Housing

Winter Break Service Center Hours

Semester Break Timeline & Process

For the transition between semesters, there are always guidelines residents need to review. Please view the below information for everything you need to know about the breaks and transitions between semesters.

Semester Breaks

You have a housing contract for the full academic year. Although we recommend taking valuables home with you for the break, unless otherwise stated, you do not need to move items out for winter break. You will remain in your current housing assignment for the spring semester.

If you are not staying in University Housing during the spring semester, you should complete your departure within 24 hours of completing your last final exam. You should plan to depart no later than Saturday, December 14 at 12:00 p.m. (noon). University Housing recommends you do not plan your departure time around the Commencement ceremonies occurring the same day. 

Meal plan service ends on Friday, December 13 at 4 p.m. 

Applying for Break Housing

Break housing is available during the period between the fall and spring semesters and during spring break.

If you are not in an apartment but need to stay in University Housing through final exams or a break period, a request for break housing along with rationale for the stay must be submitted and approved. Note, residents may be assigned to temporary space for the break period.

Information regarding the summer housing application can be found on the Summer Housing for UC Students page. 

Rates

Students staying in University Housing during break periods may be billed at a nightly rate. To see your applicable nightly rate, please check your cohort's page in the Rates section of the site. 

Winter Break Housing

The Spring Intent and Break Housing form opened November 19. 

If you intend to stay at UC over the winter break, please ensure to complete the Spring Intent and Break Housing Form when it becomes available in the housing portal. For a smooth process, it's recommended to submit your request by Dec. 11 at 12:00 p.m. (noon). Whether you plan to stay for the entire break or any part of it, including staying past Dec. 14 or arriving before Jan. 12, completion of the form is mandatory.

For students not returning to university housing for the Spring 2025 semester, break housing is not available, and it's crucial to complete your move-out from your fall housing assignment by December 14 at 12:00 p.m. (noon). For more information, refer to the Departures & Move-Out page. 

Room Prep

All students should complete the following prior to departing for break:

  • Clean out your fridge
  • Take out your trash
  • Ensure your windows are closed
  • Ensure your lights are off
  • Ensure your door(s) is locked

While residents returning for the spring semester are not mandated to fully vacate their rooms, it's important to note that university staff may need access to your room during the break. To safeguard your belongings, we highly recommend taking all valuables home with you. It is crucial that any items left behind are confined to your designated spaces. Please be aware that University Housing will be making room assignments for new spring residents during the winter break, and all rooms with vacancies should be prepared to welcome a new roommate. Before leaving for the break, ensure that your personal belongings are limited to the furniture assigned to you.