Winter Break 2025
Saturday, December 20, 2025 - Saturday, January 24, 2026
The Residence Halls close for Winter Break at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, December 20, 2025. All card access to halls will be deactivated at that time.
Key Dates
| Saturday, December 20 | Sunday, December 21 at 9:00 a.m. through Saturday, January 24 | Saturday, January 24 |
|---|---|---|
| All residence halls close at 7:00 p.m. Card access to halls will be deactivated at that time. | All residence halls will be locked to prevent any entry. Patrols and room inspections are planned. No one may remain in or re-enter the buildings through Saturday's reopening. | Residence halls re-open at 10:00 a.m. for new residence hall students and 12:00 p.m. for returning students. |
Mail & Package Deliveries
Packages will not be accepted at any service desk during Winter Break. Please reschedule any subscriptions or other items to arrive after Saturday, January 24.
Key Return
Please note that the following residents must return their room keys by 7:00 p.m., Saturday, December 20. Failure to return the keys will result in a charge of $1,102.50 for Full Winter Break Housing.
- South Hill residents in units with exterior entrances who are not approved for full break housing.
- Sabbath key holders who are not approved for full break housing (must return their Sabbath key only).
Break Housing Options
To support students interested in remaining on-campus during the Winter Break period, we offer break housing options, including Late Stay, Full Break Housing, and Partial Break Housing.
Keep in mind, if you’re interested in any of the Winter Break Housing options, please apply no later than 12 p.m. (noon), Friday, December 12 through the Housing Portal.
And remember – residents that have requested a Mid-Year Reassignment are not eligible for Break Housing and must vacate with all of their items by 7:00 p.m., Saturday, December 20.
HALLS WITH BREAK HOUSING
Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Johnson-Whittle, Kent, La Plata, Leonardtown Community, Montgomery, Prince Frederick, Prince George’s, Pyon-Chen, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, Worcester halls, and the Houses on Fraternity Row
HALLS WITHOUT BREAK HOUSING*
Bel Air, Cambridge, Centreville, Chestertown, Cumberland, Denton, Easton, Elkton, Ellicott, Hagerstown, Oakland halls
Please note: A limited number of spaces are available for residents living in halls that close. Priority is given to international students and those with extenuating circumstances.
Saturday Night Only
Residents who are unable to leave on Saturday night may submit a request to stay overnight in their current assignment and leave by 9:00 a.m., Sunday, December 21. There is no cost for this overnight stay. Card access will deactivate promptly at 9:00 a.m.
If approved for Late Stay, the following residents must return their key(s) to the service desk no later than 9:00 a.m., Sunday, December 21:
- South Hill residents in units with exterior entrances who are not approved for full or partial break housing.
- Leonardtown residents who are not approved for full or partial break housing.
- Sabbath key holders who are not approved for full or partial break housing (must return their Sabbath Key only).
December 20 - January 23
Information for residents of halls WITH break housing
If you are approved for FULL Winter Break Housing, you can remain in your assignment from 7:00 p.m., Saturday, December 20 through Friday, January 23. Your card access will continue working with no interruption.
The cost for FULL break housing is $1,102.50 and will be posted to your student account in early January.
Information for residents of halls WITHOUT break housing
If you are approved for FULL Winter Break Housing, you will be assigned a temporary space in a La Plata Hall lounge from Saturday, December 20 through Friday, January 23.A limited number of spaces are available and priority is given to international students and those with extenuating circumstances.
Approved residents will need to move to La Plata Hall on Saturday, December 20 between 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. After 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, residents won’t have access to their current room until Saturday, January 24 at 12 p.m. (noon), so be sure to pack and take all items needed during break. Residents will be staying in a lounge with up to five (5) other students. Each resident will have their own bed and dresser.
The cost for FULL break lounge housing is $551.25 and will be posted to your student account in early January.
January 4 - January 23
Information for residents of halls WITH break housing
If you are approved for PARTIAL Winter Break Housing, you can return to your assignment beginning at 8:00 a.m., Sunday, January 4 and for the duration of Winter break. Your card access will reactivate at that time.
The cost for PARTIAL break housing is $598.50 and will be posted to your student account in early January.
Information for residents of halls WITHOUT break housing
If you are approved for PARTIAL Winter Break Housing, you will be assigned a temporary space in a La Plata Hall lounge from Sunday, January 4 through Friday, January 23. A limited number of spaces are available and priority is given to international students and those with extenuating circumstances.
Approved residents will move into La Plata Hall anytime after 8:00 a.m., Sunday, January 4. Residents will be staying in a lounge with up to five (5) other students. Each resident will have their own bed and dresser.
