USC Spring Break 2026 runs from Sunday, March 15, 2026, through Sunday, March 22, 2026. It is the one-week period during the Spring semester when all classes are suspended campus-wide. Classes resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
The University of Southern California’s spring recess, commonly known as USC Spring Break, is a mid-semester break in the Spring calendar, offering students a chance to step away from regular coursework.
There are no regular classes or scheduled academic activities during USC Spring Break. This is a non-instructional period for students.
It is important to distinguish it from other holiday breaks, as stated on the USC Academic Calendar:
- USC Fall Recess 2025: October 9–10, 2025
- USC Winter Recess 2025–2026: December 18, 2025 – January 11, 2026
- USC Spring Break 2026: March 15–22, 2026
During this window, students will not attend lectures, labs, or recitations.
Most campus services operate on reduced schedules, though the residential halls typically remain open (with limited programming).
The break falls approximately mid-semester, right after day-to-day coursework and before final projects ramp up.
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How to Plan for USC Spring Break 2026
Here are actionable steps to make the most of your USC Spring Break 2026:
- Mark Your Calendar Early
- USC spring recess 2026: March 15–22, 2026.
- Add a recurring reminder in Google Calendar or iCal to check flight prices starting late November 2025.
- If you need to coordinate with a job or internship, notify your supervisor of these planned dates by early December 2025.
- Book Travel and Accommodations by December 2025
- Ticket prices for popular routes (e.g., Los Angeles to San Francisco, Seattle, or Chicago) typically rise sharply by January.
- Use flexible booking options (i.e., refundable tickets or travel credits) in case your spring course schedule changes.
- Check On-Campus Housing Policies
- Some residents choose to stay on campus during Spring Break to avoid travel costs or because they’re working local internships.
- Confirm with USC Housing:
- Are dining halls open?
- Is there 24/7 campus security?
- Are there co-curricular activities or lounge events scheduled?
- Plan Campus or Local Activities
- USC Recreation (USC REC) frequently offers free or discounted events during USC Spring Break 2026, such as group hikes (Griffith Park), beach trips (Santa Monica/Manhattan Beach), or cultural excursions (The Broad, LACMA).
- If you want to volunteer, look into service trips organized by USC SolSocial or community partnerships. Spots often fill by January 2026.
- Prepare for Academic Return
- Use March 22–24 as buffer days to catch up on any quizzes or reading assignments before Spring Break ends and regular classes resume.
- Check your Canvas or Blackboard pages frequently for any changes to assignment deadlines that might fall just after break.
What to Do During USC Spring Break 2026
Your Spring Break can be as restful or eventful as you choose. Here are some popular options:
1. Travel & Explore
- Visit Family or Home: For many out-of-state or international students, USC Spring Break 2026 is the only multi-day window to return home without missing classes.
- Road Trip: Southern California’s top destinations (Palm Springs, San Diego, Big Bear, Joshua Tree) are within a 2–4 hour drive.
- National Parks: Yosemite, Sequoia, and Joshua Tree are accessible. Reserve lodging in national parks by January 2026.
2. Campus & Community Engagement
- Local Volunteering: Sign up with USC Joint Educational Project (JEP) or Neighborhood Academic Initiative (NAI) to tutor K–12 students or support community gardens.
- Club Retreats: Many Greek organizations and student clubs host Spring Break retreats or off-site workshops (leadership, wellness, or career-building). Contact your club’s leadership by early February.
- Cultural Events: USC’s own Thornton School of Music and School of Dramatic Arts often have Spring concerts or performances. Check event listings six weeks before break.
3. Rest & Recharge
- Stay on Campus: If you stay in your dorm, plan a weekend of self-care: organize your space, catch up on reading, and use campus fitness centers (most are open during break with reduced hours).
- Wellness Programs: The USC Engemann Student Health Center often offers counseling and wellness drop-in sessions during breaks, free for enrolled students.
