College winter break is one of the most anticipated times of the year. It’s when classes end, finals are over, and students head home or travel to relax with family and friends. But as dorms start to empty, many students (especially freshmen) might wonder: Can I stay on campus during winter break?
In most cases, colleges close residence halls during winter break to save on maintenance and energy costs. That means students must move out temporarily and take or store their belongings elsewhere until the spring semester begins. However, there are exceptions for students who qualify for extended or break housing.
Understanding College Policies on Winter Break
Each college has its own housing policy, so the best thing you can do is contact your housing office early. Most schools require students to submit an application, provide a valid reason for remaining on campus, and pay an additional housing fee if approved for extended stay or break housing. Unfortunately, housing approval isn’t guaranteed and often depends on available space and staffing.
Moving Out of Your Dorm
If your dorm closes for winter break, you’ll need to move out. Here is a short list of what you need to do when leaving:
- Gather your personal belongings: Pack clothes and essentials you’ll need at home.
- Take valuables (ID, passport, electronics) with you.
- Unplug and defrost your mini fridge.
- Remove trash and food to prevent odors or pests.
- Close and lock all windows and doors.
- Clean your room, including removing trash and emptying your refrigerator.
- Unplug appliances and remove them from the floor, rugs, bins, or storage for safety and maintenance checks.
- Follow your school’s move-out checklist carefully to avoid fines.
Most schools perform safety inspections or light maintenance while students are away, so make sure you leave the space tidy. You can also hire movers from services like Collegeboxes to help you with packing, shipping, and storing your belongings.
When You Might Be Allowed to Stay
Some colleges offer limited winter housing for students who can’t travel home, live far away, face travel barriers, or are student-athletes training or competing during the break. Students who are participating in internships, research programs, or have special personal or family circumstances that make it unsafe or impractical to return home can also sign up for accommodation during break.
You’ll likely need to apply for extended housing before Thanksgiving and pay a daily or weekly fee may apply because this period isn’t included in your regular housing contract.
Why Colleges Require Students to Vacate Dorms
Most colleges close dorms for a few practical reasons:
- Operational costs: Heating, electricity, and staffing are expensive for nearly empty buildings.
- Maintenance: Breaks allow facilities teams to perform deep cleaning, repairs, and safety inspections.
- Transition periods: Some dorms are reassigned for students transferring in midyear or for early spring arrivals.
Alternative Housing Options During Winter Break
If you’re not approved to stay on campus, consider other temporary options: fraternities or sororities that stay open over the holidays, off-campus apartments, short-term student housing, local families or friends’ houses that can host you temporarily, or hotels near campus that offer extended stays. Some schools also have a list of approved off-campus housing or partner hotels for students needing temporary accommodation.
Secure Storage and Shipping with Collegeboxes
Heading home, studying abroad, or taking time off this winter? Collegeboxes offers a simple, secure way to store or ship your belongings during the break.
- We deliver boxes and packing supplies right to your dorm or apartment.
- You pack up your dorm or apartment.
- We pick up your boxes and store them safely or ship them to your next destination.
When you return for the spring semester, your items are delivered right back to your new dorm or apartment. Check out Collegeboxes for a stress-free winter break!