Welcome to the University Residence Halls! Whether you’re arriving on campus for the very first time with a van full of boxes, packing up for the of the school year, or simply planning your trip home for a break, we work to make your experience as convenient as possible. Watch this page for parking/traffic info, dining options, desk hours, check-in/out details, and more for each of the major parts of the school year. Full details are posted in the weeks prior to each period when the information becomes available.
Fall Break
November 27, 2025 – November 30, 2025
Information about fall break for the 2025-26 academic year will be published in October 2025.
Winter Break
December 18, 2025 – January 17, 2026
Winter Break Housing
Winter Break housing is available to residents who need to remain on campus during winter break from December 18, 2025, to January 17, 2026, for an additional fee ($500). Fees for winter break housing are non-negotiable and will apply for any length of stay. Charges are not due at the time of sign-up but will be added to your student account. Winter Break housing sign-up is available in My UW Housing.
Extra Nights
Residents who are unable to leave by 7 p.m. on December 18, but do not need to stay the entire winter break, can request to stay up to three additional nights: the night of only December 18 (no fee), the night of December 18 and 19 ($40 fee) and December 18, 19 and 20 ($80 fee). Residents approved for extra nights would be required to leave no later than 12 p.m. the following day (December 19, 20, or 21). The Winter Break Extra Nights application is available in My UW Housing. If you have questions, please email reslife@housing.wisc.edu.
Limited Dining & Desk Hours
Dining service and desk hours will be limited during winter break. Students staying over the winter break period will be responsible for their meals during this time. Community kitchens within the residence halls will be available during winter break. More specific information will be sent directly to winter break residents.
Microwaves Available
During winter break, when you are responsible for your meals, it may be helpful to have a microwave in your room if you don’t already have one. University Housing has clean, working microwaves available to winter break residents that were donated by residents moving out last spring. There is a limited supply, so if you’re interested, please fill out this form by Monday, December 15, to let us know of your interest. The requests will be confirmed in the order they are received, and the microwave will be delivered to your hall desk to be picked up as a package. If you have any questions, feel free to email sustainability@housing.wisc.edu.
Other Food Resources
Other food options to consider for winter break include having groceries in your room, preparing food in the residence hall kitchens, going to local restaurants, or visiting campus or community resources providing free/reduced-cost food. Additional resources on campus can be found here.
Campus & Community Food Resources Additional Resources
Please note: Meal plans for the 2026 Spring Semester begin Sunday, January 11, 2026
Winter Break Resource Guide
Students who are living in the residence halls on campus over winter break should check out the Winter Break Resource Guide for ways to connect with other residents over the break. The Winter Break Resource Guide will be included via email and on posters in the residence halls.
Students are encouraged to reach out to the Office of Financial Aid or the Office of Student Assistance and Support if they believe they will need additional financial support during winter break.
Additional information about winter break for the 2025-26 academic year will be published in November 2025 on our moving & breaks page.
Spring Move-In
January 17 & 18, 2026
Information about spring move-in for the 2025-26 academic year will be published in January 2026.
Spring Break
March 28 – April 5, 2026
Information about spring break for the 2025-26 academic year will be published in February 2026.
Spring Move-Out
May 3 – 8, 2026
Information about spring move-out for the 2025-26 academic year will be published in April 2026.