You made it to the home stretch of the fall semester! As you finish up finals and wrap up the semester, make sure you know residence hall closing dates and times and the steps you need to take before you leave campus for Winter Break.
Note: The information on this page is for the 2025-2026 academic year. Updated information for the following year will be available in November 2026.
The University and department offices will be closed Thursday, December 25 through Sunday, January 4. Offices reopen Monday, January 5 at 8 a.m.
Residence halls close for the fall semester on Friday, December 12 at 8 p.m. Students must vacate their residence hall room within 24 hours of their last final exam, or by Friday, December 12, at 8 p.m., whichever comes first. If you need to stay beyond this date, you may request an extension.
Click the tab that pertains to your status as a student who is either returning or not returning for spring semester to learn your check out procedures.
If you are returning for the upcoming spring semester, you do not need to check out. Your belongings can stay in your assigned room, and you can keep your keys.
Important Note: Housing advises you to take home any valuable items and anything you might need during winter break, as you won’t have access to you hall or room during that time.
You must complete the closing checklist prior to leaving campus. You are responsible for coordinating the completion of the closing checklist with any roommates/suitemates/apartment-mates if you plan to leave at different times.
You may leave items plugged in but be aware that there may be planned and/or unplanned power outages over the break period that may impact your belongings. As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment, Facilities Management will be conducting routine maintenance and safety inspections during the winter break period.
If you are not returning for the spring 2026 semester, you must complete the Intent to Vacate Form on your Housing Self-Service page and check out of your assigned space no later than Friday, December 12, at 8 p.m.
Housing Self-Service
How to Check Out
If you decide not to return to campus over the winter break and still have personal belongings in your room, you must check out of your residence hall space by Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 10 p.m. to avoid spring semester housing charges. All students must officially check out with an in-hall staff member and return their room key to complete the process.
Residence halls will be closed from December 25 to January 4 for the University closure. If you decide to withdraw during this period, you may return to campus to retrieve your belongings and complete check-out between Thursday, January 8, at 9 a.m. and Sunday, January 11, at 10 p.m.
Housing Self-Service
How to Check Out
If you need to stay on campus beyond 8 p.m. on Friday, December 12, you can request a no cost one-night extension by clicking the 'Contracts & Applications' tab and completing the Fall One Night Extension Request on your Housing Self-Service page. If you receive an extension, you must check out no later than 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 13.
If you need housing options after December 13 at 6 p.m., you must also complete the Winter Break Housing Application.
Students needing to remain on campus after Saturday, December 13 at 6 p.m. can elect to stay in a temporary housing assignment during the winter break period (December 14-January 8). Review our winter break housing webpage for more information.
You can find the Winter Break Housing Application in your Housing Self-Service page. Once you complete the application, monitor your OHIO email for more information, including relocation information.
If you plan to withdraw from the University (not registered for classes in the spring) or transfer at the end of the semester, you should notify the Office of Housing and Residence Life by completing the Intent to Vacate Form on your Housing Self-Service page.
Visit the Transportation and Parking website to learn about available lots and lot closures.
The last meal served on the fall semester meal plan is dinner on Friday, December 12. Review the Culinary website for additional information on meal plan periods and meal prorations for this time period.
Mail Services may have limited to no operation after fall semester hall closing and during winter break.
Staff will check rooms and assess for any damage beyond natural wear and tear. If a student needs to appeal a housing damage bill or other miscellaneous housing charges (i.e. key core, lost keys, etc.) they can access the appeal form.