Winter Break Support

During winter break, both on-campus and off-campus resources may be limited, making it harder to access the support you need. We recognize the challenges this presents and are here to guide you through it. While services may be reduced, we’re committed to helping you connect with available resources and provide information to navigate this time. We’re here to support you in meeting your basic needs, no matter where you are.

Mental Health Support

The winter season, with its cold weather and the pressures of the holiday season, can take a toll on mental health. No matter who you are or where you’re located, the winter months can bring added stress and challenges. Below is a list of no cost resources to support your well-being, help maintain your mental health and fight the winter blues. Taking care of yourself during this academic break is important, and we’re here to support you through it.

Mental Health Crisis Support

The UHS Mental Health Crisis Support Line is staffed 24/7 by licensed professionals. For crisis support, call 608-265-5600 (option 9)

Office of Student Assistance & Support

The Office of Student Assistance & Support can be your starting point for accessing a wide range of resources and support, both on and off campus.

UHS Resources

HappyLight Rental

Struggling with winter darkness or low energy? Madison Public Library locations offer HappyLight Lucent LED therapy lamps you can check out for free. Feel free to browse what else these Library of Things have to offer!

Campus Adjustments

All of UW-Madison will be closed:

Wednesday, December 24

Thursday, December 25

Wednesday, December 31

Thursday, January 1

Many offices and departments will adjust regular business hours during winter break beyond these four dates, please check their designated websites for the most accurate information.

University Dining Hours

Stay up to date on the hours of operation for dining on campus during winter break

The Union Hours

Wisconsin Union locations will have adjusted hours during academic breaks. Check this link to make sure you’re staying informed on those changes.

UW-Madison Libraries

UW-Madison Libraries locations will have adjusted hours during academic breaks. Check this link to make sure you’re staying informed on those changes.

Winter Break Housing

Know UW-Madison’s expectation with residence halls during winter break, whether you are staying or going elsewhere

Bus Routes

Bus routes and hours on campus are limited during winter break. Use this link to navigate expected changes for the 80,81,82 and 84. Your mobile map apps should also be up to date.

Food Resources

United Way 211

211 hosts the most comprehensive health and human services database in Dane County, making it easier for you to find and access the resources you need during challenging times.

Open Seat

The Open Seat will have limited hours over winter break. Check out our page to learn more. The Open Seat pantry supplies any UW-Madison student in need of access to nutritious and affordable food with free produce, dairy, hygiene, and canned goods.

Recipe Ideas

Check out these recipes for cost effective and simple meals you can make at home and in your dorm!

Nutrition Access Program

Housing Dining’s Nutrition Access Program (formerly known as UW Frozen Meals Program) diverts unserved food from our dining locations and turn them into frozen, pre-packaged, and microwaveable meals at no cost to any UW-Madison student.

Recipe Generator

Don't know what to make with the food items available to you? Try this website. All you have to do is input your ingredients and it generates meal ideas for you!

The Keep Food Pantry

The Keep Food Pantry serves students, staff, and faculty of University of Wisconsin-Madison, Edgewood College, and Madison College. Students are invited to return to the food pantry once per week.

Resource Map

This resource was developed by UW-Madison students to make navigating food resources easier for other students! Students from several campus organizations, such as The Open Seat, ASM Sustainability, The Basic Needs Team and the Office of Sustainability contributed to this project.

How to Use: This map reflects updates specific to WINTER BREAK 2025. Click on any resource. On the left you will see a tab with the location, hours, website, a description, and eligibility requirements. To get directions, click on the direction symbol on the top right of this tab. Contact: If you have any questions, contact basic.needs@finaid.wisc.edu. The team aims to keep this list up to date and accurate. If you notice any information that is incorrect or incomplete, please send an email.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1ZDQNtrJ8qMj2zRyqOPu903fEikMSV2c&ehbc=2E312F

Questions?

Basic Needs Team

If you have any questions about the listed resources or have other concerns in regard to accessing resources during winter break, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!