Thanksgiving break is around the corner, and winter break is not far away! Here are a few tips to help you and your student have happy and safe breaks.
If your student will be traveling for Thanksgiving or winter break, please remind them to do the following:
Leave the heat on at a level that will prevent pipes from freezing and bursting (55° or above) and close any open windows. Taking these steps will help protect possessions and avoid a nasty clean-up when students return from the break.
Lock up! Larceny is a crime of opportunity. The majority of all thefts happen through unlocked doors and windows. Before your student leaves, remind them to:
- Secure their valuables such as computers, cameras, etc.
- Lock all doors and windows to their room, apartment or house
- Close window blinds and drapes
- Consider taking valuables with them, such as jewelry, portable electronics e.g. laptops and iPads
Prevent fires by turning off or unplugging appliances, including coffee pots, computers, printers, copiers and lights to avoid over-heating. This step also reduces electrical consumption.
If your student will be flying, they may want to ride the AirBus service to and from the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. AirBus will be free for Thanksgiving break, thanks to Central Student Government.
Finally, it is common for students and families to have different expectations for breaks. Families are often looking forward to spending time with their student, enjoying holiday traditions, and having their student participate in extended family gatherings. Students are often looking forward to catching up on sleep, laundry, and homework – especially because final exams are just around the corner. Be sure to communicate and find a balance so that you both enjoy the breaks.
If your student is staying in Ann Arbor during Thanksgiving break:
All students staying in Ann Arbor over break are invited to a traditional, all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving banquet at Mosher-Jordan dining hall on Thursday, November 28, 11:30 am - 2:00 pm. Students without a meal plan may purchase with Blue Bucks/Dining Dollars ($14.40 + tax) or credit cards ($16.65 + tax). University buses will provide campus transportation to/from the banquet. View the Thanksgiving banquet and special bus schedule.
If your student has a meal plan, Blue Bucks or even a credit card, dining will be available over Thanksgiving weekend as follows:
- Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Mosher-Jordan dining hall
- Saturday and Sunday at Bursley and South Quad dining halls
The Michigan League will be closed on Thursday, November 28. Pierpont Commons will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29. For more information, please visit University Unions.
U-M bus service will not run on November 28 and 29, except for the special service to and from the Thanksgiving banquet at Mosher-Jordan dining hall. Regular U-M bus service will resume on Saturday, November 30. For the most up-to-date schedule, visit the Logistics, Transportation, & Parking website.
Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) will not operate fixed-route bus service on Thursday, November 28. The holiday schedule is available on the AATA website.
University Police and Housing Security officers will continue to patrol buildings and residence halls during the break. Students can call 763-1131 (or 911 from a campus phone) to reach the Department of Public Safety to report crimes or safety concerns.
U-M students living on and off-campus will find information about Ann Arbor city services and regulations on the City of Ann Arbor website.
Students staying in Ann Arbor may experience some homesickness, so it might be a good time to use apps like Skype or FaceTime to connect. You may also want to send a special care package for your student, and M Gift Packages provides an easy option
However you and your student choose to enjoy the Thanksgiving break, we hope it's a good one! Classes resume Monday, December 2.
Plan now for Winter break:
If your student lives in a residence hall, you'll want to know that during winter break, all students living in residence halls will be required to vacate their room. Residence halls (excluding Northwood III) will close on December 20 at 7 pm and will reopen on January 5 at 5 pm. Students should plan accordingly because they cannot stay longer or return early to their rooms. For students who need accommodations, a block of rooms have been reserved at the Holiday Inn near U-M. See Winter Break Accommodations.
To help Student Life continue making a difference in students' lives, please consider making a gift.