Fall Semester Closing
Hall Information
Halls close for the fall semester on Friday, December 13 at 8 p.m.
Returning for Spring Semester?
If the student is returning for the upcoming spring semester, they do not need to check out. Their belongings can stay in their assigned room, and they can keep their keys. However, Housing advises that students take home any valuable items and anything they might need during winter break, as they won’t have access to their hall or room during that time.
Students returning for spring semester will need to complete the closing checklist prior to departing. Students are responsible for coordinating the completion of the closing checklist with any roommates/suitemates/apartment-mates if they are departing campus at different times.
Closing Checklist
- Clean room prior to departure
- Close and lock windows
- Open blinds or roll up all window shades
- Remove all food items from the microwave and refrigerator units
- Remove trash and recycling and take to the appropriate outside dumpsters
- Set room temperature between the set point range indicated on the signs on the back of each room door or found on the HVAC page
Students may leave items plugged in, but should be aware that there may be planned and/or unplanned power outages over the break period that may impact their belongings. In addition, as part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment, Facilities Management will be conducting routine maintenance and safety inspections during the winter break period.
Not Returning for Spring Semester?
Students who are not returning for spring semester need to complete the Intent to Vacate form on their Housing Self-Service page and check out of their assigned space no later then Friday, December 13 at 8 p.m.
Students who make the decision not to return for the spring 2025 semester over the winter break period, and still have personal belongings in their rooms, will need to check out of their residence hall space no later then Sunday, January 12, 2025, by 10 p.m. to avoid spring semester charges. Students must officially check out with an in-hall staff member and return their room key to properly check out. Residence Halls will NOT be open during the university closure (December 25 to January 1). Student's making the decision to withdraw over winter break will need to return to campus, retrieve their belongings, and check-out between Thursday, January 9 and Sunday, January 12 by 10 p.m.
Once the student properly checks out no later than 10 p.m. on Sunday, January 12, the spring semester room and board charges will be removed from the student’s account by Wednesday, January 15. Students checking out after 10 p.m. on Sunday, January 12 will be subject to the refund schedule per their housing contract.
Students with a Bobcat Cash balance of $15 or more, who are not returning for spring semester, are eligible for a refund. Visit the Bobcat Cash website for more details and to complete the reimbursement form.
Dates
All Ohio University residence halls will officially close on Friday, December 13 at 8 p.m. Students must vacate their residence hall room within 24 hours of their last final exam, or by Friday, December 13, at 8 p.m., whichever comes first.
The University and department offices will be closed Monday, December 23 through Wednesday, January 1. Offices reopen Thursday, January 2 at 8 a.m.
Fall Semester Extension
Students needing to stay beyond 8 p.m. on Friday, December 13 can request a no cost one-night extension on their Housing Self-Service page to stay until no later than 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 14. The request must be submitted no later than 12 p.m. on Friday, December 13 to avoid any charges and to have access programmed to their OHIO IDs.
Winter Break Housing
Students needing to remain on campus after Saturday, December 14 at 6 p.m. can elect to stay in a temporary housing assignment during the winter break period (December 15-January 8). Review our winter break housing webpage for more information.
Application Details
If a student needs to stay beyond the Friday, December 13 at 8 p.m. hall closing deadline or will not be returning for spring semester, the following applications/requests must be made:
Intent to Vacate
Students who plan to withdraw from the University (not registered for classes in the spring) or transfer at the end of the semester should notify the Office of Housing and Residence Life by completing the Intent to Vacate Form on their Housing Self-Service page.
Fall Semester One Night Extension Request
Students with an extenuating circumstance can request a no cost one-night extension by clicking on the 'Contracts & Applications' tab and completing the Fall One Night Extension Request on their Housing Self-Service page. Students receiving an extension must check out no later than 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 14.
If a student is seeking housing options after December 14 at 6 p.m., they will need to also complete a Winter Break Housing Application located on their Housing Self-Service page and monitor their Ohio University email for more information, including relocation information.
Cost
Below are associated costs for fall closing:
- The Fall Semester One Night Extension is at no cost if the request is made by the Friday, December 13 at 12 p.m. (noon) deadline.
- A charge of $25 per hour, and every hour after, will be imposed to students who do not vacate the residence halls by 8 p.m. on Friday, December 13 and did not file an extension request.
- A charge of $25 per hour, and every hour after, will be imposed to students who has an approved Fall Semester One Night Extension Request and does not vacate the residence halls by 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 14.
- Additionally, a $100 minimum fee is charged to students who do not complete the closing checklist and closing process properly. Additional fees will be assessed for any items left by the student, unreturned keys, and/or for any damages that are beyond natural wear and tear.
Food Service and Options
The last meal served on the fall 2024 semester meal plan is dinner on Friday, December 13. Review the Culinary website for additional information on meal plan periods and meal prorations for this time period.
Mail Services may have limited to no operation after fall semester hall closing and during winter break.
Additional Information
Damages
Staff will check rooms and assess for any damage beyond natural wear and tear. If a student needs to appeal a housing damage bill or other miscellaneous housing charges (i.e. Key Core, Lost Keys, etc.) they can access the appeal form.