All halls close on Friday, December 20th at 5:00 pm. Card access will be shut off unless you requested break access through your Housing Portal.

The Break Housing request form will be available starting November 1st. The deadline for requesting break access is December 16th at 5:00pm.

If you have not requested to stay for the break, check-out is 24 hours after your last final or by December 20th at 5:00 pm, whichever is earlier. Move in for Spring Semester is January 19th. If you are returning for the spring semester and are not changing rooms, you can leave any belongings that you would like in your room. Please make sure to take anything that you will need for the break with you!

If you are leaving for break, make sure that you do the following:

  • Remove all trash, perishables & recyclables from your room.
  • Ensure that your room is easily accessible in case maintenance staff must enter to make repairs or perform routine maintenance work.
  • Make sure that your heater vent panel is not blocked with furniture.
  • Unplug any electronics.
  • You do not need to unplug or defrost your minifridge. Please leave it plugged in, especially if you are leaving items in it.
  • Close and lock windows & leave curtains/blinds open (for passive heating & security reasons). Do not turn off the heat if your room has an option.
  • Turn off all lights and be sure the door is locked.
  • If you have an open space in your room/suite/apartment, make sure the room is clean and ready to welcome a new spring roommate BEFORE you leave. If staff need to clean or move belongings, you will be charged.
  • Double check you have all items you’ll need over the break, such as valuables, medications, your passport, etc. Unless you requested break access by December 16th, you will not have the ability to come and go to retrieve forgotten items. Don’t forget to bring your ID and key home with you so you can get back in when you return!  
  • If you have a car, move it to long-term parking if you are not taking it with you.

If you are not returning to spring housing, and are checking out at the end of the fall semester:

  • Pack ALL of your belongings- make sure to double-check desk and dresser drawers, behind your furniture, and the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Clean your space, sweep, and remove trash – don’t leave it for your roommate! Custodial cleaning fees are the most common charges when students leave housing. Talk to your roommate before leaving anything for them to make sure they want it!
  • Complete the Express Checkout form in your housing portal. QR codes are posted by the Express Checkout stations in each hall lobby.
  • If you live in Anderson, Robie-Andrews, or Upton-Hastings, you also need to complete an Express Checkout envelope, put your metal room key in it, and drop the envelope in the Express Checkout black dropbox. These are located in the lobby of each building.
  • Failure to complete an Express Checkout could result in an improper checkout fee.
  • Email your Resident Director or usm.reslife@maine.edu with questions!

Dining:

The regular meal plan is not in effect over the break, and Brooks Dining Hall will close at 4:00 pm on Friday, December 20th for the semester. The USM Food Pantry is a wonderful resource for students who could use some assistance getting food over break.

Parking:

If you plan on staying on campus over break, make sure you are signed up for USM alerts so that you receive notice in the event of a snowstorm/parking ban. Park in appropriate residential student lots, but follow the snow parking ban signs as directed. Call 207-780-4800 for snow ban notifications. If you are going to be off campus during the semester break and leaving your car on campus, park in the designated long-term parking lot. If you park elsewhere on campus and you are away during a parking ban, your car will be towed and/or ticketed and you will need to pay the ticket, the tow fees, and storage fees. See the Parking Services site for more information.

Building Staff:

There is RA coverage of all of our buildings throughout the semester break. You can reach an RA on duty overnight 7:00 pm-7:00 am if you need help, or are locked out at night. The duty numbers for each building are listed below:

  • Upperclass 207-780-5683
  • Philippi 207-780-5966            
  • Upton Hastings 207-780-5283
  • Robie Andrews 207-228-8109
  • Anderson and Woodward 207-228-8110       

Semester Break Facility Hours:

Costello Sports Complex:
For more information regarding the hours over break, see
https://usm.maine.edu/costello-fitness/office-hours

Health and Counseling Services:
Please contact them at usmhealthcounseling@maine.edu or call 207-780-5411.
https://usm.maine.edu/uhcs

Library Hours:
Find their hours at https://usm.maine.edu/library