Housing & Breaks

Depending on the time of year, students may have the option of remaining on campus during academic breaks. Students should first see if they are eligible to remain in their rooms over break, then check with other departments on meals and activities available.

• Full calendar of access dates: Residence Schedule
• Campus Life for Breaks at Bates
• Dining Services for Board Plan Dates
• Student Financial Services for Academic Break Meal Plan

October Break

During October break, residences remain open to all students and board plan meals are provided at Commons. Please check the Dining Services website for exact details on meals.

November Break

During November break, residences remain open to all students. The last board meal plan is dinner the Friday preceding Thanksgiving. Commons is open for some meals throughout the break week. Please check the Dining Services website for exact details on meals.

Winter Break

Certain groups of students may request to reside on campus during this break. Because of public health considerations and logistics related to housing availability and dining options, the reasons for which students may be approved to remain on campus are limited.

In conjunction with the Office of Sustainability and Facilities Services, many campus houses and halls close for break completely, are set at cool temperature (61 degrees), or remain at full temperature. For students remaining on campus during this break, we will work with you to coordinate a space within heated buildings. 

February Break

During February break, residences remain open to all students. The last board meal plan is dinner the Friday preceding the week. The board plan resumes the Sunday dinner before classes start up again. Commons is open for some meals throughout the week that students can purchase. Please check the Dining Services website for exact details on meals.

April Break

During April break, residences remain open to students staying for Short Term. Students not staying for Short Term will lose access to residences and meals the Sunday evening after Winter Semester classes end.

The last board meal plan is dinner on the Saturday preceding the break week. The board plan resumes the Sunday dinner before classes start up again. Commons is open for some meals throughout the week that students can purchase. Please check the Dining Services website for exact details on meals.

Summer Break

Please see our Living on Campus during the Summer page for more information on how Bates students can become eligible to live on campus during the summer.