Closing for Breaks

Residence halls close for Winter Break and Summer, but remain open during Fall Break and Spring Break.

• Students may access and remain in their rooms during Fall and Spring Breaks. Access to the halls during Winter Break and between contract terms (spring–summer or summer–fall) is provided for students who have completed and received approval for a Break Stay request.
• Hall closings are referred to as Operation Move-Out (OMO).
• Closing information is shared through multiple channels, including email, flyers, bulletin boards, floor meetings, and RA communications. Students are encouraged to review this information and reach out with any questions or concerns.
• Information about Winter OMO begins in early–mid November. Spring OMO information is shared after Spring Break.
• More general housing policies and procedures can be found in the Residential Community Guide.

December 2025 – January 2026

Residence Hall Closing: December 2025 – January 2026

Important Dates

• Friday, December 12 Halls close at Noon (Statesboro and Savannah).
• Graduating students:
  • Statesboro – Graduate Dec 16 → Move out by Noon on Dec 17
    Graduate Dec 17 → Move out by Noon on Dec 18
  • Savannah – Move out by Noon on December 14
• January 9 at Noon Halls Reopen

Anyone remaining past noon will be charged $50 per hour and lose card access.

Break Stay Request

Students staying over break must complete and be approved for a Break Stay Request. 

Quiet Hours
24/7 Quiet Hours are in effect from December 3 at 5 p.m. through December 11 at 8 p.m. to support exam week.

Before You Leave:

Cleaning Checklist

• Check all drawers, closets, and shelves; remove all personal belongings.
• Remove all trash, food, and perishable items from:
  • Refrigerator & freezer
  • Cabinets, drawers, counters
  • Trash cans and recycling bins
• Wipe down all countertops and surfaces.
• Clean toilets, showers, and bathroom areas.
• Vacuum/sweep/mop all floors; remove items from floors.
• If you are not Returning for Spring:
  • Clean the refrigerator and freezer thoroughly 

Appliances & Electronics

• Leave large appliances plugged in:
  Refrigerator, stove/oven, microwave, dishwasher, washer, dryer.
• Unplug all small appliances and personal electronics.
  Turn off all lights.

Doors, Windows & Thermostat Settings

• Close and lock interior/exterior doors 
• Lower all blinds and lock windows
• First-floor residents: Insert window safety stick (submit a work order if missing).
• Set the thermostat to auto heat – 60° (Statesboro) or 70° (Savannah).

Furniture & Open Beds

• If your unit has an open bed, that space must be completely empty and move-in ready for a new resident.

Trash

• Use extra dumpsters placed around campus to avoid fines.

Bike Storage

• Use designated bike storage locations; bikes may not be stored indoors or in breezeways/stairwells.

Contact your RD or AD early if you have travel concerns or special circumstances.

Checking Out

•  Complete the Resident Checklist and Self-Checkout before leaving; this immediately deactivates card access.

Checkout Process
Before leaving, all residents must complete the Resident OMO Checklist Acknowledgement (one per unit) and complete either an in-person checkout or self-checkout. Important: Self-checkout immediately deactivates your card access—only complete it once you are fully ready to leave.

Two Ways to Check-Out

1. In-Person Checkout (10 a.m.–10 p.m., exam week): Visit your clubhouse or front desk. An RA will walk through your space, review the condition of the unit, and collect your key.
2. Self-Checkout: Complete the Resident Checklist and Self-Checkout online. Card access will deactivate immediately after submission.

After Closing:

Housing staff will conduct health and safety inspections in every unit to assess maintenance needs and ensure policy compliance.

Clubhouses and Desk Hours:
During exam week, Clubhouses and desks will have extended hours for checkouts, questions, and assistance. Moving bins, brooms, and vacuums will be available in limited quantities for checkout.

Cancellation Process: If you are not returning to Georgia Southern for Spring 2026, please complete a cancellation form. More information about canceling housing can be found here.

*All Spring 2026 Dates TBD

Halls close on May 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM.

You must depart within 24 hours after your last final exam or class of the Spring 2026 semester or by Sunday, May 10 at 12:00 PM — whichever comes first.

• Savannah Campus – If you are participating in or assisting with Commencement, you may stay in the Residence Halls until (TBD), pending approval from the Main Housing Office.  You must contact our office by email at housing@georgiasouthern.edu.  You will receive an email once our office has verified your participation in Commencement.
• Statesboro Campus – If you are participating in or assisting with Commencement, you may stay in the Residence Halls until (TBD), pending approval from the Main Housing Office.  You must contact our office by email at housing@georgiasouthern.edu.  You will receive an email once our office has verified your participation in Commencement.
• You must complete a Break Stay Application if you want to remain on campus during the Spring to Summer break. More information can be found below under Break Stay.

Closing Hall Meetings and Newsletters 

All closing hall meeting times have been posted in your hall’s closing newsletter and posted flyers. Click HERE to view the mandatory closing meetings that are taking place in the building you currently live in. Please see your RA for more information about the closing floor meeting in your hall.  Attendance is MANDATORY, so please get in touch with your RA if you have any questions. 

Click HERE to view the Spring 2026 Closing Newsletter that pertains to the building you currently live in to READ about the closing procedures for your residence hall. The updated closing newsletters will be published during the week of (TBD)

Community Desk Hours 

Each community desk will be open for extended hours from (TBD). Then, starting at 5 p.m. after the halls close, each desk will close for the Spring to Summer break. 

• Cancellation Process: More information about canceling housing can be found here.

Break Stay is available only to students who currently live on campus and have a housing assignment for the following semester.

To request Break Stay:

1. Log in to MyGeorgiaSouthern.
2. Select the On-Campus Housing link under the Campus Life tile.
3. In the housing portal, click Housing Request Forms in the light blue ribbon.
4. Select the process for the break period you wish to sign up for.

You can also access the Break Stay request directly from the front page of the housing portal by clicking the designated button.

The request form will open on November 17th, 2025. Students must sign up for Winter Break Housing by Thursday, December 11th at 12pm.

The cost for Winter Break stay is a flat $500 charge and will be posted to your student account. This must be paid with your Spring 2026 charges.