Break Closing and Housing
Winter Break
Winter break housing begins at 9 a.m., Thursday, December 19, 2025 and ends at 9 a.m., Thursday, January 16, 2025. All students wishing to remain on campus during break must register. Please note that only students with fall 2025 and spring 2025 housing assignments are eligible for winter break housing.
A list of undergraduate students who register for winter break is provided to public safety and area offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
Campus housing during winter break will be available to all students in campus housing for fall 2024 who also have a housing contract for the spring 2025 semester. Students stay in their existing fall semester housing assignment. Students choosing to remain on campus for part or all of winter break (12/19/24-1/16/25) must register. The registration period closes on December 9 (the last day of classes). Please log into StarRez to register. If your plans change and you need to cancel, please email winterbreakhousing@reslife.rochester.edu. Include your name, room assignment, and student ID.
The winter break fee is $400 to support the operation and maintenance of the residence halls. This fee will be applied to student accounts.
I am only staying for a few days, what are my options?
There is no reduced fee for partial stay. Registration is a flat rate of $400. If you are looking to stay or return early it may be cheaper to utilize off-campus options.
Finding Off-Campus Places to Stay
Note: this is list of local businesses with budget-friendly option. These businesses are not necessarily endorsed by or affiliated with the University of Rochester. This list should be considered a courtesy service and UR is not responsible for the procurement or quality of services by these organizations.
- AirBnb often has bedroom rental options for $25-$80/night, with discounts for longer stays
- Tip: search the AirBnB listings using the filter options to limit search results by price range
- Staybridge Suites Hotel is a short walk from campus—inquire to see if there is a UR/student discount.
- Hilton Garden Inn College Town is a located in College Town and a short walk from campus.
- The RIT Inn and Conference Center is an RIT affiliate hotel—inquire about the UR/student discount.
- Spark by Hilton is located by Costco, MCC, and Rustic Village.
- A cost-free option is to ask a friend at UR who lives off-campus if they’d let you stay with them for some or all of the duration you need housing in Rochester for.
What if I am registering for winter break and I have a financial need?
Financial support is available for students with demonstrated financial need (those currently receiving federal and/or institutional need-based assistance using the 2024-25 financial aid application) and will be applied on a sliding scale. Aid will be provided based on the student’s level of need, ranging from 0%-100% coverage of the $400 fee. Please contact your financial aid counselor if you have questions about your level of aid. Students with financial hardship may also request support through the Basic Needs Hub.
How do I eat on campus during break?
Winter break does not require a meal plan, however, University Dining Services will have eating venues on-campus available, operating with reduced hours. A schedule of hours and services are available on the dining service website. Fall meal plans end after service on 12/19/24. Declining from fall meal plans will continue to be active during the winter break period. Additional declining can be added through the dining service website. Students will be responsible for food expenses. Spring meal plans begin 1/16/24. As always, if you are facing food insecurity, you may request support through the Basic Needs Hub and utilize the food pantry.
Who is eligible for winter break housing?
Winter break housing is limited to undergraduate students currently living in housing who are returning in the spring. Students leaving for education abroad programs for spring term, taking a leave of absence, graduating in December 2024, commuter students, and new students arriving early for the spring 2025 term are not eligible for winter break housing. Undergraduates are prohibited from staying in graduate housing areas over winter break.
Can I visit my friends and can my friends visit me?
Yes, students who are registered for winter break Housing will be able to visit each other in other residence halls. Your winter break card access will allow you to swipe in to visit your friends. HOWEVER, Only winter break students are allowed in the residence halls, so friends and fellow students who are not registered for winter break will not be able to visit you on campus.
What if my room is changing for the spring term?
If you are anticipating a room change for spring term, please remember you must be here for move change day (Thursday, January 16, 2025).
Who do I contact if I have a question about winter break?
Please direct all winter break questions to the winter break housing email at winterbreakhousing@reslife.rochester.edu.