Office of Student Life

Winter Break Move-Out Tips: On and Off Campus

December 7, 2023

We hope Winter Break is relaxing and rejuvenating, and that you’re excited to get back to campus this January. Before you head out, there are a few things to remember to do to protect your residence hall and homes over the break:

Students Living On-Campus

For Residence Halls, all halls will be closing at 2 p.m. on December 15, and will not re-open again until noon on January 6. If you live in an academic year building, you must notify Housing and Residence Education (HRE) of your intention to stay over winter break by December 8. Students are encouraged to check out of their residence hall within 24 hours of their final examination.

If you have a vacancy in your room/suite, you may get a new roommate for spring. Please plan accordingly and move your belongs to one side of the room. HRE will check all vacancies and all room/suites in closed buildings. Fees may be incurred if any damages or cleanliness issues are found during this time.

Each floor has a mandatory winter break meeting that outlines your to-do's before you pack up for break. Some to do’s include:

  • Empty and clean micro-fridges/refrigerators. 
  • Take any personal items you need for the break. This includes valuables, medications, plants, fish, band plume/uniform and text books/course material(s). 
  • Remove any items from the floor and move any items away from the heater. 
  • Unplug all electronics except micro-fridges/refrigerators. 
  • Place air purifier in center of your room. Maintenance will be changing the filters during break. 
  • Take all trash and recycling to designated areas. 
  • Close and lock all windows. 
  • Set thermostat at 65 degrees when leaving. 
  • Turn off all lights and close the blinds. 
  • Close and lock door to your room/suite. 
  • Empty your mailbox and pick up any packages from the front desk.

Please remember that all regular university traffic and parking rules and regulations apply during move-out, including:

  1. No vehicles may be parked on sidewalks. One person must remain with vehicle when parking in a loading zone at all times during move out.
  2. No unauthorized vehicles may park in ADA parking spaces.
  3. All parking spaces and garages on campus require payment as indicated.

Students Living Off-Campus

For our students living off-campus, be sure to coordinate your break plans with your housemates. A few things to remember:

  1. Pick up and install complimentary door and window alarms and smart plugs provided by Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement before you leave.
  2. Close and lock all windows – Make sure that all your windows are closed tightly before leaving! Not only are windows an easy access point for a break in, but they also can cause problems for your home if they are left open. To avoid your pipes from freezing and water leaks, verify that windows are sealed shut.
  3. Coordinate leaving with your housemates – Make sure the last housemate to leave is aware that they are the last to be in the house for a few days, and that they lock up the house!
  4. Turn down your thermostat and make sure appliances are turned off – Make sure you turn down your thermostats (the recommended temperature is 60 degrees), turn off the TV, and unplug outlets. You’ll save money and avoid any chance of fire.
  5. Empty the refrigerator – No one likes to come home to the stench of food gone bad! Make sure to empty any items that may go bad from the fridge.
  6. Let your property manager and your neighbors know that you will be away (and for how long) – Often, property managers will check on their properties for their tenants while they are away.
  7. Request through the United States Postal Service to have your mail held and any packages postponed for delivery until you return, this will prevent items from piling up and appearing as though no one is home.

Have a happy winter break, Buckeyes!