Winter break is from Saturday, Dec. 20 to Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. Whether you’re staying on campus or traveling for fall break, keep reading for important information!

The residence halls and apartments are open, and staff are available 24/7.

Exterior building doors will be locked at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, and will unlock at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15. Always carry your ISUCard and keys with you.

Don’t prop doors open or let strangers into the residence halls. Visitors must be escorted at all times. Anyone who has gained or provided illegal access to the halls during break will be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action. All policies are enforced during break.

Staff may enter your room during break to ensure that proper closing procedures have been followed, for room checks, routine maintenance (checking smoke detectors, replacing filters, etc.) and/or to complete work orders.

If you’re leaving for break, we need you to do the following for safety, security, and prevention:

  • Close and lock all windows – VERY IMPORTANT!
  • Set heat to correct temperature (see below in the chart).
  • Remove all trash from your wastebaskets and room/apartment. Do not leave garbage in public areas.
  • Move items at least two feet away from heaters (filters may be replaced over break).
  • Turn off your lights and unplug non-essential items.
  • Remove all perishable items from your refrigerator. Your fridge can stay plugged in over break.
  • Take valuable items home. The Department of Residence is not liable for loss, theft or damage of residents’ property.
  • Fish aquariums require constant attention, such as feeding and electricity. Please make arrangements prior to leaving for proper care.
  • Lock your door

ISU Police are here during break and can be reached at 515-294-4428. For emergencies, dial 911.

Maintenance Issues

Use the online service request for routine maintenance needs. If it’s an emergency maintenance need, call 515-294-3322 during business hours. If it’s after hours, call your RA on Duty.

As a reminder, University offices are closed Dec. 24-26 and on Jan. 1, 2026.

Community Desk and Mailroom Hours

There will be limited mail and desk services available during fall break. Starting Saturday, Dec. 20, following areas will be open from 3 to 5 p.m. for package pickup and other desk services over winter break:

  • UDCC Mailroom
  • Geoffroy Hall Desk
  • Cornerstone
  • MWL Hall Desk
  • Wallace-Wilson Hall Desk
  • Frederiksen Court Community Desk
  • SUV Community Center

All other hall desks will be closed.

All hall and apartment desks will be closed on Dec. 24-26 and on Jan. 1, 2026.

All hall desks will reopen Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at 8 a.m.

Mail / Packages

We continue to receive mail and packages during the break.  If you are returning to the residence halls for the spring 2026 semester, and a package is delivered for you after December 19, it will be held in the mailroom during the break period. Please disregard any automated messages you may receive.  No packages for returning residents will be returned to sender during break.

Dining

Most dining options close Friday, Dec. 19 sometime in the afternoon or evening and remain closed for the break. Please check the dining website for exact hours during Finals Week and in January when they reopen. Your spring meal plan begins on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. Check the dining website for open locations and operating hours.

Reminder: All unused meals on Gold and Campanile plans expire at the end of the semester on Dec. 19. Unused Block Meals and Dining Dollars roll over for use during the spring semester.

Parking

Parking will be enforced in Reserved, General Staff and Medical Permit spots. You will be able to park in any student parking areas.

Also, make sure to read the email sent by your apartment/hall director for any building-specific directions. If you have any questions, please contact your RA.

Thanks, and enjoy your Winter break!

Heat Settings

Make sure you follow the heat settings listed below anytime you leave campus. If you don’t? Pipes can break and flooding can damage your belongings.

Heat Settings for Each Building

  • Friley – Set convector thermostat on a medium setting and fan switch ON. Steam radiators should be set on a medium setting of 2 to 3.
  • Eaton, Martin, Buchanan – Set wall thermostat to 70.
  • Helser – Lever on baseboard heating unit should be open and baseboard should have nothing in front of it so heat can flow freely in to the room.
  • Maple – Set wall thermostat to medium heat setting and fan switch ON.
  • Willow and Larch – Set the LED fan button to low, then set the up down arrow buttons to show 70 degrees.
  • Linden, BWR, BLF and Oak-Elm  – Set thermostat knob on the radiator to a medium setting of 2 or 3.
  • Oak-Elm ‘New Hall’ – Lever should be open for heat.
  • Geoffroy – Set wall thermostat to medium heat setting of 70 degrees and fan switch ON.
  • Wallace and Wilson – Base board heat — with flaps on top open.
  • Frederiksen Court / SUV – Set thermostat to 70.