4. Academic Prep
- Research & Internships: Use downtime to draft internship applications for summer 2026 or begin research proposals for faculty-mentored projects. Campus libraries have extended hours right after Spring Break ends, so check with Doheny and Leavey Libraries.
- Skill-Building Workshops: Career Center organizes resume workshops and mock interviews throughout Spring Break—look for “Spring Break Business Etiquette” sessions in February 2026.
Tips to Maximize Your Spring Break Experience
- Budget Wisely
- If traveling, create a simple spreadsheet tracking transportation, lodging, and food costs. Aim for “no more than 25% of your monthly budget” on travel.
- Consider group trips with friends to split lodging or car rental costs.
- Stay Safe
- If you’re driving, check travel advisories (especially if you plan to go to mountain passes where snow might still be present in early spring).
- Register your trip with USC Student Safety Programs if traveling abroad or in remote areas.
- Balance Fun and Responsibility
- If you’re working an internship or part-time job, plan around time off. Many L.A.-based internships honor USC Spring Break 2026 and the preceding weekend.
- Use one or two days during break for light academic review—this reduces stress when classes resume.
- Align with Related USC Events
- USC Holiday Calendar 2025–2026: For a full overview of all academic holidays, see our related post on the USC Holiday Calendar 2025–2026.
- USC Move-In Day 2025: If you’re a new transfer or incoming student, coordinate your arrival window by checking USC Move-In Day 2025.
- USC Academic Calendar 2025–2026: For semester start/end dates that bracket USC Spring Break 2026, review our USC Academic Calendar 2025–2026.
USC Spring Break 2026 FAQs
When is USC Spring Break 2026?
USC Spring Break 2026, officially known as Spring Recess, is scheduled from Sunday, March 15 to Sunday, March 22, 2026. This one-week break provides a pause in the academic calendar for students and faculty.
Are classes held during USC Spring Break 2026?
No, regular classes are not held during USC Spring Break 2026. The period from March 15 to March 22, 2026, is designated as a non-instructional period for all students and faculty at the University of Southern California. This time is intended for students to rest, travel, or catch up on coursework without scheduled lectures or assignments.
Does USC Housing close for Spring Break 2026?
No, USC residence halls typically do NOT close for Spring Break (Spring Recess). Unlike longer breaks such as Winter Recess, students in USC dorms and suites are generally permitted to remain in their housing during this one week. However, it’s always advisable to check the official USC Housing website or your housing contract for any specific updates or important notices regarding Spring Break operations and on-campus living.
What USC campus facilities and services are open during Spring Break 2026?
While classes are paused, many USC campus facilities and services remain open during Spring Break 2026, though often with modified hours.
Libraries: USC Libraries typically operate on reduced schedules. Check individual library websites for their specific Spring Break hours.
Dining Services: On-campus dining halls and restaurants will likely have limited hours or some may be temporarily closed. Consult the USC Hospitality website for the most current dining schedules.
Administrative Offices: Most USC administrative offices (e.g., Registrar, Financial Aid, Student Health) generally remain open during normal business hours (Monday-Friday) throughout Spring Break, but it’s wise to call ahead or check their department websites for specific staff availability.
Recreational Facilities: Campus recreational facilities, such as the Lyon Center, may also operate on adjusted hours.
Always refer to the official USC departmental websites for precise operating schedules during the Spring Recess period to plan your campus access effectively.
Are professors and academic advisors available during USC Spring Break 2026?
While professors are not holding regular classes, their availability during USC Spring Break 2026 can vary.
Some faculty members may be traveling or taking a break, while others might be on campus or accessible remotely for limited office hours or email correspondence.
Academic advisors in your department or school typically maintain regular office hours during Spring Break, as it’s a good time for students to schedule course planning meetings or address academic questions without class conflicts.
It’s always best to reach out directly to your professor or academic advising office to confirm their availability during the Spring Recess period.
