What do I need to know?
Most students do not need to do anything during Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, or Spring Break. Residence halls and houses remain open during these breaks, and there is no additional housing charge.
Winter Break is different. Residence halls and houses close for Winter Break, and students who need to remain on campus must be approved for Winter Break Housing.
Quick Guide
| Break | Can I stay in my current room? | Additional Cost | Do I need to apply? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Break | Yes | No | No |
| Thanksgiving Break | Yes | No | No |
| Winter Break | No — approved students relocate to Winter Housing | $33/night | Yes |
| Spring Break | Yes | No | No |
Winter Break 2026–2027
The most important things to know
Residence halls close: Friday, December 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Winter Break Housing transition: December 11 at 10:00 a.m. – December 13 at 8:00 p.m.
Winter Break Housing location: Wagner Hall
Winter Break billing: December 14, 2026 – January 9, 2027
Winter Break Housing rate: $33 per night
Winter Housing ends: January 8, 2027
Residence halls reopen: Saturday, January 9, 2027 at 10:00 a.m.
Winter Break Housing request deadline: Friday, December 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Important: If you need to remain on campus after the residence halls close or return before they reopen, you must submit a Winter Break Housing Request and receive approval.
Do I have to move out for Winter Break?
No. You do not have to completely move your belongings out of your room.
However, you must leave your Fall housing assignment by 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 11, or within 24 hours of completing your last final.
If you are approved for Winter Break Housing, you will relocate to Wagner Hall for the break. Your Fall housing assignment will be inaccessible during Winter Break.
Bring everything you will need for Winter Break
Because you will not have access to your Fall housing assignment, make sure you bring:
- Clothing
- Chargers and technology
- Bedding
- Travel bags
- Important documents
- Medication
- Anything else you will need during the break
You do not need to move your furniture or permanently clear your Fall room.
Do I need Winter Break Housing?
You need to submit a Winter Break Housing Request if you will be on campus after the residence halls close on December 11 or before they reopen on January 9.
Students eligible for Winter Break Housing include:
- Student-athletes participating in:
- Men’s or Women’s Basketball
- Men’s or Women’s Swimming & Diving
- Men’s or Women’s Indoor Track & Field
- Wooster Chorus members
- International students
- Students experiencing travel challenges or special circumstances, including:
- Difficult family situations
- Travel limitations
- Long-distance or out-of-state travel
- Transportation concerns
- Off-campus employment
Independent Study
Students who want to remain on campus to continue working on Independent Study must have written permission from their adviser or department chair.
Students without this written permission will not be approved for Winter Break Housing.
How do I apply?
1. Complete the Winter Break Housing Request
The request form will open November 2, 2026.
You can find it in your Housing Self-Service (eRezLife) account under Forms.
2. Submit your request by
Friday, December 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
3. Wait for approval
Only students approved for Winter Break Housing will have residence hall access during the break.
How much does Winter Break Housing cost?
The 2026–27 Winter Break Housing rate is:
$33 per night
Charges are based on the number of nights you stay on campus during the billable Winter Break period.
Winter housing charges will appear on your February student account bill.
Fee waivers
If you are required to remain on campus because of a College-sponsored commitment, you may qualify for a housing fee waiver for the period you are required to participate.
Examples include:
- Required Wooster Chorus rehearsals
- Required athletic practices
- Required athletic competitions
Once your required College-sponsored activity ends, you will be charged for any additional nights you choose to remain on campus.
Other reasons for staying on campus do not qualify for a fee waiver.
What if I have a flight or travel plans?
If you need to remain on campus because of weekend travel, you may be able to stay after the residence halls close.
You must still complete the Winter Break Housing Request.
There is no housing charge from December 11–13.
The $30/night charge begins December 14 and continues through January 9.
What should I do before leaving my Fall housing assignment?
Before leaving for Winter Break:
- Close and lock all windows and doors.
- Unplug electronics, except mini-fridges.
- Take out all trash.
- Set your thermostat to 65°F, if applicable.
- Take your belongings and personal items with you that you will need during Winter Break.
- Take valuables with you.
You may leave belongings in your Fall housing assignment, but you will not have access to the building during Winter Break unless you are approved for Winter Break Housing.
When can I return?
Residence halls reopen at:
10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 9, 2027
Students approved for Winter Break Housing may return earlier if their approved Winter Break Housing arrangements allow it.
Will my CoWcard work during Winter Break?
Only students who are approved for Winter Break Housing will have residence hall card access during Winter Break.
If you are not approved, your residence hall access will remain inactive until the halls reopen.
Can I have guests during Winter Break?
No.
Students may not host overnight guests during any College break period, including Winter Break and Summer.
What happens if I violate College policy during Winter Break?
Students are still expected to follow all College policies and applicable laws during break periods.
If you are found responsible for violating College policies or the law during a break period, you may be required to leave College housing until the day before classes resume.
Questions?
If you have questions about Break Housing or are unsure whether you need to submit a Winter Break Housing Request, contact the Office of Residence Life.
Office of Residence Life
Lowry Center, Suite 206
1189 Beall Ave.
Wooster, OH 44691
Phone: 330-263-2498
Email: reslife@wooster.edu
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.