Staying or going: Winter break reminders
Winter break is almost here! Many campus services will be reduced throughout winter break, and most academic and administrative offices will be closed Dec. 25–Jan. 1. Whether you live on or off campus, are staying in Boulder or heading out of town, take a moment to review some reminders.
On-campus residents
Residence halls close at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19. All students must vacate their rooms within 24 hours of their last final for winter break or by 10 a.m. on Dec. 19, whichever comes first. Bear Creek, Weber Hall and Reed Hall students are welcome to remain in their room throughout the winter break or to come and go as they need.
Â鶹ÒùÔº who have spring housing contracts may leave personal belongings in the room. Please take any valuables or necessary items with you over winter break (laptop, medications, passport, etc.). You won’t have access to take items from your room over break. Â鶹ÒùÔº returning for the spring semester can access their rooms beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 10.
Before you leave
- Make sure windows are closed and locked and drapes are closed.
- Unplug electrical appliances (residence hall students only).
- Clean your micro-fridge and set to low (residence hall students only).
- Turn your heater to a low setting where possible.
- Remove trash and recycling from the building.
- Turn off your lights.
- Make sure your room door is completely closed and locked.
- Remember to pack all important documents or valuable items, such as plane tickets, Buff OneCard, ID, passport, jewelry, medicines, etc.
- Store bikes in your room during breaks, if space is available and it does not block exits.
Learn more about leaving for break.
Off-campus residents leaving town
Â鶹ÒùÔº who live off campus and are leaving for break should review these reminders:
- Before you leave, find someone willing to clear snow off of your property. Snow must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours of a snow fall.
- Ask a friend to collect your mail and pick up newspapers and/or any trash in your yard. If you’ll be gone for a longer period of time, consider having the post office while you’re away.
- Lock all windows and doors. Move any expensive items such as laptops away from windows where they may be visible or bring them with you. Make sure your bike is securely locked, or bring it inside if you can.
- Set your lights on a timer and your heat to a reasonable temperature (about 60 degrees) to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Don’t leave pets by themselves. Find someone to take care of them while you are away.
Traveling to DIA
Did you know you can travel to the Denver International Airport (DIA) for free with your Buff OneCard? With one stop adjacent to CU Boulder at 16th and Broadway, the SkyRide leaves hourly from Boulder Station. Visit for more details.
Remember: Your Buff OneCard is now your transit pass, and your blue College Pass is no longer valid.
Campus Dining Services
On-campus dining options will be limited during winter break—view dining hours and closures.
Getting around campus
There will be no Buff Bus service for most routes from Dec. 19–Jan. 8. Review Buff Bus route information on the Parking and Transportation website.
CU NightRide
CU NightRide will be available Dec. 15 through Dec. 17 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. CU NightRide will be closed Dec. 18 through Jan. 12 for winter break. Â鶹ÒùÔº are encouraged to look at alternative transportation options through CU Boulder Parking & Transportation Services.
University Memorial Center
The UMC and The Connection will have limited hours over winter break. Review winter break hours for The Connection on the UMC website.
Buff Pantry
The Buff Pantry will be closed from Dec. 19 through Jan. 6. Regular hours resume Jan. 7.
Health and Wellness Services
Health and Wellness Services departments will continue to provide services over winter break. If you’re traveling home or out of state for break, you can also schedule and attend mental health appointments for free with AcademicLiveCare.
Rec Center
The main Rec Center will be closed Dec. 23–Jan. 5. Review winter break hours for the main Student Recreation Center and Williams Village Rec Center.
Career Services
Career Services will be closed Dec. 24–Jan 1. You can access career help on-demand with online tools during that time.