Residence halls remain open during Thanksgiving, spring, and summer breaks, but are closed during recesses between sessions (winter recess; the recess between end of spring semester and beginning of summer session; and the recess following the summer sessions prior to fall semester).  Unless otherwise instructed by the Office of Student Living and Learning, for any recess, students may retain keys and leave personal belongings in their rooms during the recess closing only if they have a housing contract for the same room for the academic session that immediately follows the recess; otherwise they must fully vacate their room and follow the required Student Living and Learning check-out procedures.

Break Housing (Thanksgiving, Spring and Summer)

Information regarding break residence halls will be distributed prior to each academic break by the Office of Student Living and Learning.  Students choosing to stay on campus for any break must apply to the Office of Student Living and Learning of their intentions using the form provided by the office. The Office of Student Living and Learning works to provide support and safety for students throughout all breaks.  Student conduct and responsibilities are the same during breaks as they are during the academic year. Students are expected to uphold all institution policies and procedures during break housing.

Thanksgiving Break Notification Form (Closed Now). Dining halls will be closed from November 27, 2024 - November 29, 2024.

Spring Break Notification Form (Closed Now). Dining halls will be closed from March 3, 2025 - March 7, 2025.

Intersession Housing (Winter Intersession, Spring Intersession, Summer Intersession)

The Institute recognizes that some residents must remain at Rensselaer during periods between academic terms (Winter Intersession; Spring Intersession (the recess between end of spring semester and beginning of summer session); and Summer Intersession (the recess following the summer sessions prior to fall semester)).  Students who remain in housing during Intersession will be charged a flat rate against their student account in an amount consistent with current applicable rates. The Office of Student Living and Learning works to provide support and safety for students throughout all recess periods.  Student conduct and responsibilities are the same during recesses as they are during the academic year. Students are expected to uphold all institution policies and procedures during recess housing.

Winter Intersession Housing Application (Closed Now) Residence Halls and Dining Halls close at 12:00 PM (noon) on December 20, 2024 - January 5, 2025.

Spring Intersession Housing Application (Closed Now) Residence Halls and Dining Halls close at 12:00 PM (noon) on May 3, 2025.