Break Housing

  • All Residence Halls and Houses will remain open for Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, and Spring Break at no additional fee. 
  • Students staying for Winter Break will be charged a daily rate of $30 per day for their time on campus and will have the opportunity to purchase a $100, $200, or $300 flex meal plan. 
  • Students are able to remain in their academic year housing assignments during these breaks, unless facilities work is required.
  • Students will be able to opt-in to the winter break meal plan provided by Creative Dining when completing their application.

Winter Break 2025 – 2026 Information

At the end of Fall Semester, students are required to leave 24 hours after their last final or by 10am on Friday, December 12th.  Halls and Houses will open again on Saturday, January 10th at 10am. Any student who needs to be on campus after the Residence Halls and Houses close or before they re-open will need to fill out a Winter Break Housing Form by Monday, December 1st at 11:59pm.  Forms can be found on your Housing Self-Service site under Forms and will open November 3rd, 2025. The following students are eligible for Winter Break Housing:

  • Student Athletes (Men/Women’s Basketball, Men/Women’s Swim/Diving, Men/Women’s Indoor Track and Field)
  • Wooster Chorus Members
  • International Students
  • Students with travel challenges or special circumstances:
    • Students who have difficult family situations
    • Travel Limitations
    • Distance/Out of State
    • Transportation Concerns
    • Off-Campus Employment

Students looking to continue on campus for their Independent Study will not be approved unless they receive written permission from their Adviser or the Chair of their department. Students who do not have permission from these faculty will not be approved for winter break.

Fee Waiver

Students who are required to remain on campus for College-sponsored commitments, such as Wooster Chorus rehearsals or athletic practices and competitions, are eligible for a housing fee waiver during the duration of their required participation. All other reasons for staying on campus during winter break do not qualify for a waiver.

Housing Agreement Reference

According to the housing agreement signed by all students at the beginning of the year, it is the student’s responsibility to secure permission from Residence Life to arrive early or depart later than stated dates of the agreement, or to remain in designated residential facilities during periods when halls are closed. If students are found responsible for violating College Policies or the law during break periods, they will be asked to leave housing until the day before classes resume. Students are not allowed to host overnight guests during any break periods (summer included).

Winter Break Move-Out FAQ

Do I need to fully move out for winter break?
No, Students are not required to move out or clear their room over winter break. You may leave your belongings in your assigned room, but you must vacate the residence halls or house by 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 12 (or within 24 hours of your last final).

I have a flight over the weekend, can I stay and will I be charged?

Yes, Students who need to stay past December 12 for weekend travel may remain on campus, but you must still complete the Winter Break Housing Request Form.

  • The $30/night fee begins December 15 and continues through January 10.
  • No housing charges apply between December 12–14.

Can I leave my items in my room?
Yes, you can keep your belongings in your space over break. Just make sure to take any valuables or items you’ll need during the break, since access to the halls is limited while they are closed.

What should I do before leaving?

  • Close and lock all windows and doors.
  • Unplug electronics (except mini-fridges).
  • Take out all trash.
  • Set your thermostat to a 65 degrees (if applicable).
  • Pack anything you’ll need before January 10.

When can I return to campus?
Residence halls re-open at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10. Students approved for winter break housing may return earlier if their application is approved.

Will my CoWcard work during break?
Only students who are approved for winter break housing will have card access during the break. If you are not approved, your access will be inactive until halls re-open.

Will dining be available during break?
Yes, but dining hours will be limited. Students approved to stay may purchase flex meal plans ($100, $200, or $300) to use in dining locations that remain open during the break period.

Questions and Concerns

Please contact The Office of Residence Life by phone (330-263-2498) or email.