F&M Stories
Winter Break at F&M
Winter Break is Just Around the Corner!
December 15 - January 13
Winter Break begins Sunday, Dec. 15 at the conclusion of final exams. All students are expected to depart campus before the residence halls close on Monday, Dec. 16 at 11 a.m. Students with extenuating circumstances (e.g. international travel) may request permission to stay on campus over the Winter Break for a required fee for dining purposes.
Access to residence halls will be restored for all students on Sunday, Jan 12 ahead of the Spring Semester. Classes will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Explore this information from F&M’s Auxiliary Services so you and your student are on the same page!
Departing Campus and Airport Shuttles
To assist students with transportation, the College offers shuttle services to the Baltimore (BWI) and Philadelphia (PHL) airports during most breaks. For additional information on prices and the link to reserve a seat on the shuttles, please encourage your student to visit Inside F&M. Please check out the transportation page for more information!
The Amtrak train station is located .6 miles from campus. For additional information on prices and to reserve a seat, please visit the Amtrak website.
Lancaster Loop Shuttle Service will also be available during Thanksgiving Break for students’ convenience. Hours of operation are:
- Tuesday, Dec. 17: 12 - 4 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 20: 5 - 9 p.m.
- Monday: Dec. 23: 12 - 4 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 27: 5 - 9 p.m.
- Monday, Dec 30: 12 - 4 p.m.
- Friday, Jan. 3: 5 - 9 p.m.
- Monday, Jan. 7: 12 - 4 p.m.
- Friday, Jan. 10: 5 - 9 p.m.
Dining Services and Meal Plans During Planned Breaks
The semester meal plans do not include break periods. If your student registers to stay on campus during break, they are required to purchase a Winter Break Meal Plan.
More resources and information will be shared with all students who choose to remain on campus over Winter Break (meal plan information, administrative hours of operations, health and crisis services, student resources, etc.).
Please also keep in mind the following during planned breaks:
- Common area kitchens in College Houses will be open.
- Overnight guests are not permitted in residence halls and College-owned properties.
- Custodial Services and Facilities & Operations operate on a reduced schedule.
- The Student Wellness Center (SWC) will have restricted hours and may be closed for a portion of a break. Hours for the SWC are available on their website.
- Public Safety will walk through all College buildings over the break.
If you have any questions, please contact us at aux@fandm.edu.
Whether they’re finishing their first semester or about to plunge into their last
semester, every F&M student is engaged in the common task of a liberal arts education.
So when you ask about classes this winter break, think about the broader ways these
subjects are meant to connect with one another and build on the foundations of an
F&M education.Winter Break Discussions
Related Articles
April 17, 2026
‘This is What Community Feels Like’
At the Writers House, Veronique Messanh ’26 found more than a job—she found a home. “I remember thinking: ‘This is what community feels like,’” she said. “I will forever be grateful for having a community that sees me, hears me, and encourages me!”
April 16, 2026
F&M Sorority Life Provides Community and Opportunities for Real-World Impact
Members of Franklin & Marshall’s seven sororities joined to form friendships and build community on campus. Reflecting on their experiences, student leaders say they found the sense of connection they were looking for and more — including opportunities to make an impact by giving back.
April 16, 2026
From F&M to Yale PhD, Quantum Pioneer and the College’s Youngest Trustee
Yusong (Sebastian) Deng ’22 is clear about the importance of F&M in his life. He came to the United States from China at 18 and completed F&M’s dual degree program — three years at Franklin & Marshall, two at Columbia University — earning a bachelor of arts with honors in mathematics from F&M, and a bachelor of science from Columbia. He is now a doctoral student in materials science at Yale and the youngest member of Franklin & Marshall's Board of Trustees.