Leaving campus for winter break is one of the best times of the year: You get to see family and friends, eat something other than dining hall food, and finally sleep in your own bed.
But before you start daydreaming about home-cooked meals, make sure you’ve packed what you’ll need and left behind what makes sense to keep at school. This guide will help you figure out what to bring home (and what not to) so your return in the new semester is stress-free.
When Is Winter Break?
Most colleges schedule winter break between mid-December and mid-January, lasting anywhere from three to five weeks. Check your school’s academic calendar for exact dates, especially if you need to plan around dorm closures, final exams, or early move-in for the spring semester.
If your dorms close completely, you’ll need to take home more of your essentials. If they stay open, you can safely leave larger items or nonessentials behind.
What to Pack for College Winter Break
When deciding what to bring, think about how long you’ll be home and what you can’t easily replace if you forget it. Focus on your day-to-day necessities and a few comfort items that will make your time off enjoyable.
Clothing Essentials
- Everyday winter wear: Pack warm layers like jeans, sweaters, coats, boots, hats, and gloves to handle colder weather at home.
- A nice outfit: Bring something you can wear to a holiday party, a family dinner, a job interview, or even a date.
- Seasonal swap: Take home any summer clothes or lightweight items you won’t wear again until spring. This helps free up space and keep your closet organized for the new semester.
Accessories and Personal Items
- Chargers and electronics: Bring your phone, laptop, headphones, and all the chargers/adapters you’ll need.
- Toiletries and medications: Don’t forget essentials like your toothbrush, skincare, haircare, prescriptions, and contacts or glasses.
- Other small belongings: Items like your blow dryer, favorite water bottle, or planner can make life easier while you’re home.
Of course, don’t forget the must-haves — like your wallet, keys, ID, and medications.
What to Leave Over Winter Break
Not everything needs to come home with you. Leave behind bulky or nonessential items that will only take up space in your suitcase or car.
- Dorm decor: Posters, rugs, lamps, and bedding can stay if your housing remains secure.
- Kitchen gear: Mini fridges, microwaves, and cookware are better left behind unless your dorm closes completely.
- Always clean and defrost your mini fridge before a long break if you have no food; you do not want to come back to an uncleaned fridge. Learn more about How to Defrost a Mini Fridge at College.
- Textbooks and supplies: If you won’t need them for winter assignments, leave them safely stored in your room.
If your dorm or housing complex closes for the break, Collegeboxes can handle your shipping or storage needs, so your belongings stay safe and ready for your return.
Pre-Winter Break Checklist
Before you head out, take a few minutes to get your space ready for the break. Future you will thank you.
- Secure your belongings: Lock your dorm room, car, or bike (preferably in a gated area) before leaving campus.
- Tidy up: Strip your bed, take out the trash and wipe it out. Clear off your desk or countertops to avoid returning to dust and odors.
- Unplug electronics: Save energy and prevent hazards by disconnecting everything except the fridge.
- Pause deliveries: Temporarily stop subscriptions or packages so nothing piles up while you’re gone.
A little prep work goes a long way, and there’s no better feeling than coming home to a fresh space that’s ready for studying, socializing, and unwinding.
Collegeboxes Winter Shipping and Storage
Heading home, going abroad, or graduating at the end of the fall semester? Moving out for winter break doesn’t have to be complicated with Collegeboxes, powered by U-Haul, and services we provide:
Storage & Shipping: We pick up your items, store them securely, or ship them wherever you need to go, including international destinations. Simple, convenient, and designed for students.
Ship To School: Send boxes and luggage from home ahead of time and have them shipped to your dorm when you get back to school.