The cost for PARTIAL break lounge housing is $299.25 and will be posted to your student account in early January.
If you no longer need break housing, visit the Housing Portal to cancel your request BEFORE the start date of your Break Housing in order to not be billed.
| Stay | Cancellation Deadline (with no fee) | Cancellation after the Deadline (will incur fee) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Break Housing | 8:00 a.m., December 20, 2025 | Contact DRL-AdOps@umd.edu |
| Partial Break Housing | 8:00 a.m., January 3, 2026 | Contact DRL-AdOps@umd.edu |
Closing Checklist
Students do not need to remove all belongings from their room, only items needed for Winter Break. Please complete the Winter Break Closing Checklist before you depart for the break.
- Take all valuables, passport, computers, books, money, medications, clothing, athletic tickets, etc. you might need during the break
Card access will be deactivated at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, December 20, 2025 for those who are not approved for Winter Break Housing. - Close and lock all windows
This prevents the outside elements (i.e. rain) that could cause damage to property from entering your room as well as prevent thefts from the outside. - Leave your window shades down
This prevents others from seeing personal items inside of your room. - Move personal property off the floor
This could avoid loss or damage if there is a water leak and or flood. - Turn off the dehumidifier (DO NOT UNPLUG OR MOVE)
This prevents the dehumidifier from running the entirety of the break, but the drain tube must stay in place. - Unplug all electrical appliances, clocks, computers, etc. (NOT dehumidifiers)
This prevents the use of electricity when rooms/buildings are unoccupied. Additionally, electrical surges can cause damage to personal property and create unsafe/hazardous conditions. During inspection of rooms, staff will unplug and devices left plugged in (including fish tanks, so be sure to make arrangements). Please find an off-campus individual to take care of any fish you may have.
- Dispose of perishable or unprotected food
This prevents the attraction of unwanted insects such as cockroaches or ants to your room. - If you live in a suite or apartment, set your thermostat to 65 degrees or turn your heating unit to low
- Take bicycles home or secure them in a bike room or your own room
Remember that micromobility vehicles, including scooters, may not be stored in University-owned buildings including residence halls. - Take trash/recycling/compost outside to the appropriate outside container
This prevents the attraction of unwanted insects such as cockroaches or ants to your room as well as keeps a “musty” smell from developing. - Turn out all lights
This prevents the use of electricity when rooms/buildings are unoccupied. - Close and lock your door
This prevents the entry of non-university-affiliated individuals from entering your space. - Take your keys with you (except for Leonardtown residents and those with exterior entrances)
You will need them when you return from break. - Pick up packages
Don’t forget any packages left at the service desk and check your mailbox.
Service Desk Hours & Break Operations
Service Desks will close at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 21, and package delivery will cease for the break. Packages will not be accepted at any desk during the break.
Please make sure to redirect and confirm your break delivery address when ordering items to ensure delivery to your break location. Desks will return to normal operation on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
Residents who are approved to stay on campus for Winter Break will be contacted through their UMD email address closer to break with instructions about desk operations and staff contact information.
Laundry Facilities
Heritage Community
Heritage Community residents approved for break housing will have continued access to the laundry rooms located within Pyon-Chen and Johnson-Whittle Halls.
La Plata Hall
La Plata Hall residents approved for break housing and students assigned to temporary break housing lounge locations have access to the laundry room located on the ground level.
Leonardtown Community Center
Leonardtown residents approved for break housing will have card access for the Leonardtown Community Center laundry room from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. daily.
South Hill Community
The South Hill Community laundry facility located in the ground level of Harford Hall will remain available for any South Hill residents approved for break housing.
Washer or Dryer Issues
Any issues related to washers or dryers should be reported directly to the laundry provider using their website or via the CSG GO app. Each machine has a QR code that can be scanned to identify any malfunctions.
Additional Information
If you have any questions regarding Winter Break, please contact us before Saturday, December 20, at drl-adops@umd.edu or call (301) 226-4830. The university will be closed from Thursday, December 25, 2025— Thursday, January 1, 2026 so please contact your service desk during those times with urgent matters.
Leonardtown Residents or Those With Exterior Entrances
Leonardtown residents or those with exterior entrances (without a full Winter Break Housing approval) must return apartment keys to their service desk by 7:00 p.m., Saturday, December 20*. If the keys are not returned by the required date/time your student account will be billed $1,102.50 for Winter Break Housing and you will retain access to your apartment during the break.
