As we approach Winter Break, here’s everything your student needs to know about campus operations, residence hall closures, dining schedules, and available support resources during this time. Please share these details with your student to ensure a smooth transition and a restful break.
Academic Dates
- Winter Session Begins: Monday, December 22, 2025
- Winter Session Ends: Monday, January 16, 2026
- Spring Semester Begins: Tuesday January 20th, 2026
Residence Halls
Residence Halls That Close for Winter Break
- Closing: Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM
- Reopening: Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM
Important Notes for Closing Halls:
- Students must vacate their rooms 24 hours after their last final exam or by December 23 at 10:00 AM.
- Students do not need to fully move out but should pack essential items (e.g., ID, medications, computers, passports) as they will not have access during the break.
- If Winter Break housing is needed, students must submit a request at oncampus.rutgers.edu. Availability is limited and comes at an additional cost.
Checklist Before Leaving:
- Complete the Before-You-Go Checklist to ensure the space is ready for inspections.
- Vacant spaces in shared rooms should be cleared for potential new roommates.
Residence Halls That Remain Open
The following halls will remain open during Winter Break:
- Busch: Nichols Apartments, Richardson Apartments, Silvers Apartments, Buell Apartments, Johnson Apartments, Marvin Apartments
- College Avenue: University Center – Easton Ave Apartments, Frelinghuysen, Honors College, Tinsley, Sojourner Truth Apartments
- Cook/Douglass: Helyar House, Newell Apartments, Starkey Apartments, Henderson Apartments, New Gibbons, Jameson W (3rd Floor-Sophia House)
- Livingston: Livingston Apartments, Lynton Towers North & South, Quad I, Quad II, Quad III
Reduced Services:
If your student is staying on campus, please remind them to plan ahead for reduced services. Resources such as dining, buses, recreation centers, and student centers may have revised hours during Winter Break. While Residence Life offices will be closed from December 23, 2025, through January 2, 2026, duty staff will remain accessible via the phone numbers posted in residence halls.
Dining Services
Last Meal for Fall 2025 Meal Plans:
- Tuesday, December 23, 2025, from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Dining Halls/and The Atrium Closed:
- Wednesday, December 24, 2025, through Saturday, January 17, 2026
Reopening for Spring 2025:
- Sunday, January 18, 2025: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Monday, January 19, 2025: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Retail Operations:
- Closed from Saturday, December 20, 2025, to Monday, January 19, 2026. Normal operations resume on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Transportation
Winter Break Bus Schedules:
Campus buses will operate on a revised schedule during the break. Students can find up-to-date information through the Rutgers Mobile App.
Support Resources
Basic Needs Support
- Rutgers Student Food Pantry
- Closed: Monday Dec. 22,-Jan 4
- Re-Opens: Monday January 5
- For food or housing emergencies during the holiday/winter break period, students should email us.
- To Support Rutgers Basic Needs visit here.
- Emergency Contacts:
- RUPD: 848-932-7211 or 911 for emergencies
- Residence Life Duty Staff: Available via posted hall numbers
Wishing you and your family a wonderful and restful holiday season!
