Champlain offers several options for students who are unable to leave campus during school breaks (fall, winter, and spring breaks) when the rest of campus closes. Specific dates for each year will be shared on the Dates & Deadlines page.

When you apply for housing, if you anticipate the need to be on campus during breaks or staying an extra day or two because of travel schedules, it is helpful to choose a building with “Break Housing.”

A student studies in his stately, dorm room, which includes an elaborate fireplace.

college breaks

November break

Residence halls close on the Saturday before Thanksgiving at 12 PM and reopen on Sunday at 8:00 AM after Thanksgiving.

Winter Break

Residence halls close on Saturday at 12 PM immediately after fall semester exams and reopen on Sunday at 8:00 AM before spring classes begin.

Spring Break

Residence halls close on Saturday at 12 PM and reopen on Sunday at 8:00 AM.

End of Academic Year

At the end of the spring semester in May, residence halls generally close on Saturday at 12 PM immediately following spring semester exams. There are no late stay housing requests available. For summer housing information, click here.

Where You’ll Live

  • A photo of 371 Main Street during the daytime
    First-Year Break Halls
    • Summit and 371 Main are the first-year break halls.
    • You may indicate on your Incoming Student Housing Preference Form that you need Break Housing. We will do our best to assign you to a break hall.
  • A photo of Valcour hall during the daytime
    Upper-Year Break Halls
    • Valcour, Juniper and Boardman Hall are the upper-year break halls.
    • 194 St. Paul Street residents have an 11 month Housing Agreement term and may stay during breaks.
    • Apply during Housing Selection; apply on time. Choose a building with Break Housing. If you are unable to choose one of these buildings, request a reassignment after Housing Selection. You will be placed on a waitlist for a break hall. Because we cannot guarantee you’ll be relocated, plan accordingly.

How to Apply to Remain on Campus for Break

Students in break halls:
Prior to each break, any student wishing to stay for break must request to remain through The Housing Director (THD).

Borrow-a-Room:
Not in a break hall? You may borrow the room of a friend in a building with Break Housing to stay during the break. For a student borrowing a room, once you have identified a friend who will allow you to use their room, you will request it on THD. Residential Life will then contact them and anyone else who lives in the room or suite to get their approval.

Once approved, you will have access to the room for the break. You will not have access to your own room during the times the College is closed, so you’ll want to bring everything you need during that time with you!

Office of Housing & Residential Life

Skiff Hall
163 S Willard St.
Burlington, VT 05401
8:00 AM–12 PM
1:00–4:30 PM