Greetings!


Believe it or not, the end of the semester is fast approaching. Congratulations on completing a semester at Wake Forest (whether it's you're first, last, or one of a few to go)! As you prepare to depart campus, we'd like to share some important information about our communities closing for the Winter Break.


Please review this message closely, carefully, and in its entirety.

Important Dates


Friday, Dec 5 at 5 p.m. - Saturday, December 13

24-hour Quiet Hours


Sunday, December 14 at 2pm

Residential Communities close for Winter Break, and card access will end.

Those approved for Winter Break housing and notified to relocate must be in their assigned Winter Break housing by this date and time.


December 14, 2025 - January 10, 2026

Winter Break


December 20, 2025 - January 4, 2026

University is closed and will re-open on Monday, January 5


January 6, 2026

Deadline to decrease your meal plan selection


Early Arrivals

Those approved as part of an early arrival group for Spring 2026 will receive confirmation from our office by December 19.

Please note we are unable to accept individual early arrival requests for Spring 2026.


Saturday, January 10, 2026

9 a.m. – Communities open for all students to return.

The 3 P's


As you prepare to depart campus and leave your space empty during a break, please be sure to give each of the 3 P’s (Pack, Plan, Protect) your attention. We ask that students:


PACK all belongings you’ll need access to during the break as well as all valuables.

PLAN to reset your space for your return or the coming semester. 

PROTECT your space and your belongings.


Below are also several tasks that we ask that you complete prior to leaving for the break in order to help us secure the building, keep energy consumption down, and also keep the buildings in a sanitary condition over the break:


  • Please double-check that you have packed the following: 
  • Wallet
  • Deacon OneCard
  • With a high volume of students returning at one time during the spring, you may experience extended wait times to assist you with a lock out.
  • Room keys and keys you may need at home
  • If you have lost your room key this semester, please submit your lock recore request.
  • Passport and/or other identity documents
  • Airplane tickets
  • Any medication you may need
  • Please note that staff are not readily available to assist with retrieving items left behind after you have departed campus.
  • Store all food in closed containers. Remove perishables.
  • Personal property should be moved off the floor.
  • Remove all trash and recyclables from your room and common areas to outside containers.
  • Take bicycles home or store them on designated bike racks (not in hallways, on balconies, under stairwells, or attached to banisters). Motorized bikes and/or e-scooters are NOT allowed in the residence halls or under breezeways; these should be parked in designated moped spaces.
  • Unplug all items from wall outlets including MicroFridge© units.
  • Residents should start the defrost process 48-72 hours prior to when they leave. This process includes disposing of any perishable items and cleaning up any water left behind after defrosting with a towel or paper towels. MicroFridge© units must be completely clean and dry prior to leaving for Winter Break.
  • Residents who do not properly defrost, clean, and unplugged MicroFridge© units may be assessed a fine during inspections.
  • Fan coil units should be set to 70° and low fan speed.
  • Ensure there is at least 6 inches of clearance at the bottom (intake) of the fan coil unit to allow for proper air flow to condition the room. The top grates should not be obstructed so that air is pushed throughout the space. Failure to address the intake and vents could result in compromised efficiency and/or personal items being moved to allow for the work to be completed by the facilities team.
  • Take valuables (jewelry, laptops, electronics) with you or store them someplace safe, secure, and out of sight.
  • Adjust blinds
  • Ground floor or balcony facing rooms: Lower and close blinds
  • Upper floor and non-balcony facing rooms: Raise and open blinds
  • Shut and lock your windows. Turn off room lights.
  • Lock your door and take your key. Staff will lock all doors!


Bathrooms Across Campus


During Winter Break, our custodial teams complete deep cleanings of all campus bathrooms, including those in the Quad and North communities.


To ensure these spaces can be cleaned thoroughly, please remove all personal items from bathroom countertops and showers before leaving for break. Bathrooms with any items left behind will not be cleaned.

Not Returning for Spring 2026


Students not returning for Spring 2026 must make Residence Life and Housing, as well as Academic Advising, aware before moving out.


If you are not returning to campus for the Spring 2026 semester, please know that you MUST be completely checked out of your fall room assignment before 2 p.m. on December 14.


Residents should visit the RA office in their building to complete an Express Check-Out. Express Check-Out envelopes are located in the clear box right outside the RA office. You must fill out the envelope completely and place your key(s) inside. Once finished, drop the sealed envelope into the RA mailbox.


If you need assistance:

Residence Life and Housing Office 

Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)

Contact: 336.758.5185


RA On Call

Contact Information

Hours: 5 p.m. - 8:30 a.m. (Monday - Friday) and 24/7 Saturday & Sunday

Winter Closing Inspections


Please be aware that your room will be entered during Winter Closing and may be reentered over the break. Staff will enter student rooms during the break to perform inspections and routine maintenance. During this time we will lock all windows and doors.


Administrative action, billing, and/or student conduct referral can result if unauthorized items or unsafe/unclean conditions are found. All staff members are expected to report the presence of health and safety/hazards or violations. For more information on department and University policies please refer to the Guide to Community Living and Code of Conduct.

Again, congratulations on completing a semester here at Wake, and Happy (almost) Winter Break!


Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your community staff or reach out to our office at housing@wfu.edu or 336.758.5185. 


Best,


Zach Blackmon, Ph.D., MBA 

Director of Operations 


Tyler Gailey, M.Ed.

Director of Residence Life and Program Director of The Forest

Partners in our students’ journey to create a home in The Forest.

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