Hall Breaks

During times of the Academic Year when class is not in session, housing and dining services are limited. This means that most students leave campus and many of the usual student services are not available.

Each break is different. The chart below provides a snapshot, and more detail for each break is further down on the page (including how to request a stay).

Dining locations will have limited hours and in some cases may not be open at all. As these periods are typically not considered part of the Academic Year, your student Meal Plan is not in effect. Please consult with Dining Services with specific questions, open locations and schedules.

Residential Life reserves the right to deny Break Housing for any reason.

Housing Options during Breaks
Break Housing Qualifications* Dining Housing Cost
October Break
  • A Fall Semester Housing Assignment
 Yes none
Thanksgiving Break
  • A Fall Semester Housing Assignment
 Limited none
Winter Break 1 (End of Fall to Jan 5)
  • A Fall Semester Housing Assignment
  • Permanent address outside of the US
  • Individuals with housing insecurity
 none none
Winter Break 2 (Jan 6 to Start of Spring)
  • A Spring Semester Housing Assignment
  • Permanent address outside of the US
  • Individuals with housing insecurity
  • Participants in Wheaton-related program or activity with sponsorship by Wheaton Faculty or Staff
 Yes, for approved residents none
Spring Break
  • Spring Semester Housing Assignment
 Limited none

*Students must be in good social standing with the College to qualify.

Dining During Breaks

During break periods dining facilities will operate on a special schedule. Operating times for each location will be emailed to the campus community by Dining Services and can be found on the Dining Services webpage.

Breaks that are classified to have “Limited” service fall outside of the Meal Plan contract. During these times, facilities will have a more limited schedule. Food is available for purchase, but Lyon swipes and Lyons Bucks that are allocated with your Meal Plan cannot be used. Accepted Forms of Payment: Cash, Credit and Lyons Bucks that have been purchased and added to your account outside of the meal plan.

A more detailed explanation of hall break policy and qualifications is emailed to students directly. All Dates subject to change year to year and are dependent on the College calendar.

Please be aware that during breaks some offices and other services will be limited or be closed entirely. Additionally, during this time general maintenance and other projects that may otherwise adversely impact normal operation could be scheduled. This includes Residence Halls and may directly impact student rooms. We will do our best to communicate to those on-campus when such instances will occur.