Apply for Winter Break Housing 

This page outlines important dates, policies, and expectations for residents preparing for Winter Break and returning for the Spring semester, as well as for new students moving in for the first time in Spring 2026.

Please review this information carefully, as procedures and access vary by building.

Winter Break Housing Form

• Opens: October 1 at 9:00 am
• Closes: December 10 at 12:00 pm
• Fee: $500 flat rate (charged to your Spring 2026 bill; due by the first day of classes)

How to Apply

In order to stay on-campus during winter break residents will need to submit a Winter Break Housing form by December 10. This form can be completed via your NKU Housing Portal.

1. Go to the NKU Housing Portal
2. Select the menu in the upper left hand corner
3. Select Housing Contracts & Forms 
4. Select Winter Break Housing Form

If you do not see the Winter Break Housing Form in your housing portal please contact the Housing Office by calling or emailing us at housing@nku.edu.

Students who apply by December 1st receive priority consideration.

Apply for Winter Break Housing 

Fall-to-Fall Contract Residents

If you have a Fall 2025 – Fall 2026 housing contract, your agreement already includes both Winter and Summer terms. This is not the typical student contract, but for those who have signed one:

• Fall-to-Fall Contract Holders: 
  • You’ve already paid for Winter Break Housing as part of your contract — you will not be charged an additional fee.
  • You do not need to submit the Winter Break Housing Form.

Winter Break Resident Information

Winter Break 2025 Information Timeline

• October 1 - Winter Break Housing Form Opens at 9:00 am
• December 1 - Submit your Winter Break Housing Form by this date for priority consideration.
• December 5 - 24-Hour Quiet Hours Begin
• December 10 - Winter Break Housing Form Closes at 12:00 pm
• December 13: 
  • Residence Halls Close at 12:00 pm for non-graduating residents (8:00 pm for graduating residents)
  • Winter Break Housing Transition 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• January 10 - Winter Break to Spring Housing Transition 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
• January 11 - Move in Day Spring 2025 Residence Halls reopen at 9:00 am

Please note: Early arrival requests before January 11 are not permitted for the Spring semester.

Open and Closed Buildings

For this coming winter break, there will only be certain residential communities remaining open beyond December 13, 2025.

Open Buildings

• Norse Hall
• University Suites
• Callahan Hall
• Northern Terrace

Closed Buildings

• Kentucky Hall
• New Residence Hall

Residents in Open Buildings

• Approved residents will get Winter Break transition details sent to their NKU email.
• Residents approved for Winter Break Housing in buildings that remain open may stay in their current room assignments. 
  
• See "Open Buildings" above.
• Reminder: Even if the building is remaining open you still have to apply for winter break housing.            

Residents in Closed Buildings

• New Hall and Kentucky Hall will close on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 12pm for residential students
• Approved residents will get Winter Break transition details sent to their NKU email.
• Residents requesting winter break housing will be temporarily relocated to an open hall for winter break housing.  
  • Residents will need to complete the Winter Break Housing Form by: 
    • December 1, 2025 - Priority Deadline: for priority consideration. 
    • December 10, 2025 - Final Deadline: form closes at 12:00 pm.
• There are limited number of spots available for winter break housing.  
• Residents living in buildings closed will not have access to these facilities during winter break.  

Campus Information

Residents who choose to stay on-campus for winter break will need to consider the following:

• All dining facilities will close on Friday, December 12 at the conclusion of dinner. Residents will need to provide their own meals after this time.
• NKU will be closed beginning December 18, 2025, until January 2, 2026.
• During the university’s closure, on-call staff will be available for assistance, and front desk shifts will operate in Callahan Hall and Norse Commons.
  

Resident Expectations

During Winter Break:

• No guests are allowed in residential spaces.
• Housing staff will be on call 24/7 for emergencies only.
• Health & Safety Inspections will be completed before break begins.
• Residents violating policies may lose Winter Break Housing eligibility.

What to Do Before You Leave (or Stay)

Staying in Winter Break Housing

• Open halls: Residents approved for Winter Break Housing may stay in their current rooms.
• Closed halls: Residents approved will be temporarily relocated to an open building. Email communication will be sent from the Housing office to your student email with your assignment before closing.
• Approved students will receive transition details via NKU email.
• It’s recommended not to move all belongings since the break period is short.
• Take only what you need for the break and follow all check-out steps for your assigned space.
• Attendance at the closing floor meeting is required.

Leaving for Break – Returning in Spring

• Halls close Saturday, December 13 at 12:00 p.m.
• You do not need to move out; you may leave items in your room.
• Take everything you’ll need for the break period, as you will not have access to the building until it reopens for Spring.
• Before leaving: unplug items, empty trash, close windows, and lock your door.
• Health and safety checks will occur after closing.
• Attendance at the closing floor meeting is required.

Graduating Seniors

• May stay until Saturday, December 13 at 8:00 p.m.
• Must have an approved graduation application on file.
• No Winter Break Housing form is needed unless staying after December 13.
• Must remove all belongings, clean the room, and return keys before departure.
• Any damage should be noted on an Express Checkout Form.
• Attendance at the closing floor meeting is required.

Leaving NKU (Transfer, Withdrawal, Military, etc.)

• Students should cancel their housing before October 31 to avoid being charged the Spring 2026 semester fee.
• Cancellations made after October 31 will result in housing charges according to the fee and deadline schedule outlined in your housing contract.
• Move-out must be completed by Saturday, December 13 at 12:00 p.m.
• Rooms must be fully cleared and cleaned, with any damage noted on an Express Checkout Form.
• Keys must be returned to University Housing.
• Contact Housing for assistance with military or special circumstances.
• Attendance at the closing floor meeting is required.
  

Winter Break Frequently Asked Questions