Winter Break Closing Information

As many of you prepare to depart campus for the fall semester, we wanted to share detailed information on the various policies and procedures for departing for Winter Break.

Closing Dates and Procedures

The residence halls and university operated Greek houses close on Thursday, December 21st at 3 PM.  At that point, access to the building will be shut off, and Residence Life staff will perform room checks to ensure all residents (excluding those approved to stay) are not in the building. Students will also receive a checklist provided to them by their RA or RCD that informs them of what they need to do before they depart campus for the fall semester.  This will include making sure that:

  • All trash has been removed
  • All valuables have been taken home.
  • Nothing is blocking the heating units.
  • Alarms on alarm clocks have been turned off.
  • Your bicycle is stored in your room or bike rooms, secured with a u-lock.
  • All holiday decorations have been removed and properly stored or discarded.
  • All refrigerators have been unplugged/cleaned out.
  • All windows are closed and securely locked and blinds are closed.
  • All room lights have been turned off.
  • Please remember to take fish and other pets with you.
  • On departure, your room and suite/apartment door is locked.
  • Students in double rooms who do not have roommates must be prepared for a new roommate (i.e. one side of the room should be cleaned and ready for occupancy).

After the halls close, at least two members of the Residence Life staff will make a routine inspection of student rooms and apartments.  Please leave your room in an orderly condition to facilitate an effective and efficient room check.  The staff will not disturb any of your personal belongings.  In addition, rooms may be entered over break by university officials for inspections or to perform maintenance tasks.

    Dining Operations

    The last meal in Residential Dining for the Fall 2023 semester will be on Wednesday, December 20 at 2:30 P.M.  The winter break meal plan starts on Thursday, December 21 for students staying over Winter Break.

    Spring 2024 Room Change Requests

    As the university is looking to bring additional students to live on campus in the Spring, students living in suites or apartments may get new roommates.

    Students interested in changing rooms, including interest in a single apartment (UC only) for the spring semester will need to submit a room change request form on Campus Groups and meet with their RCD no later than 5:00 P.M on Friday, December 8.

    First & Second Year Students

    • Room Swap -- you and another student switch rooms.
    • If you have a specifically identified room you wish to move to, your RCD will discuss the parameters for moving prior to the end of the fall semester.
    • Wait until spring room changes begin the second week of classes.

    Upper-class Students

    • Room Swap -- you and another student switch rooms.
    • If you have a specifically identified room you wish to move to, your RCD will discuss the parameters for moving prior to the end of the fall semester.
    • Wait until spring room changes begin the second week of classes.

    Bicycles

    If you are planning to return to campus housing in the spring, you can simply leave your bike in bike storage.

    If you are not returning to campus housing in the spring, please take your bike with you.

    Parking During Move Out

    The following parking lots will available for winter break move-out from Saturday, December 16 through Thursday, December 21, 2023:  

    • Lot 57- Carlton Road Residence Halls and Greek Houses
    • Lot 46- Parking garage by The Village at 115

    Mail Service

    Mail will not be forwarded during the semester recess for students who are returning in Spring 2024.  Mail and packages will be delivered to the area office when the area office is open during winter break.  Amazon and PackCity lockers will accessible during winter break.

    Area Office Hours

    The central housing office is open 8:30 A.M - 5:00 P.M weekdays when the university is open during winter break.  The area offices are on a limited schedule during winter break.  Hours will be posted once finalized.

    Security

    The potential for thefts and other security problems increase as the end of the semester approaches.  Remember that it is important to keep your room/apartment locked at all times and to be increasingly security conscious.  If you noticed any unusual or suspicious activity in or around the residence halls over break, please contact CWRU Police at 216.368.3333.

    Winter Break Housing

    Students returning for Spring 2024 who need housing during winter break will need to sign up by Friday, December 8.  You will be able to fill out a Winter Break Housing form on MyHousing beginning on Monday, November 20.

    Students Not Returning for the Spring 2024 Semester

    Students who are not returning to CWRU Housing for the Spring 2023 semester should follow the procedures on the page below.