Before heading out for winter break, it’s important to understand what steps you need to take based on whether you’re returning for the spring semester. Review the guidelines below to ensure your space is properly prepared and your housing status is accurate.
If the student is returning for the upcoming spring semester, they do not need to check out. Their belongings can stay in their assigned room, and they can keep their keys. However, Housing advises that students take home any valuable items and anything they might need during winter break, as they won’t have access to their hall or room during that time.
Students returning for spring semester will need to complete the closing checklist prior to departing. Students are responsible for coordinating the completion of the closing checklist with any roommates/suitemates/apartment-mates if they are departing campus at different times.
| Closing Checklist |
|---|
| Clean room prior to departure |
| Close and lock windows |
| Open blinds or roll up all window shades |
| Remove all food items from the microwave and refrigerator units |
| Remove trash and recycling and take to the appropriate outside dumpsters |
| Set room temperature between the set point range indicated on the signs on the back of each room door or found on the HVAC page. |
Students may leave items plugged in, but should be aware that there may be planned and/or unplanned power outages over the break period that may impact their belongings. In addition, 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.
Students who are know they are not returning for the spring 2026 semester must complete the Intent to Vacate Form on their Housing Self-Service page and check out of their assigned space no later than Friday, December 12, at 8 p.m.
Students who decide over the winter break not to return for spring semester and still have personal belongings in their rooms must check out of their 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. Students who decide to withdraw during this period may return to campus to retrieve their belongings and complete check-out Saturday, January 10 and Sunday, January 11 between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Once a student properly checks out by 10 p.m. on January 11, spring semester room and board charges will be removed from their account by Wednesday, January 14. Students who check out after 10 p.m. on Sunday, January 11 will no longer be eligible for a full charge reduction of their housing and dining charges. The charge reduction for their housing and dining charges will be prorated according to the charge reduction schedule outlined in the housing contract and the date they check out of their housing assignment.
Students with a Bobcat Cash balance of $15 or more who are not returning for spring semester are eligible for a refund. Visit the Bobcat Cash website for more details and to complete the reimbursement form.
Intent to Vacate Form
Students who plan to withdraw from the University (not registered for classes in the spring) or transfer at the end of the semester should notify the Office of Housing and Residence Life by completing the Intent to Vacate Form on their Housing Self-Service page (under the 'Contracts/Applications' tab).
Damages
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 do so using the appeal form.
Fall Semester One Night Extension Request
Students with an extenuating circumstance can request a no cost one-night extension by clicking on the 'Contracts & Applications' tab and completing the Fall One Night Extension Request on their Housing Self-Service page. Students receiving an extension must check out no later than 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 13.
To request an extension, complete the request form by Friday, December 12 at 12 p.m. (noon).
Winter Break Housing
Students seeking housing options after December 13 at 6 p.m., will need to also complete a Winter Break Housing Application located on their Housing Self-Service page and monitor their Ohio University email for more information, including relocation information.
The last meal served on the fall 2025 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.
Student Mail Services will have limited and modified hours of operation after fall semester hall closing and during the winter break period. They will be closed during the University closure (December 25-January 4).
Stay informed about campus parking, including current lot details and temporary closures by visiting the Transportation and Parking Services website.