What is Recess Housing? 

UAlbany suspends classes, activities and residence hall housing three times during the academic year for scheduled recess periods, such as Thanksgiving, Intersession and Spring Break. 

All buildings, other than those specifically designated for recess housing, will be closed during these breaks. University services — including dining, buses and mail — are limited during recess periods. Residential Life staff members are available during recess periods, in the event of an emergency. 

Students approved for recess housing may not house any guests — including friends, family or teammates — during the break.  

All rules and regulations stated in the student code of conduct, Community Rights & Responsibilities, and the Housing License remain in effect during recess periods.  

 

2024-2025 Academic Year Recesses

Recess PeriodWhen Residence Halls without Recess Housing CloseWhen Residence Halls without Recess Housing Reopen
Thanksgiving Break11 a.m. Wednesday, November 27, 202411 a.m. Sunday, December 1, 2024
Intersession11 a.m. Wednesday, December 18, 202411 a.m. Sunday, January 19, 2025
Spring Break6 p.m. Friday, March 14, 202511 a.m. Sunday, March 23, 2025


Note: Students who have a UAlbany class on Saturday, March 22, 2025, can make special arrangements with Residential Life for Spring Break 2025. Please contact your Quad Information Center for more information.

 

How do I get approved for Recess Housing? 

We encourage students to consider Recess Housing when they apply for Academic Year Housing.
 

University Apartments

Freedom Apartments, Liberty Terrace and Empire Commons stay open for current residents during Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break and Spring Break.  

Students who live in on-campus apartments do not need to apply or be approved for recess housing to access their on-campus housing during recess periods.

Note: Students who have been approved for a housing release after they complete the fall semester are ineligible for recess housing during the Intersession and must follow move-out procedures as directed. 
 

Residence Halls (Quads)

Students must apply and be approved for recess housing to remain in residence halls on State Quad, Indigenous Quad, Colonial Quad and Dutch Quad during Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break and Spring Break. Recess housing application are posted here ahead of scheduled recess periods. 

Spring Break 2024: For students without approved recess housing, residence halls (quads) will close at 6 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2024, and reopen at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 24, 2024. Apply for Spring Break 2024 recess housing. 

After submitting the application, you’ll receive an email to your @albany.edu address explaining whether you have been approved or denied for recess housing. 

If you do not have recess housing approval, your UAlbany ID card will be deactivated for the duration of the break. You must vacate your room or suite no later than 24 hours after your last class or exam. You may leave your personal belongings in your room at your own risk. 

Note: Students who have been approved for a housing release after they complete the fall semester are ineligible for recess housing during the Intersession and must follow move-out procedures as directed. 

 

apply

Questions? 

Please contact your Quad Information Center: