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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.

To be announced

Winter break key dates

Key dates for winter break 2025-2026, including the registration deadline for winter break housing, will be available in late fall 2025.

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. 

Coming in late fall

Winter break housing and dining

Winter break housing

If you are an undergraduate student wishing to remain on campus during winter break, you must register for housing. Winter break housing usually begins at 9 a.m. the first day after the final exam period and ends at 9 a.m. on returning student move-in day (dates to be announced in late fall 2025). 

Only undergraduate students currently living in on-campus housing and who are returning to campus for the spring semester can register. You 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, after the last service. However, your Dining Dollars balance from the fall semester will remain active throughout winter break. Any additional money added to your spring semester meal plan will not be available for use until spring meal plans begin.

Winter break transportation

University of Rochester shuttle services

The University shuttle service runs limited schedules over winter break, with no service on the University holidays of December 25 and January 1. The winter break shuttle schedules will be available in late fall.

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.

Learn more

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.

Students ice skating on temporary rink built on Wilson Quad on the River Campus

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 fall