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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.
2024-2025 winter break key dates
Monday, December 9
Deadline to register for winter break housing
Registration now closedWednesday, December 18
Fall 2024 semester examinations end
Fall 2024 semester meal plans end after last service
Thursday, December 19
9 a.m. Residence halls close for departing students
Winter break housing begins
Wednesday, December 25
University holiday (most departments, offices, and dining locations closed)
Wednesday, January 1
University holiday (most departments, offices, and dining locations closed)
Thursday, January 16
9 a.m. Residence halls open for returning students
Winter break housing ends
Spring 2025 semester meal plans begin
Monday, January 20
University holiday (most offices and departments closed)
Tuesday, January 21
Spring 2025 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
If you are an undergraduate student wishing to remain on campus during winter break, you must register for housing by Monday, December 9. Winter break housing begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday, December 19 and ends at 9 a.m. on Thursday, January 16.
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 of $400 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.
Learn moreWinter 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 2024 semester meal plans end on Wednesday, December 18 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. If you are planning to use your Dining Dollars balance to cover your meals during winter break, you should plan to spend approximately $40 per day.
View what's openWinter break transportation
University of Rochester shuttle services
The Green, Orange/Blue, and Silver lines will run limited schedules from Monday, December 23, 2024 through Saturday, January 18, 2025 (no service on December 25 and January 1). 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 schedulesRegional 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 moreRideshare 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.
Winter break hours
Please note: hours of operation are limited during winter break.
Bookstore
View hoursCampus Information Center
View hoursDining Services
View hoursDouglass Commons
View hoursGenesee Hall
View hoursGoergen Athletic Center
View hoursInternational Services Office
View hoursRiver Campus Libraries
View hoursSpurrier Hall
View hoursUniversity Counseling Center
View hoursUniversity Health Service
View hoursWilson Commons
View hoursStay 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.
View eventsItem rentals and common use spaces
Board games
Learn moreCharging stations
Learn moreDay lockers
Learn moreLost & Found
Learn moreMeditation & Prayer Room
Learn morePianos
Learn morePool table
Learn morePower banks
Learn moreSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) lamps
Learn moreSnowshoes
Learn moreSports equipment
Learn moreYoga mats
Learn moreStudent 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 moreFood 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