Residence halls at NEBRASKA are always open during breaks - including fall break, Thanksgiving break, winter break, and spring break. You’re welcome to stay in your room during any break period or come and go as you please.
Break periods are outlined on UNL's academic calendar.
Upcoming break periods:
Winter Break
Winter break is Saturday, December 20, 2025 through Sunday, January 11, 2026. Spring 2026 Regular Academic Session begins Monday, January 12, 2026.
Please note, UNL offices are closed Wednesday, December 24, 2025 through Sunday, January 4, 2026. Housing & Dining offices will reopen Monday, January 5, 2026, 8AM CST.
Spring Break
Spring break is Saturday, March 14, 2026 through Sunday, March 22, 2026.
UNL Offices will be open throughout the break, Monday through Friday business hours.
Dining Information & Meal Plan Use
- Review dining hours during break periods.
- Learn more about using your meal plan during break periods.
Residence Hall Front Desk Hours/Locations
Front Desk hours for break periods can be found online at https://housing.unl.edu/front-desks/.
Making changes to your Spring 2026 meal plan
Students may make modifications to their meal plan selection for the Spring 2026 semester. There are two opportunities to change your Spring 2026 meal plan selection:
- November 15 through December 15, with new selections taking effect on January 7 (reflected on your January Student Bill). Note: January 7 is the first day of the spring meal plan.
- January 12 through January 19, with new selections taking effect January 25 (reflected on your February Student Bill)
Review meal plan change information.
Tips for Preparing for Winter Break
If you're leaving for any length of time during winter break,
- Make sure all dishes are cleaned and any perishable items are removed from your countertop and fridge.
- Empty your trash into the garbage chute. Recycle items in designated recycling bins.
- Turn off lights and close blinds.
- Ensure the door latches and locks behind you.
If you have or will have an open space in your room,
- Make sure the other portion of the room is open and clean for a potential new roommate at semester.
- Half of your room will need to be cleared of your belongings.
- A $50 inconvenience fee will be assessed if your room is not ready to receive a new roommate by January 7, 2026.
Leaving your vehicle here over break?
If you have a surface lot permit, park in these garages over break. This will help greatly should facilities need to move snow from lots.
- R01 permit (HSS/Village) = 14th & Avery Garage
- R02 permit (Suites) = 17th & R Garage
Please return to your original lot by January 12 (start of classes).
Not returning for Spring 2026?
- Eligible students may request to cancel their housing contract via the housing portal on MyRED. Before submitting a request, students should ensure eligibility.
- For students eligible to cancel their housing contract for the Spring 2026 semester, please cancel by December 5, 2025 and move out on or before December 20, 2025 to receive 100% housing refund for the spring 2026 semester.
- Review the cancellation policy.
- Move-out instructions will be emailed to you after your cancellation has been processed. Please plan to check-out with your RA or RD.
We’re happy to have you here on campus. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Housing & Dining | 530 N. 17th St. | Lincoln, NE 68588-0622 | 402-472-3561 | housing@unl.edu