRez. Winter Break housing begins at 9 a.m., Friday, December 19, 2025 and ends at 9 a.m., Thursday, January 15, 2026. Students can view more information on the Residential Life Break Closing and Housing page.
Please note that only students with fall 2025 and spring 2026 housing assignments are eligible for winter stay. Students will be charged a flat rate for the entire winter break housing period, and there is no reduced fee for a partial stay. Financial support is available for those currently receiving federal and/or institutional aid and will be applied on a sliding scale.
Winter Break Dining
Campus dining locations are open limited hours during winter break. Make sure to check what's open on the Dining Services website before heading out.
Fall semester meal plans usually end on the last day of the final exam period, December 17, after the last meal service. However, any Dining Dollars balance from the fall semester will remain active throughout winter break. Any additional money added to a spring semester meal plan will not be available for use until spring meal plans begin. Email rcdining@services.rochester.edu with any questions.
Winter Break Transportation
University of Rochester Shuttle Services
Make sure to review the schedules online before you head out and download the free Passio Go! app for live tracking, arrival predictions, and proximity alerts.
View shuttle schedules
Regional Transit Service (RTS) System
RTS serves the entire greater Rochester area and can help you travel beyond the areas serviced by the University shuttle system. Install the RTS Transit app to view the system map and UR connection points and download bus schedules.
Plan your trip
Rideshare Services
While not affiliated with the University, rideshare services Lyft and Uber are popular ways to get around the greater Rochester area. Download the Lyft or Uber apps to learn more.
Find transit options
Stay Connected
Winter Break Activities
Wilson Commons Student Activities (WCSA) hosts a variety of activities over winter break to keep you connected to fellow undergraduate students staying on campus. View the full list of events and programs on the WCSA website.
Coming in late fallStudent Support
Basic Needs Hub
The Basic Needs Hub was created to facilitate the connection of campus and community resources for students who are experiencing a time of critical need. The Hub provides urgent, essential student necessities, such as food, clothing, and housing.
Learn more
Food Pantry
The Food Pantry is open to all students and postdocs and includes a variety of non-perishable items for you to choose from. Hours are limited over winter break. Browse in-person at the pantry's location in Wilson Commons (first floor; room 105) or use the CCC form to pre-order a bag for pick-up.
Learn more