*Residents with a Late Stay approval must return their keys to the service desk by 9:00 a.m., Sunday, December 21. The desk will close promptly at 9:00 a.m., and keys will not be accepted anytime afterward
Sabbath Key Holders
Residents who have Sabbath Keys (without a full Winter Break Housing approval) must return the key to their service desk by 7:00 p.m., Saturday, December 20*. If the key is not returned by the required date/time their student account will be billed $425.00 for a lock core change.
*Residents with a Late Stay approval must return their key to the service desk by 9:00 a.m., Sunday, December 21. The desk will close promptly at 9:00 a.m., and keys will not be accepted anytime afterward.
Resident Life Staff will enter and inspect units/rooms beginning at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, December 20, 2025, to ensure there are no health and safety issues or violations. Administrative action, billing, and/or judicial referral can result if unauthorized items or unsafe or unclean conditions are found.
It may be necessary for Department of Resident Life and Department of Residential Facilities staff to enter your space over the break to address maintenance requests, manage unexpected problems, or respond to emergencies. While every effort will be made not to disturb or inconvenience residents, there are times during break periods when a planned or unplanned action must be taken in individual student rooms. Also, some temporary outages (i.e. heat, hot water) may occur due to scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. If possible, you will be notified of these outages in advance.
Staff is expected to report the presence or evidence of, including but not limited to, pets, weapons, electronic skateboards/scooters/vehicles, illegal substances, lounge furnishings, fuel, lofts, or other prohibited items.
Your safety and security are important. Whether you are approved to stay on campus for the break or leaving, please be sure to review the information below carefully.
Please note: North Campus halls are closed during break periods with the exception of La Plata, Pyon-Chen and Johnson-Whittle Halls. These halls and South Campus halls remain open - you must sign up in advance to stay in La Plata, Pyon-Chen and Johnson-Whittle halls or South Campus halls during Winter Break (at an additional cost).
Safety, Security, and other Tips for Break & Low Occupancy Periods
It is vital to your personal security that you observe "common sense" safety precautions during the low occupancy housing period. Avoid isolated areas of your building at all times, such as the laundry room, study or recreation lounge, basement areas, etc.
In traditional halls, use showers when others you know are in your building. Know the location of the nearest University telephone, call box and blue light emergency phones.
Immediately report any broken doors, locks, alarm stations, phones or lights report to (301) 314-9675 (24-Hour Residential Facilities Service Center) so repairs can be made. Never tamper with or disable safety equipment.
Personal Safety
Report suspicious persons to Police at 911, then notify service desk staff. Do not open doors for University staff members or vendors (i.e., soda, candy, delivery people, etc.); a staff member who has business in your building should have made previous arrangements to gain access. Feel free to request identification.
- Keep your door locked and your keys in your possession at all times.
- Never store your keys in your mailbox. Keep all interior doors closed.
- Call University Police at (301) 405-3333 or 911 and then your Service Desk if you see suspicious or unusual behavior by a stranger or any person not authorized to be in your building.
- Know the identities of other persons staying in your building. Try to learn if there are long periods of time when these residents will be away.
- Do not open your door to any person whom you cannot identify.
Tips for Securing Your Belongings
If you can't move your valuables home or to an off-campus location, keep them hidden in your room and out of sight. Record serial numbers, brand names, dates of purchases, and purchase prices of your valuables. Police will ask for this information in the event of theft or loss.
Electronic transportation devices (scooters, hoverboards, etc.) may not be stored in your residence hall.
Absence from your Room
As a safety precaution, keep your room door locked when loading your car or when you step away from your room. Do not make your belongings a target for a thief. Secure your suite/apartment/room prior to your departure. Be sure to complete the Break Closing Checklist.
Health Center
Please visit the University Health Center website for more information regarding their hours during Winter Break. In the event of an emergency, call the police at 911 or (301) 405-3333.
Dining Services
Please visit the Department of Dining Services Dining Plan website for more information regarding their hours during Winter break.
Libraries
Please visit the University Libraries website for more information
DIT Student Computers Help Desk
For hours please call (301) 405-1400.
Parking on Campus
Please visit the Department of Transportation Services website for parking restrictions. Do not park in disabled spaces, fire lanes, or areas not specifically designated for parking.
Stamp Student Union
Limited hours of service during Winter Break. Please visit the Adele H. Stamp Student Union website or call (301) 314-3375 for the building schedule and details.
Housekeeping
Housekeeping services will be reduced, so residents must move their trash to exterior dumpsters and request bathroom supplies from their Service Desks in advance. Cooking outside of a designated structural kitchen area is prohibited.