Moving & Breaks

December 18, 2025 – January 17, 2026

All residents must log in to My UW Housing and let us know their plans for the end of the fall semester by choosing “End of Semester Plans” by December 18. 

ENTER YOUR END OF SEMESTER PLANS

 Winter Break Housing 

Unless you are signed up for winter break housing, you should vacate your room within 24 hours of your last exam or by 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025, whichever comes first. All University Residence Halls will close at this time for residents not signed up for winter break housing and will re-open for the spring semester on January 17, 2026.  

Winter Break Housing

Extra Nights 

If you are unable to leave by 7 p.m. on December 18, but do not need to stay the entire winter break, you can request to stay up to three additional nights, the night of December 18 (no cost), and the nights of December 19 and December 20 for an additional fee ($40 per night). Residents approved for extra nights would be required to leave no later than 12 p.m. (Noon) the next day (December 19, December 20 or December 21). The Extra Nights application is available in My UW Housing.  

If you have questions about the Extra nights process, please email  reslife@housing.wisc.edu. 

Back to top 

No Access During Winter Break 

Personal belongings that may be needed during winter break should be taken out of your room. If not signed up for winter break housing, there will be no access to your building or room during winter break. Double-check to make sure you have medications and other essential items that you will need over the break. Other personal items may remain in your residence hall room without signing up for winter break housing as long as you are returning for the spring semester. 

Check bulletin boards for information regarding quiet hours and details specific to your hall. If you have questions, please contact your House Fellow or Residence Life Coordinator.

Note: as a reminder, your Housing contract is for the full academic year. Except for students who are graduating, studying abroad, or no longer attending UW-Madison, we do not release residents from their contract unless in a position where demand for housing exceeds occupancy. 

 Office Closures 

All UW-Madison and University Housing offices will be closed Wednesday – Thursday, December 24 – 25, and Wednesday – Thursday, December 31 – January 1. 

Limited Staff 

Limited Housing staff will be available during winter break. Residents can call their Winter Break House Fellow on Duty phone number posted at their building entrance for assistance. In case of an emergency, please call the UW-Madison Police Department for assistance.
 

Quiet Hours 

During final exam periods, quiet hours are in effect 24/7 starting at 11:00 p.m. on December 11 through 7:00 p.m. on December 19. This applies to resident rooms, hallways where resident rooms are located, and floor study lounges/dens. House Fellows will not give warnings during this time period and will immediately document any noise violations they encounter. 

Each residence hall may have designated social spaces where residents may go to work on group projects and socialize with others. Excessive noise in designated social spaces will be documented. Please speak to your House Fellow to learn where the designated social space is located for your hall. 

Note: No overnight guests are permitted during final exam week and during Winter Break housing (if you are signed up). 

Back to top

Checklist to Complete Before Leaving 

In addition, complete the following checklist before leaving your room for winter break. A printed version of this checklist will be provided on resident doors. 

Repairs 

Winter break is a perfect time to report any needed repairs so that Housing staff can fix them while you are gone. 

Pack Your Belongings 

Did you take what you needed during winter break? If you are not signed up for winter break housing, you will not have access to your residence hall or room during winter break. 

• Remember necessary medications, passports, etc. 

• Remove plants and fish 

• Take your bike home (to allow for snow removal) 

• Don’t store your moped in your room (it will be removed at a cost to you) 

Get Your Room Ready 

Typical room temperatures will remain in our normal ranges for occupied spaces. University Housing will not be responsible for damage to items left in rooms. On your way out the door, please remember to: 

• Remove items on or near radiators 

• Clean/sweep/mop/vacuum your room 

• Empty all waste/recycling containers, take recycling & trash outside, and donate unneeded items near your hall desk 

• Keep refrigerator(s) plugged in and remove food that could spoil (perishable items may be disposed of by Housing staff if not removed) 

• Turn off any alarm clocks and unplug power strips and all electronic devices with lithium rechargeable batteries (to prevent potential fire hazards and avoid phantom energy when not in use) 

• Do not store e-bikes, e-scooters, or loose lithium-ion batteries in your residence hall room over break. These items pose serious fire and safety risks, especially when left unattended. 

• Unplug rechargeable devices (such as laptops, phones, tablets, and battery packs) before you leave. Devices left charging while you are away increase the risk of overheating or fire. 

• Open blinds, close windows, turn off lights, and lock all windows and doors 

• If your roommate is moving out and not returning next semester, be sure that one set of University-provided furniture is clean and empty prior to leaving for Winter Break. 

• If you have a loaner key, please return it to your hall desk before leaving 

 Note: once all residence halls close at 7:00 p.m. on December 18, 2025, electronic access for residents not signed up for winter break housing will be turned off, and you will not have access to buildings until the residence halls reopen on January 17, 2026. 

Back to top

Authorized Access 

Authorized personnel will inspect your room, document any concerns after your departure, and perform maintenance as needed during winter break. For further information, see Section 22. Room Entry of your University Residence Halls contract.