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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.
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 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.
Coming in late fallItem 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