The residence halls close for all breaks during the academic year: Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring break.  During this time only students who receive permission from Residence Life are permitted to be in the residence halls; all other students must leave the halls prior to the closing times.  Failure to leave on time and/or staying without permission may result in being documented and/or fined.

Students must check out of their rooms and leave campus during vacation or break periods.  Students should be sure to take all items they will need during the break (medications, passports, chargers, books, phone, etc.). Remember, students will not be permitted to enter the residence halls during the break period.  Residence Life will enter all rooms after closings to ensure closing procedures were followed.

All residence halls close during vacation periods except the designated break hall(s). Offices do not conduct business when the university is officially closed.  In the event of an emergency students may contact Campus Security: 908-852-1400 x0 for assistance.  Mail delivery and meal services are not available during breaks. After the halls close no student may re-enter until it opens again at the end of each break.

All students and student athletes who need to reside on campus during a break period must sign up and receive approval in Residence Life by the specified deadlines. Late sign-ups are not guaranteed break housing and may not be permitted to stay on campus for break.  Once approved, students will need to check in and check out of break housing with Residence Life during the specified times.  If a student is unable to check in or check out during the specified times, the student must contact Residence Life in advance to request other arrangements.

Spring 2023

Halls open Sunday, January 8th at Noon

Halls close for Spring Break on March 3rd @ 6:00 pm

Halls reopen from Spring Break on Sunday, March 12th

Halls close on Friday, April 28th at 6:00 pm except for those staying for graduation, Sussex students, and students that have been approved

Halls close on Saturday, May 6th at 6:00 pm for Graduates and anyone not staying for Summer or partnership students.

Halls close on Friday, May 12th for Sussex Partnership Students


Fall 2023

Halls open for first year students on Saturday, August 26th for the Fall semester

Halls open for returning students on Sunday, August 27th for the Fall semester

Halls close for Thanksgiving Break on Tuesday, November 21st at 6:00 pm

Halls reopen from Thanksgiving on Sunday, November 26th at Noon

Halls close for Winter Break on Friday, December 15th at 6:00 pm


*Dates and times are subject to change

Break housing is reserved for student athletes who need to remain on campus for NCAA Division III competitions and approved long distance students or academic reasons. Students staying for break housing are not permitted to have overnight guests or alcohol in the Residence Halls.

Break Closing Information

All students are expected to leave campus for the break by the designated closing times.  For Winter break students are expected to leave their room within 24 hours after their last final exam.  Students with finals on Monday will need to be out of the halls by 9:00 am on Tuesday. Anyone requesting a late check-out past their finals or hall closing, MUST sign up in the Residence Life Office by the specified deadlines.

Before leaving campus, please make sure to complete the following:

  • Remove anything you will need during the break.
  • Clean your room
  • Unplug everything including mini-fridge and fish tanks (take the fish home)
  • Remove trash
  • Lock windows and doors
  • Sign the slip on your door indicating you have left for break

End of Year Closing (May):
All students are expected to vacate their room for the year and check out within 24 hours after their last final exam.  Students with finals on Monday will need to be out of the halls by 9:00am on Tuesday. Anyone requesting a late check-out past their finals or hall closing MUST sign up in the Residence Life Office by the specified deadlines.

Late check-outs may be approved for the following reasons:

  • Graduating/participating in Senior Week
  • Completing Academic requirements (student teaching, internships)
  • International
  • Assisting with commencement

Before leaving campus, please make sure to complete the following:

  • Remove all belongings from room, and pull furniture away from walls.
  • Clean your room
  • Remove trash
  • Lock windows and doors
  • Schedule meeting with RA staff 24hrs BEFORE you plan to leave
  • Sign RCI or complete express check out envelope

Please know charges may be applied by professional staff after students have checked out of the Residence Halls.

If you have any questions about break housing or hall closings, please contact Residence Life.

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