This NYU Holiday Calendar 2025-2026 guide provides everything students, faculty, and staff need to know about university closures, academic breaks, and important dates across all NYU campuses and schools.
Table of Contents
NYU Holiday Calendar 2025-2026 Overview
| Holiday/Break | Date | University Status | Housing Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor Day | Monday, September 1, 2025 | University Closed | Open |
| Fall Break | Monday, October 13, 2025 | No Classes | Open |
| Thanksgiving Recess | Thursday-Friday, November 27-28, 2025 | No Classes, Many Offices Closed | Limited Services |
| Winter Recess | December 22, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | Campus Largely Closed | Most Halls Closed |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, January 19, 2026 | University Holiday | Open |
| Presidents’ Day | Monday, February 16, 2026 | No Classes (Most Programs) | Open |
| Spring Break | Monday-Friday, March 16-20, 2026 | No Classes | Open |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25, 2026 | University Holiday | Open |
Academic Year Structure 2025-2026
The NYU academic calendar follows a traditional semester system with additional January term opportunities:
Fall Semester 2025
- Classes Begin: Monday, September 2, 2025
- Fall Break: Monday, October 13, 2025 (no classes)
- Thanksgiving Recess: Thursday-Friday, November 27-28, 2025
- Classes End: Wednesday, December 11, 2025
- Final Exams: December 12-19, 2025
Spring Semester 2026
- January Term: January 5-18, 2026
- Classes Begin: Monday, January 20, 2026
- Spring Break: March 16-20, 2026
- Classes End: Monday, May 5, 2026
- Final Exams: May 6-13, 2026
- Commencement: May 20-21, 2026
Major NYU Holidays and Breaks 2025-2026
Labor Day
NYU observes Labor Day on Monday, September 1, 2025, as an official university holiday. All administrative offices close, and no classes are held.
This federal holiday marks the unofficial end of summer and the beginning of the new academic year.
What’s Open/Closed:
- Administrative offices: Closed
- Libraries: Limited hours (check specific locations)
- Dining halls: Modified hours
- Housing: Open with normal operations
- Campus safety: 24/7 operations continue
Fall Break
NYU Fall Break 2025 is on Monday, October 13, 2025. It provides students and faculty with a mid-semester pause during the intensive fall academic period.
While officially no classes are scheduled, some graduate programs and professional schools may hold special sessions.
Academic Impact:
- Undergraduate classes: No classes scheduled
- Graduate programs: Varies by school (check individual calendars)
- Library hours: Reduced hours at most locations
- Campus services: Limited operations
Thanksgiving Break
NYU’s Thanksgiving break 2025 extends across Thursday, November 27, to Friday, November 28, 2025, creating a four-day weekend for the university community. Many students travel home during this period.
Housing Information:
- Residence halls remain open
- Dining services operate on a holiday schedule
- Some residence halls may offer special Thanksgiving meals
- Campus shuttle services may be reduced
Travel Considerations:
- Book travel early, as this is a peak travel period
- Allow extra time for airport security and delays
- Consider arriving back by Sunday evening for Monday classes
Winter Break
NYU Winter Break 2025 is from Sunday, December 22, 2025, through Wednesday, January 1, 2026.
It represents the most significant closure period in the NYU Holiday Calendar. Most campus operations cease, and many residence halls close entirely.
Detailed Closure Information:
- Academic buildings: Closed December 24-January 1
- Administrative offices: Closed December 25-January 1
- Libraries: Limited hours December 22-23, closed December 24-January 1
- Dining services: Most locations closed
- Campus recreation: Closed December 24-January 1
Housing Closures: Most NYU residence halls close during winter recess. Students must:
- Vacate rooms by 6:00 PM on Friday, December 20, 2025
- Remove all belongings or secure them properly
- Complete checkout procedures with residence hall staff
- Arrange alternative accommodations if staying in NYC
International Student Considerations:
- Limited housing options may be available (additional fees apply)
- Contact the Office of Global Services for travel documentation
- Consider homestay programs or extended stay hotels
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
NYU honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a university-wide holiday on Monday, January 19, 2026. The day often includes special programming and community service opportunities.
University Operations:
- No classes scheduled
- Administrative offices closed
- Special MLK Day programming is typically offered
- Libraries may have reduced hours
- Dining services operate on a weekend schedule
Educational Opportunities:
- Community service projects
- Educational workshops and discussions
- Cultural events and exhibitions
- Student organization activities
Presidents’ Day
Presidents’ Day is observed on Monday, February 16, 2026, across most NYU schools and programs. Though some professional and graduate programs may maintain regular schedules.
Academic Schedule:
- Undergraduate programs: No classes
- Graduate programs: Varies by school
- Professional schools: Check individual calendars
- Administrative offices: Most closed
Spring Break
NYU Spring Break 2026 is from Monday, March 16, to Friday, March 20, 2026. New York University Spring Break provides a week-long academic pause during the spring semester, allowing students to recharge before the final months of the academic year.
Housing During Spring Break:
- All residence halls remain open
- Normal dining services continue
- Campus facilities maintain regular hours
- No special checkout requirements
Travel and Safety:
- University travel guidelines apply to international destinations
- Register travel plans with the Office of Global Services
- Maintain contact information updates
- Consider travel insurance for international trips
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is on Monday, May 25, 2026, and concludes the spring semester and often coincides with graduation activities and celebrations.
