Seasonal Housing and Break Operations 

Tufts operations are adjusted annually during fall break, winter break, spring break, and summer session. The most significant updates to the student experience for students in the School of Arts & Sciences (including the SMFA at Tufts) and the School of Engineering during these breaks are summarized here.

The dates of breaks and the plan for each break is announced months in advance to enable all students to make choices about how and where to spend their break. Students should make their plans carefully, based on the guidance provided here. Please also consult the Student Life Calendar and the Academic Calendar for important break-related dates.

Fall Break 2024

Residence halls remain open. All dining locations close. Most campus buildings and services close.

Winter Break 2024-2025

All residence halls close; students living on campus should schedule their departure 24 hours or less after the end of their last final exam or review board. All Dining locations close following final exams. One Dining location reopens, with limited hours, in early January before the term begins. Most campus buildings and services close on university holidays and have limited hours other times during break.

Spring term classes begin on January 15. Residence halls reopen for spring semester at 10 a.m. on January 12.

Fresh snow falls on the Jumbo mascot statue on the Academic Quad

Spring Break 2025

Residence halls remain open. Most dining locations close. Most campus buildings and services operate on a limited schedule.

Summer Session 2025

Students taking in person courses and students participating in certain Tufts programs may reside on campus during summer session. Students who are working outside of Tufts as interns in the Boston area are eligible to reside on campus during their period of internship. Application for on campus housing required and summer housing fee charged. Limited dining locations available during summer academic sessions. Summer meal plans are available.

All students not taking summer courses, participating in an approved summer program, or completing a Boston-area internship should schedule their departure 24 hours or less after the end of their last final exam or review board in May, except graduating seniors. Graduating seniors who live in the residence halls and participate in commencement must check out by noon on May 19.

24/7 Resources During Break

Although most offices and programs close for all or part of break periods, Tufts Public Safety, the Counselor on Call, the Nurse Line, and other emergency resources remain available 24/7 throughout break periods.

Campus next to Science and Engineering building

Sustainability and Breaks

Tufts’ commitment to sustainability is an important consideration during break periods, whether you live on or off campus. Please reduce your landfill waste by donating unneeded items via the Office of Sustainability’s move-out program, the TCU Senate Textbook Exchange, Jumbo’s Community Fridge, and other programs. You can also store items for use next year instead of throwing items away and buying new next year or share items with friends who are staying over the summer.

Break periods also provide us with an opportunity to significantly reduce energy use. Follow the departure and move-out checklists to defrost your fridge, unplug all items, adjust HVAC settings, turn off lights, and minimize energy use when you are not present. In addition to reducing energy use regardless of where you live, these measures can also help off-campus students who are responsible for their own utility bills save significant money.

Security During Breaks

If you live on campus and will be gone during a break period, make sure all windows and doors in your unit are closed and locked. The exterior of all residential buildings will be locked.

If you live off campus, it is useful to note that local police departments caution residents who are going to be gone on vacation during break periods to take security precautions. In addition to making sure doors and windows are closed and locked and vehicles are secured, you can make your house less likely to be a target by using the USPS Hold Mail Service and pausing other deliveries that may be scheduled to come to your house at the time you are gone, letting a trusted neighbor know you will be gone and asking them to watch for unexpected activity at your home, and taking action to make sure your house doesn’t look abandoned or vacant.

Questions about Break Operations

If you have questions about the student experience during break periods, please contact the Dean of Students Office at 617-627-3158 or DeanofStudents@tufts.edu.