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Moving & Breaks

student checking in at desk with t-shirts during fall move in day

Fall move-in and spring move-out are some of the busiest (and most exciting) times of year for us Resident Life Terps!

We are here to help make your transition as smooth as possible. Whether you're deciding what items you will bring or how you will decorate your room, we have resources for you to plan ahead. 


two female roommates smiling at the camera in their dorm room

Before Move-In

Items to bring, roommate relationships, personalizing your room, and more 

Move-In Plan
testudo pushing cart up ramp

Move-In Day

Parking information, steps for checking in, packages & mail, and more

Campus Arrival
student grabbing keys from the service desk community assistant

Before Move-Out

Packing & cleaning tips, checkout procedures, late departures, and more

Move-Out Plan
rooftop view of parked cars during move-in

Move-Out Day

Returning keys, parking & unloading zones, carts, donation drives, and more

Leaving Campus

Academic Breaks

Watch this page for updated information on desk hours, card access, check-in/out, and more. We will post additional details in the weeks prior to each break. 


cherry blossom tree in front of a residence hall

March 15–March 24, 2024
(Friday-Sunday)

Residence Halls close for Spring Break on Friday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m. and re-open on Sunday, March 24 at 10:00 a.m. Break housing options are available for a fee. Requests must be submitted via your Housing Portal.

Spring Break Information

table with pumpkin pie and turkey for thanksgiving

Nov. 21–Nov. 26, 2023
(Wednesday-Sunday)

Residence Halls close for Thanksgiving Break on November 21 at 7:00 p.m. with one-night-only late stay and re-open on November 26 at 10:00 a.m. Break housing options are available for a fee. Requests must be submitted via your Housing Portal.

student sliding down snowy hill in laundry basket

Dec. 19, 2023–Jan. 21, 2024

Residence Halls close for Winter Break at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 19. All card access to halls will be deactivated at that time. Break housing options are available for a fee. Requests must be submitted via the Housing Portal.

Winter Break Details

Most of the North Campus halls are closed during break periods. Students that live in La Plata, Johnson-Whittle, and Pyon-Chen halls can register to stay in their rooms for a fee.

All South Campus halls (North Hill, South Hill, and Leonardtown Communities) remain open during the Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks for students who request and register to stay in advance. During Thanksgiving and Spring Break, South Campus residents must register to stay in their room prior to each break period or must depart by 7:00 p.m. at the start of these break periods. Additional fees may apply for Thanksgiving and Spring Break housing.


four students at New Student Welcome on McKeldin Mall

Fall & Winter Welcomes

We proudly sponsor the annual Fall and Winter Welcome programs designed to help you get settled in at the University of Maryland and get excited about the start of the academic semester. Fall and Winter Welcomes will introduce you to new friends, university resources, and the many opportunities waiting for you.

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