End-of-Year Activities:
- Commencement ceremonies (typically held earlier in May)
- Final exams completed
- Residence hall closures for summer
- Summer session preparations begin
School-Specific Calendar Variations
Different NYU schools maintain specialized calendars that may deviate from the general university schedule:
NYU School of Law
- Extended winter recess periods
- Modified spring break timing
- Specialized exam schedules
- Clinical program variations
NYU Langone Health
- Hospital operations continue during holidays
- Clinical rotations follow healthcare schedules
- Medical student calendars align with hospital operations
- Residency programs maintain patient care responsibilities
NYU Tandon School of Engineering
- Engineering-specific project deadlines
- Industry internship coordination
- Specialized lab schedules during breaks
NYU Stern School of Business
- MBA program modifications
- Executive education continuations
- International exchange considerations
Global Campus Considerations
NYU Abu Dhabi
NYU Abu Dhabi follows a modified calendar reflecting UAE holidays and cultural observances:
- UAE National Day observances
- Ramadan schedule adjustments
- Different winter break timing
- Regional travel considerations
NYU Shanghai
- Chinese New Year observances
- Different academic year structure
- Local holiday integrations
- Cross-cultural academic scheduling
Housing and Residential Life During Holidays
Regular Holiday Operations
Most NYU holidays maintain normal residential operations with these considerations:
- Dining halls may have modified hours
- Front desk services continue
- Maintenance requests handled during business hours
- Programming may be reduced
Extended Break Procedures
During winter recess and other extended breaks:
- Mandatory room checkout procedures
- Secure personal belongings
- Complete maintenance request forms
- Arrange alternative accommodations if staying in New York
International Student Support
NYU provides specialized support for international students during breaks:
- Extended housing options (additional fees may apply)
- Cultural programming and activities
- Travel documentation assistance
- Emergency contact procedures
Important Deadlines and Dates
| Deadline Type | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Applications | February 1, 2025 | Priority deadline for 2025-2026 housing |
| Course Registration | Varies by school | Check individual school calendars |
| Add/Drop Period | First two weeks of semester | Modify course schedules |
| Withdrawal Deadline | Mid-semester | Last date to withdraw with “W” grade |
| Final Exam Requests | 6 weeks before exams | Special accommodations |
Financial Considerations
Holiday-Related Costs
- Winter break housing (if available): Additional fees apply
- Travel expenses during peak periods
- Meal plan adjustments during closures
- Storage solutions for extended breaks
Payment Deadlines
Holiday periods can affect payment processing:
- Tuition payment deadlines remain fixed
- Financial aid disbursement may be delayed
- Housing payments due before the semester ends
- International wire transfers require additional processing time
Campus Resources During Holidays
Emergency Services
- Campus Safety: 24/7 operations year-round
- Health services: Limited during major holidays
- Counseling: Crisis support available
- IT Help Desk: Reduced hours during breaks
Academic Support
- Library services: Reduced hours during breaks
- Writing centers: Closed during major holidays
- Tutoring services: Limited availability
- Research facilities: Restricted access during closures
Technology and Communication
Staying Connected
- NYU email remains active during all breaks
- NYU Classes (Brightspace) accessible 24/7
- Campus Wi-Fi is maintained in open areas
- IT support available remotely
Important Updates
- Check @NYU Instagram for real-time updates
- Monitor the NYU homepage for emergency closures
- Subscribe to NYU Alert for urgent communications
- Follow individual school social media accounts
Planning Tips for NYU Students
Before Each Holiday
- Complete academic assignments and projects
- Arrange travel bookings early (if applicable)
- Coordinate with roommates and friends
- Update emergency contact information
- Secure valuable belongings
During Extended Breaks
- Maintain academic momentum with reading
- Explore internship and job opportunities
- Engage in community service
- Stay connected with campus communities
- Prepare for the upcoming semester
NYU Holiday Calendar FAQs
Are classes held on Columbus Day?
Columbus Day is not an official NYU holiday. Regular classes are held unless individually cancelled by instructors.
What happens if a major assignment is due during a holiday?
Instructors typically adjust deadlines around holidays. Check your syllabus and communicate with professors about holiday conflicts.
Can graduate students access labs during winter break?
Lab access during winter break requires special permission and advance coordination with department administrators and building security.
Can graduate students access labs during winter break?
Lab access during winter break requires special permission and advance coordination with department administrators and building security.
Can I stay in my residence hall during Thanksgiving?
Yes, residence halls remain open during Thanksgiving break with normal operations.
What if I’m an international student with nowhere to go during winter break?
Contact the Office of Global Services early in the semester. Limited winter break housing options may be available for an additional fee.
Are residence halls heated during winter break closures?
Yes, buildings maintain minimal heating for infrastructure protection, but individual room temperatures may be reduced.
Do I get refunds for meal plans during holidays?
Meal plans are priced with holiday closures factored in. No additional refunds are typically provided for scheduled closures.
Are there additional charges for staying during permitted housing periods?
Regular housing charges cover standard holiday periods. Extended break housing (like winter recess) incurs additional fees.
NYU Contact Information and Resources
Key NYU Offices
- Office of the Registrar: (212) 998-4800
- Student Housing: (212) 998-4600
- Office of Global Services: (212) 998-4720
- Campus Safety: (212) 998-2222 (emergency)
Online Resources
- NYU Academic Calendar: nyu.edu/registrar
- Housing Information: nyu.edu/housing
- Student Services: nyu.edu/students
- Emergency Information: nyu.edu/about/safety-security
Social Media Updates
- @nyu on Instagram and Twitter
- NYU Facebook page
- Individual school social media accounts
- NYU Student Affairs social channels
This NYU Holiday Calendar 2025-2026 guide is compiled from official university sources but is subject to change.
Always verify dates with official NYU communications and your individual school calendars before making travel arrangements or other commitments.
For the most current information, consult the NYU Office of the Registrar and your school’s academic calendar.
