Published: Nov. 6, 2020

With many students planning to leave campus for fall and winter break, please take a moment to review some general reminders. 

Protect your family

Getting tested before traveling is crucial to helping prevent the spread of the virus and protect the health of those around you. Students are strongly encouraged to complete a COVID-19 monitoring test 48 to 72 hours before traveling. Students who live on campus are required to complete their monitoring testing appointment weekly and should plan to visit a monitoring location on campus 48 to 72 hours before traveling. Monitoring locations will not be open on weekends or campus holidays so you may need to adjust your schedule accordingly.

campus photoOn-campus residents

Residence hall students need to leave for winter break no later than Nov. 25. During winter break, all students must vacate their rooms for the duration of the break (belongings can remain in the room). Any student who needs residence hall housing from Nov. 25 through the start of spring semester needs to apply for break housing. Bear Creek students do not need to leave during winter break. 

Before you leave for break:

  • Make sure windows are closed and locked, and drapes are closed
  • Unplug electrical appliances (residence hall students only)
  • Clean your micro-fridge and set to low (residence hall students only)
  • Set your heaters on low
  • Remove trash and recycling from the building
  • Turn off your lights 
  • Make sure your room door is completely closed and locked
  • Remember to pack all important documents or valuable items such as plane tickets, ID and passport, jewelry, medicines, etc.
  • Store any bikes in your room during breaks, if space is available and it does not block exits.

If you are unsure if you will be returning to CU Boulder for spring semester, it is highly recommended that you remove all of your belongings by Nov. 25 if you live in the residence halls or Dec. 28 if you live in Bear Creek to avoid additional charges should you not return.

During winter break all residence halls will be closed and locked. Remember to take important items and documents with you including airline tickets, clothes, skis/snowboards, passports, medicine or other items that will be needed during the break period. Only residents with a break contract will have access to their halls.

For more information, visit the Housing and Dining website.

Off-campus residents

If you are leaving for break:

  • Before you leave, find someone willing to clear snow off of your property. Snow must be removed within 24 hours of a snow fall.
  • Ask a friend to collect your mail and pick up newspapers and/or any trash in your yard. If you’ll be gone for a longer period of time, consider having the post office hold your mail while you’re away.
  • Make sure all windows and doors are locked. Move any expensive items like laptops away from windows where they may be visible, or bring them with you.
  • Set your lights on a timer and your heat to a reasonable temperature, about 60 degrees to prevent any pipes freezing.
  • Don’t leave pets by themselves. Find someone to take care of them while you are away.